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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 14, 2016)
December 14, 2016 Page 5 Drug Clinic Investigated c ontinued froM p age 3 other drugs were present in their system. Danley, who is himself a recov- ering addict, said that in his more than 28 years of working in addic- tion treatment, he has never put his hands on a client. He admits he can be harsh while counseling his patients, but maintains that his intentions always lie in his client’s best interest. “My job is to keep people alive,” he explains. “When you get assigned to me… I try to help you save your life. Your life is more important than your feel- ings.” Danley also believes he is squarely in the sights of Dr. John McIlveen, who oversees the state’s opioid treatment programs. “He read these two reports, and became convinced that I am guilty of these two things,” he said. Danley fears that bias against African Americans in the health system plays a role in how the alle- gations were investigated. He said the accrediting body responsible for his licensing, the Addiction Staying Put c ontinued froM f ront egon’s pioneering days, he brings up how campers have hewn their dwellings from whatever materials they can locate, developed a communal garden, and utilized their pets to conquer pest infestations. The housing structures, or ‘sleeping pods,’ are produced in partnership with The Village Coalition, which is a collection of area nonprofits that are collectively aiming to tackle Portland’s crisis of homelessness. Answering concerns regarding the camp’s safe- ty, Bennie explains that fire marshals have inspect- ed the camp, which includes two rows of neat tiny houses in addition to a spattering of tents and other, more makeshift structures. In addition, he states that there is frequent dialogue between the campers present at Hazelnut Grove and City Hall, and that the community is “self-policing.” Despite claims that the community’s structures are “semi-permanent,” Bennie asserts that, “the construction is done so that you can stick a fork- lift right under them… If we ever have to go some- Counselor Certification Board of Oregon, launched an investigation into the complaints against him, and returned with no findings. “Everything that they have, we have a response to,” he said. Danley hopes that the RAM Clinic will be able to continue serving Oregon’s most vulnerable addicts as the nation’s opioid crisis continues to escalate. If a January hearing scheduled by the DEA ends in the revocation of the clin- ic’s license, the number of meth- adone providers in the state could drop to 13. where, we can.” He said the group is open to the possibility of relocation, “we’ll move as a communi- ty,” but adds that, “the city, to my knowledge, has no clue where they want to move anybody.” The camp leader says he can sympathize with people who are upset over the community’s contin- ued presence, but adds, “this piece of land was not being used for anything but a drainage ditch… We have improved this space in the year that we’ve been here.” Bennie says the Hazelnut Grove governs itself under a village model that has helped transition doz- ens of vulnerable people into safer living conditions, and even permanent housing, and is confident in the model they are using will grow more broadly in the Portland area. “Our vision is going to remain the same, and it’s not a bad vision. It’s a good vision for a lot of people… It’s even a good vision for the Overlook Neighborhood Association,” he says. Speaking in regards to the community’s future re- lationship with City Hall, Bennie is hopeful that the incoming administration of Mayor-Elect Ted Wheel- er will allow for the opportunity to further develop their ties. “He’s camped right here previously, so he knows us, and he wants better for us.” The Law Offices of Patrick John Sweeney, P.C. Patrick John Sweeney Attorney at Law 1549 SE Ladd, Portland, Oregon Portland: Hillsoboro: Facsimile: Email: Today’s Little Scholars Childcare Health Screenings Offered Saturday c ontinued froM p age 3 serve basis. Information about the risks from lead in old house paint, and the impact of smoking on breath- ing and high blood pressure will also be available. Immunizations, flu shots and massage services will be offered. Portland Parks and Recreation will be entertaining the kids. And for everyone, Salsa dancing, Tai Chi and Firelight yoga classes will be offered as a fun and easy way to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. For the last 16 years, the Afri- can American Health Coalition and Portland Parks and Recreation have (503) 244-2080 (503) 244-2081 (503) 244-2084 Sweeney@PDXLawyer.com worked together to give reduced gym memberships at the city’s com- munity centers. At Wellness Village, you will be able to pick up a three month pass for $25, which works out to just 27 cents a day. Members from the Black Men’s Coalition and OHSU will also be giving healthy cooking lessons with Jambalaya on the menu. Today’s little Scholars Childcare is dedicated to providing high quality childcare and educational activities for children ages 3 to 5. We offer an age appropriate curriculum by licensed staff that was developed to prepare them for school and strengthen their skills. 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