The San Francisco Department of Public Health (DPH) held a significant meeting on July 4, 2025, focusing on the expansion of its on-demand treatment program for individuals struggling with fentanyl addiction. Mayor London Breed and DPH officials announced that the program, which connects users to medical professionals for immediate buprenorphine prescriptions, will now operate daily from 8 AM to midnight. This initiative aims to provide timely access to treatment and is part of a broader strategy to combat the city's fentanyl crisis.

During the meeting, it was reported that San Francisco has seen a notable increase in treatment admissions and prescriptions. Specifically, there has been a 32% rise in methadone treatment admissions and a 46% increase in buprenorphine prescriptions filled at DPH's behavioral health services pharmacy compared to the same period in 2023. Additionally, residential treatment admissions have surged by 35% over the previous fiscal year. These statistics reflect the city's ongoing efforts to enhance outreach and treatment options for those affected by substance use disorders.

The meeting also highlighted a positive trend in overdose statistics, with the city's monthly Accidental Overdose Report indicating a 20% decrease in fatal overdoses in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same timeframe in 2023. This marks the sixth consecutive month of decline in overdose deaths, underscoring the effectiveness of the expanded treatment programs.

In addition to the treatment program updates, the DPH shared that the Hallie Hammer Family Health Center Scholarship has successfully raised $5,300 since its launch in February 2024. This scholarship honors Dr. Hallie Hammer, a former leader in DPH known for her compassionate care.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the closure of the labor and delivery unit at the CPMC Mission Bernal Campus. Senior health program planner Claire Altman presented a revised resolution addressing transportation options for patients and the support available at the Van Ness Campus's labor and delivery unit. The resolution also included assurances that staff affected by the closure would be accommodated with equivalent positions at CPMC.

Overall, the meeting underscored San Francisco's commitment to improving public health services and addressing the ongoing challenges posed by substance use and healthcare accessibility. The DPH plans to continue its outreach and treatment efforts, ensuring that all residents have access to lifesaving resources.