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SFDPH outlines expansion of 5150 authority, Care Court roll‑out and Mental Health SF bed progress
Summary
Dr. Hilary Coonens told the Health Commission the city will begin training community paramedics to initiate 5150 holds in July, outlined Care Court early‑adopter planning and said 350 of 400 Mental Health SF beds are open; commissioners pressed for workforce and data on outcomes.
Dr. Hilary Coonens, director of Behavioral Health Services, updated the San Francisco Health Commission on Thursday about new operational authorities, budget priorities and program expansions in the city’s behavioral health system.
Coonens told commissioners that the department will begin training community paramedics this month so they may initiate involuntary psychiatric holds (commonly known as 5150s) in coordination with the Fire Department, and that the city expects those paramedics to begin carrying out 5150 orders in July. “Our main and central goal is to ensure that a person who is in crisis is able to receive the most appropriate intervention,” she said.
Why it matters: Expanding who can initiate 5150 holds changes how first…
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