SF Alters Drug Supply Policy Amid Fentanyl Crisis

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie announced a significant policy shift in the city's approach to drug addiction under the 'Breaking the Cycle' initiative, which ceases the distribution of drug paraphernalia without accompanying treatment. Nonprofits and city-funded programs will only provide clean needles and other supplies if drug users agree to counseling or treatment, with the policy change effective April 30. This decision responds to the rising fentanyl crisis and high overdose death rates, with over 800 overdoses reported in 2023. Critics of the previous harm reduction strategy argue it failed to effectively connect individuals to treatment. Lurie campaigned on addressing the fentanyl epidemic and believes the new evidence-based policy will better safeguard public health and reduce street drug use. The new guidelines also move distribution from the streets to government-sanctioned buildings, aiming to create a more structured path to recovery.