The San Francisco County government meeting held on June 15, 2023, focused on significant developments in behavioral health services, particularly addressing staffing challenges and the establishment of wellness hubs as part of the city’s response to the ongoing fentanyl crisis.

Chief Operating Officer Greg Wagner reported a notable decrease in vacancy rates within the behavioral health department, attributing this to a major hiring initiative that has been underway. Despite the regional and national difficulties in recruiting qualified behavioral health clinicians, Wagner expressed optimism about the progress made, with approximately 1,500 candidates currently in various stages of the hiring process. He highlighted that the department has added around 100 new positions this year, which has contributed to the ongoing adjustments in vacancy rates.

The discussion also included the anticipated opening of wellness hubs, which are intended to provide critical support in areas with high overdose rates, such as the Tenderloin and SoMa neighborhoods. Behavioral Health Director Dr. Hillary Conmons emphasized the importance of these hubs in the city’s overdose prevention strategy. However, she noted that legal barriers at the federal and state levels pose challenges to their establishment. The city is exploring models from other regions, such as New York, to navigate these hurdles.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the need for more robust mental health facilities, particularly for individuals with severe mental health and substance use disorders. Supervisors raised concerns about the adequacy of current bed capacities and the urgency required to address the needs of the most acute patients. Wagner acknowledged that while progress has been made in expanding lower-acuity facilities, there remains a significant gap in services for those requiring higher levels of care.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to conduct a new analysis of bed needs within the system, expected to be completed by September. This analysis aims to provide a clearer understanding of the gaps in services and inform future strategies to enhance mental health care in San Francisco. The ongoing dialogue reflects the city’s dedication to improving behavioral health services amid persistent challenges.