Mayor Wenzl, Council President Rippe, and Forest Grove City Manager Tour Washington County’s Forthcoming CATT Facilities.
Mayor Malynda Wenzl, Council President Timothy A. Rippe, Forest Grove City Manager Jesse VanderZanden, and Washington County elected officials toured Washington County’s Center for Addictions Triage and Treatment (CATT) facilities on January 31, 2024.
Forest Grove City Council voted (9/11/2023) to allocate opioid settlement dollars to Washington County for the capital development and operations of the CATT, which aligns with national settlement parameters for approved abatement strategies. The City was joined by neighboring communities of Hillsboro, Tigard, and Cornelius. Forest Grove received settlement dollars as part of a State of Oregon settlement with pharmaceutical companies that manufactured and distributed opioid products. Cities with populations of 10,000 or more receive funds directly based on percentages established in the settlement agreement.
“The City's donation will help fund a program that is desperately needed. Beyond all the treatment services that the Center for Addiction and Treatment (CATT) will provide, there will now be a place for first responders to take individuals who need immediate sobering and or detoxification. For many, this can be the first step to treatment and recovery.” stated Forest Grove Police Chief Henry Reimann.
The Center for Addictions Triage and Treatment (CATT) project plans to increase addiction treatment capacity in Washington County. Upon its completion in 2025, CATT will add 86 new treatment beds, a peer drop-in center, and many other features. It will provide rapid access to multiple types of substance use treatment, such as withdrawal management, residential and outpatient treatment, transition services crisis services, and more.
To learn more about The Center for Addictions Triage and Treatment (CATT) project, visit Washington County’s website.