Supervisor Preston Introduces Resolution to Support Expansion of Methadone Treatment

On Tuesday, April 16th, Supervisor Dean Preston introduced a resolution in support of expanding access to methadone statewide. The resolution would put the Board of Supervisors on record in support of Assembly Bill 2115 (Haney), which will allow clinics to dispense 72-hour doses of methadone when requested, removing significant barriers to treatment.
Per the California Department of Public Health, in 2021, California experienced nearly 6,000 opioid-related overdose deaths. Simultaneously, overdose deaths in San Francisco have continued to increase, with 2023 marking the deadliest year on record at 806 deaths.
“We must do everything in our power to ensure that we make it as easy as possible for folks who are ready and willing to start treatment to do so,” stated Supervisor Preston. “This bill will save lives by expanding access to treatment and ensuring more people get the help they need without delay.”
Methadone is used to ease symptoms of opioid withdrawal and has been shown to improve people’s chances as they begin the journey toward recovery. Despite its efficacy, California law currently makes it very difficult for people to access methadone without jumping through several hurdles.
Assembly Bill 2115 passed the Business and Professions Committee on Tuesday, April 16th, and will next go to the Assembly Health Committee.