26 Souls: Confronting Oregon's Continuing Opioid Crisis
Every number has a name. Every statistic tells a story. It's time to turn awareness into action.
The Unseen Epidemic Next Door
In the heart of Oregon, an invisible epidemic is raging. It's not splashed across headlines or trending on social media, but it's claiming lives at an alarming rate. According to the latest data from the Oregon Health Authority, 1,392 Oregonians lost their lives to opioid overdoses so in 2023. That's over 26 people every week—a stark reality that demands our immediate attention.
By the Numbers
The escalation is staggering:
Lone Fir Cemetary, Portland, Oregon
2019: 280 deaths
2020: 472 deaths
2021: 738 deaths
2022: 956 deaths
2023: 1,392 deaths (and counting … data still coming in)
2024: On trend to surpass 2023
These aren't just numbers; they're our neighbors, friends, and family. Each statistic represents a life cut short and a community left to grapple with the loss.
Friends, Family, Neighbors: Faces Behind the Figures
Every number in this staggering toll is a person—a family member, a friend, a neighbor. The impact ripples outward, straining loved ones and communities alike. This crisis spares no one; it cuts across all demographics.
Consider Sara or Tim (fictionalized for privacy): once a talented lawyer or a dedicated purchasing agent from cities like Portland or Minneapolis. Successful, fulfilled.
Sleeping rough, Portland, Oregon
A sports injury leads to prescribed opioids. They follow doctors' orders, but when prescriptions end, they're left hooked and battling depression. Seeking relief, they turn to cheaper street drugs—heroin, oxycodone, eventually fentanyl at just a few dollars a day.
What began as legitimate pain relief spirals into crippling dependency.
The Perfect Storm: How We Got Here
Several factors have converged to intensify Oregon's opioid crisis:
The Rise of Synthetic Opioids: Potent substances like fentanyl have flooded the market, often mixed with other drugs without users' knowledge, increasing the risk of overdose. An all-day fentanyl high costs less than $10.
Mental Health Struggles: In the 80’s mental health spending was slashed at the Federal level and while communities have come together to fill the void, they’ve struggled to keep up. The isolation and stress exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic have led many to self-medicate, highlighting the critical link between mental health and substance abuse.
Accessibility and Misuse: Overprescription and the availability of illicit opioids have made it easier for individuals to obtain these dangerous drugs.
Lack of Treatment Resources: Insufficient funding for treatment programs, especially in rural areas, leaves many without the needed help. In the Pacific Northwest, Portland, Oregon offers the only treatment center where anyone can receive help regardless of money. This means there is only one facility within 500 miles of many who need help.
Breaking Down Barriers
Stigma remains one of the biggest obstacles to recovery. Shame and fear prevent individuals from seeking help. We must foster an environment where people feel safe to come forward.
Photo circa 2019.
Sweeping, fetching water, making breakfast—doing what people do. Until I showed up with my Leica. They wanted me gone, the way anyone would if a stranger pointed a camera through their kitchen window.
Educate: Understand that addiction is a chronic disease, not a moral failing.
Engage: Encourage open conversations about substance abuse and mental health.
Take care of yourself If you’re living with an addict, seek support, you’re not alone
One Soul at aTime: Turning Awareness into Action
The opioid crisis isn't someone else's problem—it's ours to solve together.
Educate Yourself and Others
Knowledge is power. Learn about the signs of opioid misuse and overdose. Share information to help others recognize and respond to the crisis.
Support Local Organizations
Many nonprofits are on the front lines, providing essential services with limited resources. Your time, donations, or advocacy can make a significant difference.
Advocate for Change
Push for policies that:
Increase funding for treatment and recovery programs.
Expand access to mental health services.
Implement preventive education in schools.
Foster Community Connection
Isolation can fuel addiction. Building strong, supportive communities can act as a buffer against substance abuse.
One soul at a time
Courage. Speak with people. Chat with the suffering—those afflicted or those close to someone afflicted.
Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, you can reach out to these organizations offering support, treatment, and hope. This is not a comprehensive list, and inclusion isn’t endorsement, but these provide a range of help. Some faith-based, some secular.
Comprehensive Treatment Centers
For the partner, spouse, child, parent, friend
Support Networks
Medical Detox Facilities
Inclusion does not imply endorsement but highlights organizations known for their positive impact.
Hope
Hope? Hope.
Frankly, we’ve been working to relieve suffering from additiction to opiods, alcohol, drugs in general, for hundreds of years, if not thousands. And our track record is so so. But I suggest, take all shots on goal. Despite the challenges, progress is being made:
Telehealth Expansion: Remote counseling and support services are breaking down geographical barriers.
Naloxone Availability: Wider distribution of overdose-reversing drugs is saving lives.
Community Programs: Grassroots initiatives are fostering local support networks.
Trauma Based Treatment: Treatment continutes to evolve, it’s been a collective human effort for thousands of years.
Suboxone Medication assisted treatment.
For More Information
Stay informed by visiting the Oregon Health Authority for detailed statistics and resources.
Need to make a difference?
Share this message: Spread awareness by sharing this article on social media.
Volunteer: Offer your time to local organizations that are making an impact.
Vote
Donate: Support nonprofits providing essential services.
Listen: Be a compassionate ear for someone who may be struggling.
If you’re the partner, spouse, child, parent friend Take care of yourself. Educate yourself, Seek support for yourself. Alanon, Alateen, ACOA, to name a few. Don’t go it alone. There’s no need for that.
About the Author
Robert Synak is a dedicated advocate for substance abuse and mental health treatment in Oregon. He served four years at Fora Health as Treasurer on the Executive Board. Robert was instrumental in expanding services for underserved populations, focusing on drug, alcohol, and mental health treatment for indigent and youth communities. His oversight of the CEO and CFO ensured effective utilization of resources, amplifying the organization's impact.
Questions
For inquiries or to learn more about how you can help, please contact Robert Synak.
#Oregon #OpioidCrisis #AddictionRecovery #CommunityAction #MentalHealthMatters #EndTheStigma #Hope #Resilience
Every step taken is a life saved. Let's walk this path together.
Together, we can build a stronger, healthier Oregon and Pacific Northwest.
This message is brought to you with the hope of igniting change and fostering a community where every life is valued, and every person has the opportunity for recovery.