Outside In’s drug use policy draws criticism from neighbors, businesses

Some people in downtown Portland are complaining about a harm reduction facility that provides drug paraphernalia but prohibits drug use within three blocks.

“I can confirm that we do ask folks not to use substances within 3-blocks of our space, aiming to create a more comfortable and accessible environment for anyone seeking treatment for substance use disorder,” said Justine Ziegler, Development Director at Outside In on Southwest Main Street.

The harm reduction center provides services for sterile syringes and other equipment “to promote health and healing for people who are using drugs,” said Ziegler.

Tina Tester, who is houseless, said she goes to the center at least once a week to get supplies to use fentanyl.

“New pipes, syringes, alcohol swabs, plastic pieces for the inner pipes, practically anything that you need for your next use,” she said.

Nicholas Birdsley also uses fentanyl but said he wants to get clean.

“Being hypocritical is the word you would use for that scenario,” he said about the drug use policy.

Birdsley said he supports the intent of the center but doesn’t think the 3-block policy is exactly fair.

“I guess they’re not necessarily enforcing that due to the fact that they’re enabling by giving people the safety equipment,” he said.

Krishna Balasubramani is an attorney at SBH Legal across the street from the center. He said he often finds syringes in the parking lot of his office building.

“The services they provide sounds important, but I don’t know how they can possibly make sure that people don’t use it within three blocks,” he said.

He said enforcement and accountability are needed.

“So they feel good that they’re doing a service, that they’re giving out clean paraphernalia, and then in order to do that, they say what they needed to say,” he said.

“And then I don’t think there’s any follow-up to make sure that it actually happens.”

KATU asked Outside In what it’s doing to enforce the policy. We have not heard back.

https://katu.com/news/local/drug-use-policy-outside-harm-reduction-center-draws-criticism-inside-out-portland-multnomah-county-fentanyl

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Author: KATU News
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News post in at: October 8, 2024, 3:05 am.

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