The San Francisco County government meeting held on July 4, 2025, focused on critical discussions surrounding substance use treatment and harm reduction strategies. The meeting featured a series of public comments from various stakeholders, highlighting the ongoing challenges and successes in addressing addiction and recovery in the community.

The first speaker, the executive director of the Gubbio Project, emphasized the importance of collaboration among different treatment approaches, including abstinence-based treatment and harm reduction. They expressed disappointment over the divisive nature of the discussions, advocating for a unified effort to support individuals in need of services. A poignant example was shared about a participant in their program who, after two years of silence, initiated a conversation, illustrating the vital role of outreach and connection in recovery.

Laura Thomas from the San Francisco AIDS Foundation acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the Department of Public Health (DPH) in providing data to improve treatment services. She called for better measures to assess community needs and highlighted the challenges faced by nonprofit organizations in competing for resources with public health departments, particularly regarding pay parity for staff.

Philip Lassiter, a former member of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, shared his personal journey of recovery and cautioned against punitive approaches to addiction treatment. He stressed the importance of comprehensive support systems and the dangers of forced abstinence, particularly for individuals at risk of overdose.

Jackson West raised concerns about the availability of treatment in jails and advocated for dual diagnosis treatment that addresses both mental health and substance use disorders. He linked housing stability to successful treatment outcomes, suggesting that addressing housing needs could alleviate many challenges faced by individuals seeking help.

Bravery Scott, a case manager for homeless veterans, spoke about the non-linear nature of recovery and the need for trained staff to assist individuals at various stages of their journey. He highlighted the impact of legal issues on recovery, noting that many individuals may hit rock bottom after legal proceedings.

David Counts, a local resident, shared his personal experiences with harm reduction, including distributing supplies to those in need. He recounted the tragic loss of friends to overdoses and underscored the importance of having life-saving resources like Narcan available in the community.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to enhance support for individuals struggling with substance use. The discussions underscored the complexity of addiction treatment and the necessity for a multifaceted approach that prioritizes compassion, connection, and comprehensive care.