My Personal Connection and the Issues Surrounding Operation Rio Grande
Homelessness in Salt Lake City area had reached an all-time high in 2016 and 2017. Pioneer Park and Rio Grande Street became the central hot spot for a nonstop 24/7 drug trade. Salt Lake City faced an overwhelming task in addressing this issue amid the opioid epidemic. Business owners and residents filed numerous complaints regarding the discarding of needles, crowds, drug activity and garbage that was surrounding these areas. The population that gathered in this area were primarily homeless, lost in addiction, living in a world of despair. It was not uncommon to find multiple dealers within feet of each other surrounding a 3-block radius. The opioid epidemic has affected countless lives, taking many into this very situation. This connection is personal as the below picture is me in 2017.
Criminalizing Substance Use Disorder
The initial response to this issue was the immediate arrest and surveillance of this area. The first course of action was to arrest individuals facing substance use. The question was raised how this could be an effective, beneficial practice? This practice temporarily addressed the immediate issues of drug activity in the area however, it did not create a viable solution. You cannot arrest your way out of addiction, this practice created more problems than solutions. Arresting an individual for substance use only creates more issues and adds to the despair. What was not happening, is that these individuals would have charges added to their record, they would complete their time, and then be released right back into the environment they were lost in. Clearly more needed to be done.
Operation Rio Grande Taking Effect
Operation Rio Grande was rolled out on August 14, 2017. The plan was to implement a three-phase plan. The focus was to have each phase achieve different levels of success. The overall goal was to find a solution to the public complaints and improve the underlining issues that the individuals in the area were facing. In the first phase the operation it focused on improving public order and safety in the area. The second phase focused on supporting the individuals struggling with mental and substance issues, offering them treatment and resources to assist them in finding their way out of addiction. The third phase was geared towards connecting individuals to income and housing. This operation was the complete wrap around effort to guide individuals through the entire process with support and resources. The below picture of the first graduating class of Operation Rio Grande in which I was a graduate. This is a clear indication of this project’s success.
Ongoing Success of Operation Rio Grande
There are many who argue that Operation Rio Grande was a failed attempt. Concern has been raised that the homeless rate and drug use has not decreased, and states that the issue has just simply moved to various locations within the state. The data proves otherwise, showing many individuals have successfully completed treatment and have now become self-sufficient. Many reject the evidence shown and argue that there has been no benefit to the individuals involved. However, we are still helping individuals obtain treatment and housing today with the federal funding that was provided. There have been many individuals from this operation that have become staples in this community for advocating for recovery. The below picture reflects one of them. Destiny Garcia (left) was one of the first graduates of this operation. She is now employed with the Salt Lake County Mayors office representing to all that every life has value, and we do recover.