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DPH outlines Mental Health SF rollout and reports an estimated 20% drop in overdose deaths through Nov. 2024
Summary
Behavioral Health Services briefed the Health Commission on Mental Health SF implementation, expanded street-based care and treatment access, and preliminary data showing a decline in overdose deaths; the department described continuing gaps in high-acuity residential beds and plans for additional facilities and programs.
The Department of Public Health's Behavioral Health Services (BHS) presented a broad update on implementation of Mental Health SF, addiction-treatment expansions and overdose response work at the Jan. 6 Health Commission meeting.
Dr. Hilary Coonens, presenting the update, said Mental Health SF — the 2019 legislative program funded primarily by Proposition C — has expanded coordinated care, street-based services and residential capacity and has opened new access hours at clinics and pharmacies. "We have added approximately 400 new residential care and treatment beds," Coonens said, while acknowledging staffing challenges that have affected how quickly some beds have been opened and staffed.
Why it matters: Commissioners sought results and implementation detail for components of Mental Health SF (Office of Coordinated Care, Street Crisis Response Team, Mental Health Service Center and residential expansions). The department reported progress in street-based outreach, medications for opioid use…
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