SAN FRANCISCO, CA – San Francisco is facing an overdose crisis, and families are rightfully concerned for their loved ones. At HealthRIGHT 360, we witness firsthand the devastating effects of substance use disorder, homelessness, and co-occurring conditions. Public drug use, overdoses, and untreated medical crises are straining our communities, and we understand the frustration many feel.
Since 1967, our programs have connected people to treatment and stability, supported families, strengthened neighborhoods, and helped make communities safer. Yet, a recent San Francisco Chronicle article, “He overdosed waiting for help. Why did S.F. turn him away?”, misrepresents our work.
The truth is:
- We provide medical and behavioral health care to thousands each year, including those turned away elsewhere, regardless of their ability to pay;
- We follow strict clinical guidelines to ensure patient safety and comply with federal confidentiality laws that protect those seeking treatment; and,
- We work closely with civic leaders, healthcare providers, and community organizations to expand access, remove barriers to care, and save lives.
Before publication, we provided the Chronicle with a full response detailing our policies, protocols, and legal obligations. HealthRIGHT 360 is bound by strict federal and state laws — including 42 CFR Part 2 and HIPAA — which protect patient privacy so that those seeking treatment are not further stigmatized. These prevent us from publicly discussing specific cases, and when confidentiality laws limit what we can share, one-sided narratives can lead to incomplete and, at times, misleading representations.
Every person who seeks treatment at HealthRIGHT 360 undergoes a comprehensive intake assessment at our Integrated Care Center, often on the same day. Whenever possible, we then admit individuals immediately into withdrawal management or residential treatment; however, unlike a hospital emergency department, individuals must be able to participate in their assessment and legally consent to care — requirements designed to protect their rights. Those whom we are unable to admit on the same day typically fall into one of the following categories:
- They do not meet the clinical criteria for substance use disorder, a requirement for admission;
- They require a higher level of psychiatric care than we can provide;
- They are too medically fragile for a non-medical facility; or,
- They choose to leave before completing intake, as we do not force individuals into care.
Our withdrawal management program operates at full capacity, taking in as many people as we can safely care for — including those whom other providers refuse to admit. We regularly accept clients who are under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol; however, when someone requires a higher level of care — such as severe intoxication or high medical risk — we refer them to hospital emergency departments or facilities like the San Francisco Sobering Center, SoMa RISE, or mental health crisis stabilization centers. These protocols are essential safeguards to ensure individuals receive the appropriate level of care, not to exclude them.
We fully comply with all city-mandated reporting requirements. Every instance in which an individual does not receive same-day admission is documented and entered into San Francisco’s timely access database. Despite these instances, we welcome people into our care with a deep belief in the power of possibility, recovery, and change.
No tool can reliably predict who will achieve long-term health and stability. That is why we continue to admit individuals whom other programs turn away due to their complexity or level of need. With compassion and determination, we accept those who others may not, and we will continue to do so.
Every loss in our community is a heartbreaking tragedy. I can’t imagine where our city would be without the dedication of our workers, our partners in the continuum of care, public servants, and families — all working tirelessly to save lives, strengthen and preserve our healthcare system, and support a San Francisco that is healthier, safer, and responsive to the realities of substance use disorder.
We stand by our highly skilled, deeply committed staff, who uphold the highest standards of care and offer real solutions to help San Francisco move forward. Just last week, HealthRIGHT 360 passed a rigorous accreditation process by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) with flying colors, receiving unanimous commendation for our clinical integrity and impact.
These are the facts.
Dr. Vitka Eisen
President & CEO, HealthRIGHT 360
About HealthRIGHT 360:
HealthRIGHT 360 is a non-profit provider of substance use disorder treatment, mental health services, and primary care to over 45,000 Californians annually. HealthRIGHT 360 provides care that is compassionate, non-judgmental, and evidence-based. We provide services, regardless of one’s ability to pay; inspired by our belief that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Learn more about HealthRIGHT 360 and our programs at https://www.healthright360.org/.
