San Francisco is facing a devastating rise in overdose deaths, making it the highest number of overdoses in the city's history.
In 2020, the city saw 712 overdose deaths, a number that was already triple the amount of COVID-related deaths in the first pandemic year. However, with 200 deaths in the first three months of 2023, this year is on track to see approximately 800 overdose deaths, outpacing even 2020 and the previous two years in which overdose deaths appeared to be declining.
Public health efforts, such as the widespread distribution of free Narcan, were attributed to the decrease in overdose deaths over the last two years. Unfortunately, it appears that the fentanyl crisis has only worsened, and most of the accidental overdose deaths in San Francisco are caused by fentanyl.
The increase in overdose deaths coincides with the shutdown of the Tenderloin Center in December. The city's medical examiner has reported that the center was responsible for reversing over 300 overdose deaths, and its closure may have contributed to the current spike in deaths.
Mayor London Breed has called for a pause in opening new safe-consumption sites, also known as "Wellness Hubs," with city funds due to legal liabilities and a recent decision by the governor that could leave San Francisco open to legal trouble.
The Department of Public Health released a statement expressing their concern and determination to find more ways to prevent overdoses and reduce the harms caused by fentanyl and other substances.
The rise in overdose deaths in San Francisco is alarming, and it highlights the need for more comprehensive solutions to the fentanyl crisis. While public health efforts such as Narcan distribution have been effective in the past, they are not enough to combat the rising number of overdose deaths.