Two people died of overdose this morning in my district. Every loss of life is devastating and tragic. Drug overdoses are by far the most deadly epidemic in our city, leading to 5 times as many deaths as homicides or traffic collisions. And the people dying is rising sharply.

Yet we rarely hear these deaths discussed or reported. When someone dies of a traffic crash, there is an assessment of why, and a response to prevent future deaths. We need a similar response when someone dies of overdose.

Today was the first day that I received an emergency alert, similar to what I receive for a collision or shooting. I authored a resolution requiring an emergency response plan. This is the most deadly epidemic killing San Franciscans.

My thoughts and love are with the families and friends of the people who were lost today.

When people who are without homes die, when people who overdose die, it usually happens without mention or response from the city. This has to change. No more.

There’s a lot more we can do. https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/haney-calls-for-emergency-response-to-drug-use-in-the-tl-soma/