Salem Launches 3-Part Plan to Prevent and Treat Addiction

Salem is taking a comprehensive approach to helping people struggling with addiction, and residents are helping shape the plan.

The Oregon city launched its "Prevent, Treat, and Enforce" initiative after community members made clear that drug-related issues were their top concern. City Manager Krishna Namburi presented the plan to address the problem from three angles: stopping addiction before it starts, connecting people to treatment programs, and working with law enforcement to reduce drug availability.

Right now, city staff are mapping what resources already exist and figuring out where the gaps are. They're coordinating with community partners and other agencies to make sure efforts aren't duplicated. By late May, they'll bring concrete long-term strategies back to the city council.

The approach mirrors Salem's earlier success with the Clean, Safe and Healthy Salem pilot program. That initiative expanded police presence and cleaning crews while launching a mobile crisis response team downtown.

This time, northeast Salem will get more attention. Councilor Irvin Brown, who represents the area's Highland, North Lancaster and Northgate neighborhoods, said his community has been asking for the same support downtown received. He emphasized the importance of including Black, brown and low-income communities in the solution.

One early idea gaining traction is opening a second navigation center in northeast or east Salem. Salem's existing navigation center has been remarkably successful, with half of people who leave finding permanent housing. The facility serves 75 people at a time and provides case management for housing, mental health and employment needs.

The Ripple Effect

The navigation center model shows how coordinated support can transform lives. By combining shelter with wraparound services, Salem created what leaders call the "crown jewel" of their homelessness response. Now the city wants to replicate that success in underserved neighborhoods.

The Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency runs the center for about $1.4 million annually, funded by the state through mid-2027. Executive Director Jimmy Jones acknowledged that expanding would be challenging given budget constraints, but agreed that east Salem desperately needs more resources.

Early gaps identified include a shortage of officers focused on drug prevention, limited resources for young people, and insufficient jail space and public defenders. Because treatment services fall largely outside city control, partnerships with county agencies and nonprofits will be essential.

Salem invested $15.5 million to open the first navigation center in 2023, using federal pandemic relief funds, state grants and county contributions. The investment is paying off in lives stabilized and people housed.

The city is building this new initiative on data, community input and proven successes.