Oregon's drug crisis now affects rural communities significantly

Oregon's drug crisis, particularly involving fentanyl, has spread to rural areas, with encampments like "fentanyl flats" near Ontario becoming dangerous zones. Overdose deaths have surged since the decriminalization of low-level drug possession in 2020, prompting new legislation. In 2024, Oregon's Legislature passed House Bill 4002, recriminalizing drug possession and allowing counties to implement deflection programs. These programs aim to divert individuals caught with small amounts of drugs into treatment instead of facing charges, but resource limitations hinder their effectiveness. Malheur County has launched a deflection program, but only a few individuals have engaged with it so far. The county's law enforcement and treatment providers face challenges in reaching those in need due to vast distances and limited personnel.