Health advocates say Portland needs more public toilets

The lack of public restrooms remains an issue across the country. In Portland, there are about 17 public restrooms per 100,000 citizens, according to some estimates. 

When the city placed more than 100 red portable toilets around town in 2020, some residents vehemently opposed their arrival. In 2023, only about 16 of the toilets remained, according to KGW. 

Public restrooms offer a low barrier place for people to use the bathroom and wash their hands. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends carefully washing your hands with soap and water after going to the bathroom and changing diapers to prevent shigella infections. The bacteria causes inflammatory diarrhea.     

In Multnomah County, shigella infections have been on the rise, according to The Oregonian. In 2023, a similar cluster of cases occurred as well. 

Merilee Karr is the president of Phlush, an organization that advocates for better public sanitation. She joins us with more on why Portland and other cities would benefit from more public toilets. 

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