Friend,
Oregonians, like most Americans, know that the drug war has failed and done more to harm than help people who use drugs. That’s why they took a major step toward a new approach by passing Measure 110 to decriminalize drugs and invest in health alternatives.
As Oregon builds a new way forward, our opponents are doing everything they can to go back to the drug war status quo. They are taking advantage of the valid concerns that Oregonians face in their communities by blaming nearly every social problem on Measure 110. They are trying to trick the public into abandoning their support for a health approach and returning to punitive drug war policies as the solution to all the problems that communities are experiencing. And they will continue to exploit people’s fears by relying on false claims that aren’t based in evidence, history, or reality.
Misinformation about treatment is the centerpiece of their claims. But the truth is on our side, and we won’t let the public be fooled.
We know that criminalization is part of the problem. Evidence shows that criminalization does not boost treatment access, but it does increase overdose risk. Check out this New York Times essay by Maia Szalavitz explaining how arresting and incarcerating people for drugs creates barriers to accessing effective treatment and leaves people at increased risk of harms like overdose.
We know that Measure 110 is part of the solution. Instead of placing people in the revolving door of the criminal legal system where they rarely have access to help, Measure 110 is opening new doors to lifesaving addiction and treatment services statewide. It has prevented thousands of arrests and provided over $300 million for a wide range of addiction services and social supports with more on the way. Read about how Measure 110 is funding providers like Recovery Works NW to expand access to health solutions that are proven to help people struggling with drug use.
As our opponents ramp up attacks, we will continue to tell the real story. Measure 110 is just beginning to deliver on its promise, and we will fight to ensure it continues to provide and expand the lifesaving services that people and communities need to thrive.
