SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) – Overdose deaths are on the rise in San Francisco. In reality, the town is setting new information.
Public well being officers say fentanyl is generally accountable, and whereas it’s an uphill battle, they’re nonetheless hoping an growth of present applications and coverings will carry these numbers down.
At a information convention Tuesday, San Francisco Public Well being Director Dr. Grant Colfax introduced 71 individuals died of drug overdoses in July alone, bringing the whole variety of overdose deaths for the primary seven months of the yr to 473.
“It pains me to share that that is the very best overdose deaths San Francisco has skilled,” he mentioned. “And it correlates with this overtake of fentanyl into our drug provide.”
Metropolis officers say 80% of these overdose deaths are the results of fentanyl, which they are saying has turn into cheaper, stronger and extra obtainable.
“We’re flooding areas with Naloxone,” Colfax mentioned. “Life-saving Naloxone, increasing entry to therapy, and dealing with neighborhood companions to higher perceive the assorted impacts fentanyl is having. However most essential, we’re working arduous to attempt to get individuals on the trail to restoration.”
Metropolis officers say authorized hurdles on the state and federal ranges make protected consumption websites unlikely, and people wellness hubs which were budgeted may even not occur anytime quickly. However public well being officers stay optimistic that increasing outreach and therapy by means of present neighborhood and cell clinics could make a major distinction.
“It’s potential to show this round and we’re all in public well being,” mentioned Dr. Hillary Kunins, San Francisco’s director of behavioral well being companies. “Doing this with that sense of hope and risk regardless of these very dire numbers right now.”
Right now, the town is treating 25,000 individuals for substance abuse or psychological health-related points.
