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Supervisors hear widespread opposition as mayoral proposal to privatize jail health services looms
Summary
Supervisors heard hours of public testimony and expert warnings that contracting out jail health services risks degraded care, higher long‑term costs and broken ties to community health programs; the mayor—s budget proposal on June 1 may include a privatization option but the committee demanded more data and safeguards.
Chair John Avalos convened extended public comment and department testimony Wednesday as supervisors examined a possible mayoral proposal to contract out jail medical services. Mayor—s budget director Greg Wagner confirmed a proposal could appear in the mayor—s June 1 budget release, but many present urged caution.
Supervisor David Campos, who requested the hearing, framed the issue around documented failures in some privatized systems and the human stakes of any change. Campos cited national reporting and individual cases to illustrate risks, saying privatization could put vulnerable people—s lives at risk.
Public health experts and jail clinicians described San Francisco—s existing jail health services as integrated with community care and protective of high‑need populations. Dr. Elena Tutel, chief medical officer at San Quentin State Prison, told the committee she routinely sees patients from counties that use private contractors arrive at state facilities with…
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