Addressing Mental Health + Substance Abuse on San Francisco Streets

3092 16th Street,San Francisco CA 94103

26 October, 2021

Description

The opioid crisis, homelessness, and a deadly pandemic. What's the city doing to address these issues for unhoused San Franciscans? A lot of the issues in our city existed prior to the pandemic; however, it has exacerbated the myriad challenges facing our homeless communities and the unfolding mental health crisis. The city has a new Director of Behavioral Health Services and Mental Health SF who is tasked with addressing these issues and she is coming to Manny's to answer the big questions and concerns we all have. We're happy to welcome Behavioral Health Services and Mental Health SF Director Dr. Hillary Kunins to discuss her position, the current state of San Francisco's mental health programs, and where to go if you need help. Simply put, Dr. Kunins' job is to lead the transformation of mental health and substance use care for San Francisco. What's her vision to address this epidemic? 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? How can the City respond to the substance use and mental health needs of people experiencing homelessness and support people toward wellness and recovery? This is sure to be a critical conversation as the city continues to chart its path beyond the pandemic. We want to see you there! The structure of this event will be about 45 minutes of discussion with Dr. Kunins followed by audience Q&A and, if time permits, 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. Go to https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/ to acquire a digital vaccine record. 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.