March 6, 2025

On February 17, 2025, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) initiated a six-month pilot program in partnership with the Oregon Public Health Institute (OPHI) and the Public Health Institute Bridge Center (Bridge Center) to enhance addiction care accessibility in emergency settings across Multnomah and Marion counties. The program trains emergency responders to make initial assessments and administer medication-assisted treatment for opioid use in the field before hospital transport. Emergency departments in the participating counties will also receive training, tools, and hands-on support to improve 24/7 addiction services using an evidence-based model that has been successful in other states.

OHA has provided $300,000 for the pilot. The Bridge Center and OPHI have contributed $140,000 in additional leveraged resources, including resources from the Opioid Response Network (ORN) to support emergency departments in both counties. Information about the number of emergency departments involved in the pilot is not available.

The pilot program aligns with recommendations from the Oregon Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission regarding the adoption of evidence-based practices, including access to medications for opioid use disorder. It also builds on efforts by the Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission, the Oregon Health Leadership Council, and OHSU’s Improving Addiction Care Team (IMPACT) program, alongside various local government, EMS, and hospital collaborations. These partnerships aim to establish emergency settings as critical entry points for opioid use disorder treatment.

For more information, contact: Robb Cowie, Director of Communications, External Relations, Oregon Health Authority, 800 Oregon Street, Portland, Oregon 97232; 503-421-7684; Email: robb.cowie@state.or.us; Website: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/