Drug addiction & recovery in Central Oregon

It has been well documented that Oregonians are dissatisfied with how Measure 110 has been implemented.

In 2020, 58% of Oregon voters approved Measure 110, which decriminalizes possession of small amounts of hard drugs in the state. The goal was to divert more people suffering from addiction away from the criminal justice system and into a wider range of drug treatment programs. Three years later, the state remains deeply divided about what to do about a policy rollout that has yet to live up to those promises.

One should note The Bulletin’s story Friday about Measure 110. Criminal cases for possession of hard drugs have declined by 90% over the past four years in Central Oregon, a trend that authorities attribute to Measure 110.

Deschutes County District Attorney Steve Gunnels called the results of the measure, “window dressing,” and “completely ineffective.”

Measure 110 was a seismic shift for Oregon. Whether it’s a success fulfilling the commitments made to Oregonians or a policy failure remains to be seen.

Over the next several months, journalists at several newsrooms and newspapers across the state, including the Rogue Valley Times, The Bulletin, the Astorian, and Pendleton’s East Oregonian will launch an investigative, ongoing series, seeking to assess, report and answer: What are the successes and failures of Oregon’s Measure 110?

The series will explore these critical questions through in-depth reporting, data analysis, graphics, videos, photos — and most importantly through the experiences of people across our state.

The resources required to produce this type of statewide investigative journalism come at a cost.

An average investigative story entails the reporter gathering the data, conducting interviews. Then, a set of editors review the story. Add in strong photography to illustrate the issue and graphic artists and designers who produce the final product for print and online. At the minimum the ballpark cost of just one in-depth piece is about $3,200.

That is why The Bulletin is launching a fundraising website to help us cover this issue in the coming year.

If you would like to support this important work, you can make a tax-deductible donation by texting EOMEDIA to 53-555 or to 202-858-1233 or by clicking here: www.bendbulletin.com/give.

It is operated by the 2023 Local News Fund. The 2023 Local News Fund is a program administered by Local Media Foundation (LMF), a 501(c)(3) organization affiliated with Local Media Association.

The purpose of the program is to allow independent and family-owned news organizations to solicit tax-deductible donations from their communities for journalism projects that focus on critical local issues. Contributions to this program are tax-deductible to the full extent of U.S. law; please consult a tax adviser for details.

Our goal is $25,000, which we plan to reach by Dec. 31.

We hope you can find a few dollars in your budget to support this important work. It is a stretch for our busy newsrooms, which is why we are reaching out to you for help.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.