SF to end free distribution of fentanyl paraphernalia without treatment
'We can no longer accept the reality of two people a day dying from overdose,' Lurie said. 'The status quo has failed to ensure the health and safety of our entire community, as well as those in the throes of addiction. Fentanyl has changed the game, and we've been relying on strategies that preceded this new drug epidemic, which ends today.'
The policy shift is part of Lurie's 'Breaking the Cycle' plan, which is aimed at getting people off the streets and into drug treatment. It marks a departure from existing city policy, under which fentanyl-smoking supplies like foil, pipes and plastic straws are handed out to drug users with few conditions attached.
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The new guidelines, issued by San Francisco Department of Public Health (DPH) Director Dan Tsai, mean people will need to agree to treatment, counseling, or be connected to services to receive safer drug use supplies.
'As public health, we are responsible for the health of the individual on the street and the health of the community impacted by this crisis. We are implementing strategic changes to build a more responsive system of care that moves people from the streets into effective treatment and sustained recovery,' said Tsai.
The new policy, which goes into effect April 30, will mandate that drug paraphernalia, including fentanyl smoking supplies and clean needles for IV drug users, will only be distributed to people who undergo counseling designed to get them into treatment. The policy shift will also move distribution of drug supplies indoors, off the streets, and into city-sanctioned buildings.
San Francisco first began distributing free needles decades ago to help stem the spread of HIV/AIDS. As part of the new policy, Lurie's office said the DPH will monitor overdose rates, and HIV/Hepatitis C transmission to 'ensure policy aligns with public health goals.'
According to the New York Times, more than 3,000 people have died as a result of San Francisco's drug crisis over the past five years — more than COVID-19, homicide and car crashes combined.
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