San Francisco Sun

The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) has launched a new public education campaign to raise awareness about drug treatment and recovery services. The campaign, named "Living Proof," features stories from San Francisco residents who have benefited from addiction treatment, highlighting that recovery is possible.

Dr. Grant Colfax, SFDPH Director of Health, stated, "With the Living Proof campaign, we are showing that recovery from fentanyl and other drugs is not only possible but happening every day in San Francisco.” He added that while overdose deaths have decreased by 20% this year, more work remains.

This initiative is part of the city's broader strategy to reduce overdose deaths related to fentanyl and support those recovering from substance use disorders. It aligns with the launch of an on-demand medication treatment program offering buprenorphine prescriptions daily from 8 a.m. to midnight for individuals struggling with fentanyl addiction.

Dr. Hillary Kunins, SFDPH Director of Behavioral Health Services and Mental Health SF, emphasized the importance of treatments like buprenorphine and methadone: “Buprenorphine and methadone reduce the risk of death among people with opioid use disorders by approximately 50%.”

SFDPH offers substance use treatment across various settings including hospitals, clinics, shelters, street-based locations, and through its Jail Health program. Efforts include expanding outpatient facility hours and increasing residential treatment beds.

Jean Bruno, featured in the campaign, shared her personal experience: “I hope my story helps others see that recovery is possible and that no one is alone in this."

The campaign directs individuals to the SFDPH Behavioral Health Access Line for substance use and mental health services. Claudia Cabrera from Instituto Familiar de la Raza commented on the initiative's potential impact: “A campaign such as 'Living Proof'...could bring a message of hope and resilience.”

Materials for the campaign will be distributed citywide through various media channels focusing on areas like Tenderloin and South of Market neighborhoods. Lyft has partnered with SFDPH to support the initiative by promoting ads within their vehicles.

Dr. Gina Fromer of GLIDE praised the campaign's approach: “It is beautiful to see people reconnecting to their families...we invite anyone struggling to reach out.”