San Francisco Sun

San Francisco has announced an expansion of its pilot program to address fentanyl addiction. The initiative, led by Mayor London N. Breed and the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH), aims to connect individuals struggling with fentanyl use to medical professionals for on-demand buprenorphine prescriptions. This service is available daily from 8 a.m. to midnight.

The city has reported a significant increase in treatment admissions and medication access this year compared to last. Methadone treatment admissions rose by 32%, while buprenorphine prescriptions increased by 46% at the SFDPH Behavioral Health Services Pharmacy. Residential treatment admissions also saw a 35% rise in Fiscal Year 2023-24 compared to the previous year.

Additionally, San Francisco's latest monthly accidental overdose report indicates a sixth consecutive month of declining fatal overdoses, with an approximate 20% decrease in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

Mayor London Breed emphasized the city's commitment to addressing the crisis: "To continue to combat the fentanyl crisis and prevent overdose deaths, we need to double down on our efforts to expand treatment and services and hold those who are bringing fentanyl to San Francisco accountable."

Residents using fentanyl can now call the SFDPH Behavioral Health Access Line for immediate prescription assistance or referrals. The expanded program builds on a nighttime pilot launched in March 2024 that offered telehealth consultations and immediate medication access.

Dr. Grant Colfax, SFDPH Director of Health, stated: "On demand prescriptions to start medication treatment is what is needed to save lives." He highlighted the success seen since March with over 1,650 telehealth visits resulting in many starting medication treatment.

The program pairs clients with patient navigators for ongoing support, including help with prescription pick-up and enrollment in further care programs.

Dr. Hillary Kunins, SFDPH Director of Behavioral Health Services and Mental Health SF, noted: "Our nighttime pilot shows that when medication treatment is made easier to access and comes along with supports...more people will choose to enter care."

SFDPH continues expanding substance use treatments across various settings within its care system. Efforts include launching new programs, increasing outpatient facility hours, adding residential beds, and tripling street care workers engaging with drug users.

The SFDPH Behavioral Health Access Line operates as a central point for substance use and mental health services information around-the-clock.