Health Care

U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici says more money for drug treatment must be coupled with better education and pain-relieving alternatives to deal with the abuse of opioids.

The Oregon Democrat spoke after she conducted the last of five roundtable discussions with officials and providers of health care and social services — and some people in recovery — in each of the five counties within the 1st Congressional District of northwest Oregon.

"I never thought I'd do heroin," Steve Bowman told a panel of staff and lawmakers Tuesday.

Bowman, a recovering addict, was one of a few people who shared his story and experiences navigating addiction treatment during a visit from U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Beaverton, at Columbia Community Mental Health offices Tuesday morning, Jan. 23.

PORTLAND, Ore. – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici stopped in Multnomah County on Friday, for a roundtable discussion with experts about the opioid crisis, and its impact in the county.

The discussion took place at Central City Concern. Among those in attendance were Multnomah County Sheriff Mike Reese, District Attorney Rod Underhill, Commissioner Sharon Meieran, health care providers, treatment specialists, school counselors and people in recovery.

PORTLAND, Ore. —

U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici met with top law enforcement and community members Friday to discuss solutions in combating the opioid epidemic.

Bonamici said the crisis is not an urban issue or a rural issue or suburban issue. It is a problem everywhere.

She also said she didn't realize how serious the problem is in schools and among young people.

PORTLAND, OR (KPTV) -

Leaders from Multnomah County met with Rep. Suzanne Bonamici Friday to talk about the opioid crisis.

Health care providers, the Multnomah County sheriff, the Multnomah County district attorney and people in recovery shared their thoughts on what needs to be done to deal with the crisis.

Bonamici told FOX 12 the opioid crisis impacts people from all walks of life and all over the state.