REPRESENTING BUSINESS ISSUES
Navigating the Path to Recovery: Measure 110 and the Future of Addiction Policy in Oregon Sponsored By: BBSI and Cow Creek Tribe of Umpqua Tribe of Indians Written by Kira Zavala
On March 12, 2024, the Chamber of Medford & Jackson County along with monthly sponsor BBSI and season sponsor Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians hosted a sold-out Chamber Forum Luncheon at the Rogue Valley Country Club, marking a significant post-pandemic milestone for the event. The forum featured a distinguished panel, including moderator Bob Wise of KOBI, Brandon Orr from Reclaiming Lives Recovery Café, Stephanie Mendenhall, Executive Director & Founder of Reclaiming Lives and Recovery Café, Dwight Holton, CEO of Lines for Life, and Max Williams, former president & CEO of Oregon Community Foundation. The discussion centered around the impact and future implications of Measure 110 on drug policy and addiction recovery in Oregon. The program commenced with a video reviewing the journey leading up to Measure 110, followed by insightful discussions moderated by Mr. Wise. Brandon Orr shared his transformative journey from incarceration and addiction to leading efforts to help others through similar challenges. He emphasized the positive impacts of the improvements
to Measure 110, passed in the recent legislative session, particularly in terms of peer support and the significant changes it brought about in providing aid to those in need. Max Williams reflected on the legislative response to Measure 110, indicative of the shifting political landscape since the law’s initial approval in 2020. He expressed satisfaction with the bipartisan legislative efforts that led to the reform of Measure 110 through House Bill 4002, which aimed at introducing motivational consequences into the law without emphasizing punishment for addiction. Williams highlighted the importance of minimal criminal justice engagement to motivate individuals towards recovery, praising the collaborative effort across different stakeholders. Stephanie Mendenhall discussed how Measure 110 funding, amounting to $350,000, bolstered the operations of Recovery Café and Reclaiming Lives. The funds facilitated expanded peer support services, directly impacting the community by reducing crime rates,
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The Business Review | April 2024
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