Mental Health: A Discussion w/ Behavioral Health Services Director Kunins

3092 16th Street,San Francisco CA 94103

23 September, 2021

Description

The opioid crisis, social distancing, a deadly pandemic and so much more have weighed on all our minds. What can the city do about it? The pandemic has laid a mental burden on all of us. Many of us are feeling much different than we did 16 months ago. As the world reopens, it's okay to not be okay. We're all figuring this out together. We're hosting this event to ask some big questions. Where do we go if we need help? What services are being provided to those in need? How are we stemming the tide of drug overdoses? What did the pandemic reveal about the state of mental health programs? Manny's is happy to welcome Director Hillary Kunins of the Behavioral Health Services and Mental Health SF to discuss her position, the current state of our mental health programs, and where to go if you need help. See you there! The structure of this event will be about 45 minutes of discussion with Director Hillary Kunins followed by small break out groups where YOU can meet some new folks and discuss what you just heard. We hope to help solicit a more collaborative discussion and hear the diverse stories in our city. Manny's never turns away anyone for lack of funds. To receive a complementary ticket just email the word "grapefruit" and the title of this event [email protected]. This event will be in person at Manny's but there will also be a Zoom link ticket for those who'd like to tune in digitally from the comfort of their home. Please note that this event will be recorded. In-person attendees MUST wear face masks and provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. About Dr. Hillary Kunins: Dr. Hillary Kunins is the new Director of Behavioral Health Services and Mental Health SF. Dr. Kunins is an internist and addiction medicine physician. She previously served as Executive Deputy Commissioner of Mental Hygiene at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. She has led strategic and equity-driven initiatives to improve the behavioral health of all New Yorkers—including children, youth and families, and people who are justice-involved, who are experiencing homelessness, who live with developmental challenges, and who use drugs. Dr. Kunins helped quickly implement and scale up Mayor Bill de Blasio’s $60 million HealingNYC initiative, reimagining New York City’s public health approaches to substance use and overdose. Her experience in naloxone distribution, peer support, and expanding access to buprenorphine treatment will inform ongoing overdose prevention efforts in the San Francisco Department of Public Health (DPH). One of Dr. Kunins’ primary responsibilities is to direct the implementation of Mental Health SF legislation unanimously supported by Mayor Breed and the Board of Supervisors in December 2019. Dr. Kunins holds MD and MPH degrees from Columbia University and an MS in Clinical Research from Einstein College of Medicine.