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DPH surveillance: fentanyl detected in San Francisco; department urges wider naloxone access
Summary
Acting director Colleen Chawla and Emily Behar of the Substance Use Research Unit reported recent detections of fentanyl in local samples, urged broader naloxone distribution (including multiple‑dose use), and described the role of syringe access and the DOPE project in early detection and reversal reporting.
Acting Director Colleen Chawla summarized the Department of Public Health's recent work, including the publication of an Integrated Surveillance Report covering communicable diseases and the department's Year Up internship orientation.
Emily Behar, research coordinator with the Substance Use Research Unit and the Center for Public Health Research, told commissioners that staff had tested product at San Francisco General Hospital and found pure fentanyl; investigators do not yet know whether the source is illicit manufacture or diverted pharmaceutical fentanyl. She said syringe-access sites and the DOPE project provided early reversal reports, enabling rapid community alerts and, so far, no observed spike in overdose mortality in the city.
"Fentanyl does require more naloxone than just heroin or other opiates," Behar said, and urged community distribution of naloxone and use of multiple doses when needed. Commissioners confirmed that naloxone has been rolled out to San Francisco police and encouraged continued distribution to community members and syringe-access programs.
The department said it issued a physician advisory to local providers about fentanyl observations. Commissioners thanked staff for early detection and surveillance work and for distributing guidance to providers and community partners.
