County health department updates board on Pathway Center sobering program and plans for permanent crisis stabilization center

Multnomah County interim Behavioral Health Director Anthony Jordan and health department staff updated the Board of Commissioners on the Pathway Center sober‑in program and progress toward a permanent sobering and crisis stabilization center at 1901 Southeast Grand Avenue.

The briefing said the Pathway Center sobering program opened for law enforcement referrals 24/7 on April 28 and currently operates 13 sobering stations, including a designated quiet room and provision of comfort medications and care coordination. "Since our opening, we'd like to share that 26 individual utilized the sobering program as of June 16," the presentation said, and staff reported an average length of stay of just under 12 hours for individuals served in the temporary stations.

Staff described expanded referral partnerships. Anthony Jordan said the county recently began sending referrals to five partner teams including Portland Street Response, Project Respond, Community Health Access and Treat (CHaT), 4D Recovery and the Mental Health and Addiction Association of Oregon (MHAO). Those partners can provide transportation to the Pathway Center when clients meet referral criteria: appearing to need…