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.
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