5 times as many African Americans die of overdoses in SF, compared to other groups

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Fifty-nine people died of accidental drug overdoses in San Francisco in January. While that is still too many, health officials say things are moving in the right direction.

“Since April, we have seen a monthly, year over year, decline in overdose deaths. In 2024 we saw the lowest number of overdoses since the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner started tracking this in 2020,” said Dr. Naveena Bobba, acting director of the San Francisco Department of Public Health.

At a news conference Wednesday, San Francisco public health officials said they remain concerned that African Americans are dying at a rate five times higher than any other community in the city. As a result, the Department of Public Health is expanding access to medications to treat those addicted to opioids

“Last year, we launched on-demand buprenorphine with a focus of nighttime telehealth outreach in the Tenderloin,” said Bobba. “And we are happy to say we are on track to bring the service to the Bayview neighborhood. This spring, we will be in the Bayview getting people on the phone with a doctor when they want treatment.”

“Buprenorphine, what it did for me, it gave me time and space so that I could recover, and I didn’t have to deal with those, those cravings and I got a chance to rebuild my life,” said Shavonne Allen, who is in recovery.

Allen is featured in the department’s “Living Proof” campaign and does outreach with the community group Code Tenderloin

“When I see the other Shavonnes out there, I’m able to share my story and represent what living proof looks like, and that recovery and returning to a meaningful, purposeful life is possible,” she said.

The SF Public Health Department said it’s also partnering with various African American organizations to better reach that community.

​SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Fifty-nine people died of accidental drug overdoses in San Francisco in January. While that is still too many, health officials say things are moving in the right direction. “Since April, we have seen a monthly, year over year, decline in overdose deaths. In 2024 we saw the lowest number of overdoses […]