Walk for Recovery Raises Awareness of Oregon’s Addiction Crisis

Cascadia was among the organizations participating in the Oregon Recovers Walk For Recovery on September 24. The walk goes through the streets of downtown Portland to raise awareness of the Oregon’s addiction crisis.

For the last couple of years, the state of Oregon has ranked high when it comes to the number of people struggling with addiction, while at the same time ranking low — right near the bottom — when it comes to meeting the needs of people fighting addiction.

A couple hundred people participated in the walk — from people in active recovery, to their families and loved ones. Through the event Oregon Recovers wanted to build community and celebrate healing, while also advocating for more action in the fight against addiction, according to Executive Director Mike Marshall.

Through the event, Oregon Recovers wanted to build community and celebrate healing, while also advocating for more action in the fight against addiction, according to Executive Director Mike Marshall.

A new OHSU analysis highlights the problems and gaps in Oregon’s addiction recovery system by pointing out the lack of prevention specialists, of addiction counselors, of facilities and community centers.

“There is a crisis. There is a solution. And when we implement that solution, Oregon, all of Oregon is going to be lifted up,” Marshall said, “The numbers are glaring, but they are now a road map.”

Thank you to the amazing employees who formed Team Cascadia this year!