Drug treatment

The ballot measure to increase penalties for drug and theft-related crimes and to encourage drug diversion programs passed overwhelmingly in November. It took effect in December, but lawmakers still haven't allocated the funds to pay for it.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek's proposed two-year budget boost spending on three of her core issues — even if it crowds out some other priorities.

An Oregon Health & Science University study found states cannot slow the opioid crisis solely with more flexibility to use Medicaid funding for addiction treatment.

The western spread of fentanyl continues to fuel regional variations in the number of people dying from drug overdoses, and Measure 110′s effects remain debated.

Across Oregon, counties are receiving state funds to start ‘deflection’ programs. These are part of the now-reformed Measure 110’s mission to provide alternatives to the criminal justice system for people arrested on drug possession charges.

In less than a month, Oregon will end its nearly four-year experiment with drug decriminalization. Beginning Sept. 1, possession of small amounts of drugs will again be a misdemeanor crime.

Many California teens who deal with addiction don’t have access to evidence-based treatment. Health providers and advocates provided testimony to lawmakers this week on specific weak points in the system.

Jackson County Sheriff Nathan Sickler is renewing a push for a new jail. But public sentiment remains mixed, according to a recent survey.

State officials awarded $2.36 million to the project by Bay Area First Step, which will be the first of its kind in Curry County.

Rural Oregon groups to get opioid settlement funding to set up recovery centers to help people in addiction.