Lane County celebrates Deflection Week with community partners, program participants and graduates
Lane County’s Deflection Program celebrated National Deflection Week with a barbeque and celebration to thank local law enforcement agencies, service providers and other community partners for their support of the program since its launch in late 2024.
To date, 64 people have graduated from the Deflection Program, and another 110 are currently participating. Every law enforcement agency participates in deflecting eligible people with the most referrals coming from Eugene Police Department.
“It is incredible to check in with graduates after they leave the program and see the difference they have made in their lives,” said Clint Riley, Deflection Program coordinator. “Not only are they thriving, but it also means fewer people are reporting to emergency departments and straining our already limited law enforcement and hospital systems. We hope to see the Oregon Legislature continue to support and fund this program so that we can continue to see real change in communities across the state.”
In addition to graduates completing treatment for addiction, data indicates they also leave with the kind of connections and improvements that can lead to long-term stability. For example, 32 percent of graduates strengthened or re-established contact with their children during the program. At the time of graduation, the number of graduates who have gained stable income or employment has increased by 37 percent. And, the number of graduates who report having a supportive network of family and friends nearly doubles. These supports and achievements can play a significant role in graduates’ ability to maintain their progress.
National Deflection Week was created in 2023 by the Police, Treatment and Community Collaborative (PTACC) National Leadership Council in recognition of the advancement of the field of deflection.
About the Deflection Program
The Deflection Program provides a community-based alternative to jail and prosecution for drug possession and low-level quality of life crimes by deflecting individuals prior to arrest to treatment programs. In Lane County, if a person is eligible for deflection and has indicated interest, the responding law enforcement officer has the option to call on a peer navigator to connect with the person. The peer navigator will enroll them in the program, which includes case management and tracking. If the deflection program is successfully completed, the charges will not be filed. If the program is not completed, the charges may be filed, and the case will proceed through the criminal justice system.
Learn more at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/deflection.