"Having free public health supplies available to residents seven days a week through the self-service Community Health Stations makes it easier to access important products that support health and save lives," said Barbara Ferrer, director of the county public health department.
Eddie Kearney, a harm reduction worker, tells us that the man had already taken drugs three times that day. "He's using a 'snowball', he's using heroin and cocaine," he explains. "He's been in there two minutes and he's on the floor."
After a yearslong ideation process, the county's long-awaited diversion program transcended hypotheticals and touched ground in 2024. In August, Integral Care's Airport Boulevard walk-in clinic began offering 24/7 care, increased peer support services and access to psychiatric prescriptions for people undergoing mental health crises who interact with first responders.