Staff at the Portland Public Library’s downtown branch called police for assistance 501 times last year — more than double the number of calls in 2024 — a stark increase that has city and library officials looking for answers. While serving vulnerable populations is nothing new for public libraries, the extent to which this library is relied upon by homeless people and those with substance use or mental health challenges has put immense pressure on staff.

This summary is from a front-page story in the Portland Press Herald on April 11. Systematically, our city is being reactive, not proactive. This is why Renys left Congress Street. This is why there are so many empty shop fronts downtown. This is why David’s restaurant is “existentially” alarmed, as per chef David himself.

A greater police presence only addresses the symptoms, not the underlying disorder.
I know the answers are very complex , and I don’t pretend to have greater insight than anyone else. But as a retired physician, I do know that ongoing symptomatic therapy cures nothing.

David Smith, MD
Portland