Portland, OR: A lint roller and a container of used cosmetics comprise Lacey’s defense against street life, KGW reported
She stated as she applied chocolate-scented bronzer to her cheekbones, “I feel a little bit more like an average citizen, not like a homeless addict.” Lacey was raised in the city of Lake Oswego. She is currently 31 years old, fentanyl dependent, and destitute in Portland.
“I have no pride in it.” “I can no longer bear to do this,” Lacey sobbed, suppressing her emotions.
The life she endeavors to dull serves as an illustration of the circumstances surrounding Portland’s 90-day fentanyl state of emergency, which was declared by county, municipal, and state leaders in late January. In response to that crisis, the Multnomah County health department implemented a novel method for monitoring fentanyl overdoses and fatalities. It is a public dashboard for overdoses.
According to data as of Tuesday afternoon, 785 individuals have lost their lives to confirmed or suspected overdoses in 2023.
As of this moment, 186 individuals have lost their lives due to overdoses, with 68 of those involving fentanyl. Compared to the same period last year, 138 individuals perished due to fentanyl overdose.
“Based on what I’ve observed, I believe it would be more,” said Matthew, who resides in a tent adjacent to Lacey at the intersection of Southwest 15th Avenue and Taylor Street.
Matthew extracted a folded foil from the lining of his leather jacket, which is where he conceals his fentanyl. A line resembling melted orange wax was formed in the crevices. He estimated there were approximately twenty impacts, which was sufficient to sustain him for the morning.
According to county data, Portland Fire has responded to 674 nonfatal overdoses and 392 hospitalizations this year due to opioid use. In an effort to apprehend drug traffickers, the police have also been targeting specific blocks in southwest Portland by the emergency order.
Matthew stated, “With regard to the cleanup efforts in the downtown area, I concur that the police are performing admirably. However, the issue will inevitably escalate in another locality and at a different time.”
Although the county aspires to monitor the fatality toll from substances other than fentanyl, the emergency order is presently concentrated on fentanyl. According to those who are homeless, the available data is limited in scope; they need additional detoxification and treatment facilities.