'Bupe' latest med in Portland effort to stem ODs

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — It's a stunning fact: there were more than 775 overdose drug deaths in Multnomah County alone last year, according to county data.

The figures are tracking slightly better for 2024 but overdose fatalities from any drug remain a day-to-day reality for first responders.

While Narcan remains one of the most effective ways to prevent something like a fentanyl overdose from becoming fatal, Portland Fire & Rescue’s CHAT unit rolled out an additional tool months ago that's proving highly effective.

It’s a medication called Buprenorphine, -- Bupe, for short -- and fire medics like Tyler Greenfield say it’s saving lives after they rush to an OD call.

“Because it binds to all the same receptors as if it were fentanyl, people virtually feel no withdrawal symptoms with no intoxicated effects," said Greenfield.

Showing a secure pouch, he explained how "there are little tablets in here, like little strips of film, that you put in your gums, and it gets absorbed that way."

By removing severe withdrawal symptoms, first responders say it gives patients a better chance at trying to stay clean.

“[There’s] almost night-and-day difference from how they look in withdrawals, to how they look when this medication is working," said Greenfield.

Portland's pilot program launched in February with funding help from CareOregon, and is run through the larger Community, Health, Assess and Treat (CHAT) team.

Michelle LaVina helps track a lot of the day-to-day of the program as the nurse manager.

So far this year, the team has responded to some 750 actual overdose calls, administering “Bupe” dozens of times.

By using the medicine on the streets, instead of a more traditional hospital or clinical setting, LaVina said they’re freeing up other, critical resources and putting someone on a faster track to getting clean.

“Being able to facilitate this treatment at the 911 call and in the community, and bypass the ER, and reconnect people to treatment directly is what our country needs right now," she said, "and our city definitely needs it."

Once someone gets an initial treatment, they can seek out follow-up care with a CHAT team member.

"We can connect with the individuals for the next 90 days, that's the goal. Within the first few weeks, we may see them almost daily, because you need a lot of support," said Kyle LaClair, one of the caseworkers.

At any one time, CHAT may have up to 30 clients trying to navigate things like housing, medical care or even food.

For those trying to get clean, an actual prescription for Buprenorphine can prove critical.

“They have a doctor, they're taking the buprenorphine daily, they're fed daily, overall the quality of life is better," said LaClair.

Parts of Clackamas County, and also Clark County in Washington, are trying similar pilot programs.

Seattle also recently announced plans to expand its pilot program.