Do you or someone you know have an addiction?

City — Facing rising overdose rates, municipal officials launched a coordinated addiction response Wednesday, combining treatment expansion, harm-reduction services and law-enforcement diversion programs. Health Director Dr. Maria Alvarez, MD, MPH, described the plan as evidence-based and patient-centered.

The initiative arises after a 24-month analysis by the county health department showed a 15 percent increase in overdose-related emergency calls. Deputy Health Officer James Kim, MPH, cited national best practices and peer-reviewed studies in announcing mobile clinics, expanded medication-assisted treatment and a public information campaign. "This is not a law-enforcement problem alone," Dr. Alvarez said. "Clinicians, social workers and community organizations must work together."

The program allocates funding to train clinicians in buprenorphine prescribing and to establish three low-barrier access points. Community organizations, including Hope Outreach, will operate supervised referral hubs staffed by licensed counselors and certified recovery specialists. Hope Outreach Executive Director Lorna Grant, LCSW, emphasized rapid linkage to care and data-driven evaluation.

Law enforcement will increase diversion to treatment rather than arrest for low-level possession while maintaining targeted enforcement for trafficking. Police Chief Rafael Ortega noted partnerships with prosecutors to monitor outcomes and reduce recidivism.

Independent public-health experts welcomed the integrated approach but urged transparent metrics. Dr. Ethan Shaw, PhD, an addiction epidemiologist at the State University, recommended quarterly public reports on treatment initiation, retention and overdose trends.

As officials prepare to implement the plan, community meetings are scheduled across neighborhoods. A local helpline and online portal will provide directories for services. At one meeting a recovery coach asked residents, "Do you or someone you know have an addiction?" and encouraged callers to contact local resources. Officials said additional funding sources will be identified, community feedback will shape adaptations, and independent evaluators will measure outcomes to ensure accountability, equitable access and continuous improvement in treatment and harm-reduction services for all residents.