In a decisive move to tackle the scourge of substance abuse, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) has given the green light to the development of a new recovery center designed to support individuals grappling with substance use disorders (SUD). This initiative aligns with a resolution the BCC passed last year and recommendations from expert panelists who convened last fall to offer their insights on this pressing issue.

The BCC reviewed the progress on the proposed recovery center at a recent policy session, where a detailed presentation was shared, now available for public viewing online, according to Clackamas County. Following the session, county staff have been industrious in their efforts to compile information from various sources to design the recovery center's services, including collaborative meetings with agencies and individuals who work closely with those affected by SUDs, even as they identify service gaps and establish priorities for action.

The collected data, which is accessible within the online packet, underscores a dire need for a comprehensive array of services. These include detoxification capabilities, residential treatment beds, outpatient services, skill development programs, and transitional housing options. The commissioners were briefed on the centrality of integrating peer support throughout the recovery process, recognizing the deep value of shared experiences on the road to recovery.

With the commissioners' endorsement, the county is poised to move into the next phase of developing the recovery center, as per the Clackamas County. The objective, to provide a lifeline for those battling addiction, takes shape as staff incorporate the guidance and data gleaned from their extensive research. The emphasis on including peers in every step of an individual's journey toward sobriety was notably stressed during discussions with the commissioners, signaling a profound commitment to holistic and empathetic support mechanisms.