Oregon officials declare state of emergency to address fentanyl crisis in Portland

Oregon officials declared a 90-day state of emergency to address Portland’s fentanyl crisis as fatal synthetic opioid overdoses there have risen 533% since 2018.

Oregon government officials have declared a 90-day state of emergency to address Portland's growing fentanyl crisis.

Gov. Tina Kotek, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler each issued an emergency declaration on Tuesday following a recommendation from the Portland Central City Task Force.

Overdose deaths from synthetic opioids, mainly fentanyl, have increased by 533% between 2018 and 2022 in Multnomah County, where Portland is located, according to the county’s health department.

"Our country and our state have never seen a drug this deadly and addictive, and all are grappling with how to respond," Kotek said in the announcement. "The Chair, the Mayor and I recognize the need to act with urgency and unity across our public health and community safety systems to make a dent in this crisis."