Multnomah County today announced the opening of 13 new, 24/7 sobering stations at the Coordinated Care Pathway Center, significantly increasing access to recovery services in the Portland metropolitan area. This expansion is a key step in a phased plan to establish a permanent Sobering & Crisis Stabilization Center with a combination of up to 50 sobering and withdrawal management stations by Fall 2027.
The expanded services at the Coordinated Care Pathway Center will provide an alternative to jail and emergency rooms for individuals experiencing acute intoxication, offering a direct pathway to recovery resources around the clock. These new sobering stations help fill a gap in crisis care that has existed since the 2019 closure of the city’s sobering center, providing a low-barrier first responder drop-off location.
Beginning on April 14, 2025, the Coordinated Care Pathway Center began 24/7 operations, meaning existing deflection services and the new sobering stations can be accessed around the clock by law enforcement. This offers law enforcement maximum opportunities to refer to deflection and a place where people can stabilize and get connected to other recovery services.
“These 13 sobering stations expand our capacity to provide a safe, stable place to go for people needing care and respite on their path to recovery,” said Chair Jessica Vega Pederson. “This new 24/7 resource fills a critical gap in crisis services that will benefit law enforcement partners, first responders, and our broader community. It’s an important addition to our larger continuum of care.”
The development of the 24/7 Sobering & Crisis Stabilization Center plan was led by Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards and informed by over four years of community planning, drawing on input from first responders, the City of Portland, the Multnomah County Health Department, and community partners.
"The community and first responders have been clear about the need for sobering as an alternative to emergency departments, jail, or leaving people on the streets," Commissioner Brim-Edwards said. "By offering a safe and supportive environment, we can help individuals begin their journey to recovery, while improving community safety and reducing the burdens on our emergency medical and justice systems."
The 13 sobering stations opening at the Coordinated Care Pathway Center are part of a phased approach to expanding sobering services. The permanent center is planned to house a combination of sobering and withdrawal management services and will have the capacity to serve up to 50 individuals at a time, further increasing the availability of the County’s sobering and withdrawal management services.
"We are committed to providing patient-centered, trauma-informed care," said Bernard Gyebi-Foster, Chief Executive Officer of Tuerk House. "Our services are designed to offer a pathway to treatment and support, addressing the complex needs of each individual. With the opening of 24/7 sobering services, we are now able to provide immediate treatment around the clock to those in need, and we have a longer time to make a more meaningful connection with them. While they are with us, our goal will be to get to know each person as best as we can and help them make informed decisions about the best next step in their recovery.”
The 24/7 sobering stations will become fully operational on Monday, April 28. Referrals will initially be prioritized for law enforcement deflection and – based on capacity – will gradually expand to include other first responders and community partner referrals and non-deflection eligible individuals. The county is also actively engaging with community partners to ensure seamless coordination of services for individuals who complete sobering.
“As we continue our efforts to improve livability in Portland, having a safe, compassionate alternative for those in crisis is essential,” said Portland Police Bureau Commander Brian Hughes. “This expansion allows our officers to connect individuals with meaningful care and recovery options, helping to break the cycle and restore hope.”
Multnomah County continues to move forward with the development of its permanent Sobering & Crisis Stabilization Center, and has already secured a location, 1901 SE Grand Ave. The County is currently working with neighbors as part of the planning process for the permanent Sobering & Crisis Stabilization Center. Learn more and sign up for updates.
Source: Multnomah County