The San Francisco City Council meeting on July 4, 2025, highlighted the city's pioneering efforts in community paramedicine and the challenges faced by its street crisis response teams. Chief Tong reported that San Francisco is at the forefront of a nationwide movement to address mental health crises and substance abuse through innovative mobile crisis response units. With a total of 72 community paramedics, the city boasts the largest workforce of its kind in California, although only about 45 are actively engaged in the field.

During the meeting, officials discussed the operational statistics from June, revealing that the street crisis response team received 1,170 calls for service. Of these, 486 individuals chose to remain in the community after meaningful engagement, while others were either unable to be located or walked away before assistance could be provided. This distinction is crucial, as it reflects the team's efforts to connect with individuals in need, despite the challenges of engaging those who may not be ready to accept help.

A significant concern raised was the low connection rate for substance abuse treatment, which stood at only 13%. Chief Tong emphasized that the primary barrier to successful connections is often the unwillingness of individuals to accept the resources offered. This highlights a critical gap in the system, as many people in crisis may not seek help, regardless of the availability of services.

The meeting underscored the importance of ongoing support and resources for the street crisis response teams, as they navigate the complexities of mental health and substance abuse in the community. As San Francisco continues to lead in this area, the city aims to refine its approach and improve outcomes for its most vulnerable residents. The discussions from this meeting will inform future strategies to enhance the effectiveness of these vital services, ensuring that help is accessible to those who need it most.