S.F. addiction treatment is often placed within arm’s reach of street drugs. Why?

A recent article from Mission Local sheds light on San Francisco's strategy of situating addiction treatment centers in neighborhoods like SoMa and the Tenderloin—areas notorious for open-air drug markets. This approach aims to make early-stage services, such as drop-in centers, more accessible to individuals struggling with addiction. However, it also raises concerns about the proximity of treatment facilities to environments rife with drug activity.​

Dr. Vitka Eisen, CEO of HealthRIGHT 360, a nonprofit providing healthcare and substance-use treatment, explains that placing treatment centers in these neighborhoods is intentional. She emphasizes the importance of accessibility for the target population, stating that early-stage addiction services need to be within reach of those who need them most. ​

In addition to her role at HealthRIGHT 360, Dr. Eisen is recognized for her leadership development through the LeaderSpring Center, where she was a member of the Class of 2013 San Francisco Fellows.

The article also highlights the tragic case of Theris Coats, a man who, after being released from a hospital to a sobering center located in a drug-prevalent area, failed to arrive and was later found dead in jail. This incident underscores the complexities and potential pitfalls of placing treatment facilities in close proximity to active drug scenes.

Learn more about HealthRIGHT 360: https://www.healthright360.org/