A positive drug Policy Shift in San Francisco under the new mayor Daniel Lurie

Good news!

"San Francisco has long prioritized harm reduction in its drug policies, such as with programs to distribute on the streets free, clean paraphernalia for fentanyl smoking, no questions asked.

But the city’s new mayor, Daniel Lurie, says the city’s policies have become too permissive and will scale them back in an effort to steer more people into treatment.

“We are no longer going to sit by and allow people to kill themselves on the streets,” said Lurie. 

New rules starting April 30:

Paraphernalia can be distributed only to people who undergo lengthy counseling sessions.

Nonprofits will be able to distribute smoking supplies only in city-sanctioned buildings. 

Clean needles can still be provided on the street, and naloxone distribution will not be affected."

"“We can no longer accept the reality of two people dying a day from overdose ..."

Global Health NOW: Breakthrough Clues in an Mpox Mystery; Afghanistan’s Escort Rules Fuel Maternal Deaths; and San Francisco Rethinks Harm Reduction

Mayor Lurie Ends Distribution of Fentanyl Smoking Supplies Without Counseling and Treatment (official press release) "Following Mayor Lurie’s "Breaking the Cycle” Plan, City-Funded Programs Will No Longer Distribute Drug Supplies Without Counseling or Connections to Treatment and Care; Policy Change Is Part of Mayor Lurie’s Comprehensive Strategy to Save Lives and Get People Off Streets and into Stability, Which Includes Increased Enforcement, New Treatment Beds, and Unified Street Teams"