Mayor Lurie's "Break The Cycle" Policy Soon To Enact

SAN FRANCISCO -- Mayor Daniel Lurie is cracking down on the city's drug abuse crisis. Earlier this year, Lurie introduced a policy which implies the cessation of city-funded distribution of drug paraphernalia to users who refuse to participate in addiction counseling. As of April 30th, all city-funded programs that distribute safer drug use supplies like syringes or smoking kits must pair distribution with mandatory counseling or service referrals. Additionally, there is to be no more smoking supply distribution in public spaces; such activities must move indoors or to controlled, approved locations by May 30th.

Mayor Lurie emphasizes that previous harm-reduction strategies are no longer sufficient in the face of the fentanyl epidemic, which is currently causing about two overdose deaths per day in San Francisco. The new policy, which he hopes will "break the cycle" aims to connect people more assertively to treatment and recovery services. This follows his earlier move to declare a Fentanyl State of Emergency on day one in office.

The city has launched unified street response teams co-led by SFPD and the Department of Emergency Management, and a 24/7 police-friendly stabilization center is also set to open this Spring at 822 Geary Street.

For more info, visit SF.gov