Governor Kate Brown declares addiction a public health crisis in Oregon

Oregon Governor Kate Brown has declared addiction a public health crisis in the state.

Brown on Tuesday announced an executive order setting a deadline for the state Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission to develop a plan, with intermediary deadlines as early as September. The plan would lay out steps for state agencies.

The announcement came as separate opioid legislation requested by Brown makes its way through the Legislature. It would require the state to study how to improve access to treatment for people addicted to drugs, and requiring doctors to register with a statewide prescription-monitoring system.

“The ripple effects of addiction devastate families, preventing thousands of Oregonians all across the state from living healthy, productive lives,” Governor Brown said in a statement.

“This crisis will only worsen without improving access to appropriate treatments, collecting data to drive our policies, and reducing stigma. Addiction is blind to circumstance, but is a root cause of other crises across the state, including foster care. To protect our most vulnerable, we must turn the tide on this treatable illness.”

Previous coverage: Governor's opioid bill receives broad support as first-step legislation

The story will be updated.