URGENT UPDATE: San Francisco has just recorded its lowest number of drug overdose deaths in a month since tracking began in 2020, with 36 deaths reported for October 2023. This figure marks a significant drop from September, which had 38 deaths, and is a stark reminder of the ongoing opioid crisis even as officials celebrate this encouraging trend.
The San Francisco Department of Public Health, led by Director Daniel Tsai, confirmed the preliminary data released on Monday. Tsai emphasized the need for continued vigilance, stating, “That is still 534 people that have died here to date, and over one person a day dying each day from an overdose.” This ongoing situation underscores the urgency of addressing substance use disorders in the city.
The decrease in overdose deaths is attributed to several proactive measures implemented by the health department and its partners. Tsai highlighted their efforts to provide immediate assistance and treatment options to individuals in need, affirming, “We have done a tremendous amount of work to quickly get people started on medication.”
One of the critical initiatives is the Bringing Expanded Access to Medications program, which enables doctors to prescribe medications for opioid-use disorders. The program has expanded its hours, now operating 18 hours a day, seven days a week. Individuals can connect with treatment through street outreach teams or the dedicated helpline at 888-246-3333.
In addition to expanding access, the department is actively increasing the number of treatment beds available in San Francisco. Officials are on track to introduce 270 new beds by the end of this year, with a long-term goal of adding a total of 415 beds by 2028.
Dr. Marlene Martin, director of the addiction care team at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, noted that efforts to combat the opioid crisis extend beyond public health systems. Since its inception in 2019, the addiction care team has assisted approximately 16,000 individuals with substance use disorders by either treating them directly or connecting them to other services.
Martin stated, “The addiction care team is an essential part of San Francisco’s addiction treatment continuum.” She emphasized the importance of meeting patients during pivotal moments, such as hospitalization, when they may be motivated to make a change.
San Francisco is also seeing positive results from new treatment options. Around half of patients prescribed the longer-lasting buprenorphine, also known as BRIXADI, have opted for additional doses after their initial treatment. This injectable medication can be administered weekly or monthly, increasing adherence among patients.
Dr. Hilary Kunins, director of behavioral health at the department, remarked that the Bringing Expanded Access to Medications program is yielding promising results, with more individuals returning for subsequent doses. Although she did not disclose specific numbers, she assured that the department is closely tracking treatment success rates.
As San Francisco navigates this complex landscape, officials remain cautiously optimistic about the decline in overdose deaths. However, the fight against substance use disorders is far from over. The city continues to face challenges, with over one person dying each day from overdoses.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed and support ongoing initiatives aimed at addressing this public health crisis. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.
