San Francisco continues to face a devastating drug overdose crisis, with 2023 marking the deadliest year on record. Though 2024 shows signs of fewer deaths, overdose fatalities already far exceed pre-2020 levels. The synthetic opioid fentanyl, up to 50 times stronger than heroin, is blamed as a key driver of this epidemic, contributing to 73% of overdose deaths in 2020. Even small doses—just 2 milligrams—can be lethal.
Overdose deaths are heavily concentrated in the Tenderloin and South of Market (SOMA) neighbourhoods, often occurring outdoors or in city-funded Single Room Occupancy (SRO) housing. Men aged 35 to 64 make up the majority of victims, highlighting a troubling demographic disparity.
The city has launched initiatives like the £11.4 million Street Overdose Response Team (SORT), which takes harm reduction and substance abuse services directly to the streets. Emergency Medical Services have also administered thousands of naloxone overdose reversals, with over half conducted in the Tenderloin district alone. Despite these efforts, the crisis continues to challenge city leaders and health officials, leaving San Francisco grappling for a long-term solution.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
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