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Program Proposal 1
Program Proposal 1
The San Francisco County Bay Area Addiction Research & Treatment Inc. (BARRT) has put
together a program proposal for your consideration. The prevalence of substance abuse
disorders and the growing rate of overdose fatalities are significant concerns for public health
in San Francisco County. There are several interrelated factors that contribute to the severity
of its drug crisis, such as accessibility of drugs, stigma surrounding abuse, socioeconomic
disparities, and the lack of access to healthcare services.
Gateway strives to offer rehabilitation services among those who are struggling with
substance abuse disorders, regardless of their socioeconomic status and health insurance
status. Our team is filled with qualified professionals that will work collaboratively to tailor
treatment plans to everyone's needs.
The program is seeking a budget of $999,999 for implementation. This funding will enable
the program director and other staff to effectively support and deliver care and treatment
services for individuals who are struggling with substance abuse disorders in San Francisco
County.
Thank you for your time and consideration. If there are any additional questions I can clarify,
please feel free to contact me at (760)-697-5684 or via email alondra.chavez01@sjsu.edu.
Sincerely,
Alondra Chavez
Program Manager
Gateway
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Program Proposal
Alondra Chavez
Abstract
Gateway is a program for young and older adults ages18 or older in San Francisco
County. This program is tailored to address the needs of young and older adults and the Bay
Area Addiction Research & Treatment Inc. (BARRT) services to offer assistance and
support. Gateway aims to provide treatment and care services regardless of their
environment where individuals could feel comfortable seeking assistance they need to
overcome the challenges of addiction and mental health issues. This program's operating
hours will be open every weekday, nine in the morning to sunset in the evening. Prioritizing
harm reduction strategies within these initiatives will help reduce the spread of disease and
prevent overdose fatalities by providing secure injection sites in heavy affected areas of San
Francisco, such as the SoMa and Tenderloin neighborhoods. These areas carry a significant
societal burden due to its correlation with high rates of sexually transmitted infections and
drug related fatalities. Gateway has requested a budget to recruit skilled and dedicated
personnel who are passionate about delivering essential services. As a collective, we will
work alongside San Francisco County and the Bay Area Addiction Research & Treatment
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Problem Statement
San Francisco is currently facing an alarming drug overdose epidemic, the year 2023
has exceeded 2020 drug overdose deaths in San Francisco (OCME,2024). Areas like the
neighborhoods have been impacted the most with its drug crisis (Discovery Institute, 2024).
Both neighborhoods bring a negative impact on their society because of its association with
the high rates of sexually transmitted infections and drug overdose deaths. It's also known as
the home to a large population of homeless and to those who live in extreme poverty. In 2020
and 2021, 23% of drug overdose deaths transpired in the Tenderloin district and 18% in the
South Market area (CDC,NVSS, 2023). January to December 2023, there were 813 deaths
related to drug overdose, 657 of these deaths were linked with the synthetic opioid fentanyl
(OCME,2024).
Contributing Factors
Factors such as peer influence, family environment, mental health, and socioeconomic
conditions can also contribute to drug exposure (NIH,2022). The lack of funding for
interventions makes it difficult to help every single individual. The services that San
Francisco has offered comes with a price tag many cannot afford. Although some programs
take health insurance, many don’t take Medi-Cal, which is an insurance that only low-income
people qualify for (AAC,2024) .One’s cultural or ethnic background also impacts their
Opportunity
The Bay Area Addiction Research & Treatment Inc. (BARRT) services can help by
affordable options and unlimiting insurance plans, it can be very beneficial for individuals to
Goal: Reduce drug overdose deaths by building harm reduction interventions in San Francisco
1.By May 1, 2025, the program 1.By November 1, 2025, 30% 1.By January 1, 2026, all young
manager and program coordinator of program participants and older adult ages 18 or older
will collaborate with nurses, engaged in criminal activities, will be able to access regular and
therapists, and social workers and such as drug-related offenses or affordable rehibition treatment
Francisco.
professionals.
professional team.
.
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service's offered.
be an improvement in effectiveness
progress.
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Theoretical Framework
relationships individuals have with their social and physical environments. Recognizing the
five levels of the social-ecological model, it understands how individuals' behaviors and
attitudes are influenced by factors at various levels. These levels of influence take in an
outcomes with the social-ecological model and its interventions can effectively address the
root causes of health disparities and inequities. As this model promotes a comprehensive
approach to illness prevention and health promotion, the various levels can address
approaches that can help with San Francisco's drug crisis. The rising rates of drug overdose
death rates in San Francisco is alarming to public health officials. The year 2023 has
exceeded 2020 drug overdose deaths in San Francisco (OCME,2024). This highlights that
there were new factors or trends that emerged within those three years, contributing to its
Recognizing the evolving dynamics that surround drug use and overdose can help
drive into the roots of San Francisco's drug crisis. When referencing the social ecological
model to this issue, it has various interconnectedness with the five different levels. It's
important to acknowledge drug use and overdose can occur at any age period. However, there
are various factors including external factors that influence an individual’s behaviors and
attitudes towards drug use. The lack of knowledge when it comes to drug usage and its risk
influences the interpersonal factor but, it's important to recognize that the policy level would
have the greatest impact on the San Francisco drug crisis. Focusing on the policy level
interventions will highlight the significant impact that governmental actions can have on
The policy level involves interventions that build upon implementing laws,
regulations, and polices that can influence various factors. It can benefit San Francisco
County’s access to addiction treatment, harm reduction services, monitoring programs, and
with funding for prevention and treatment initiatives. Diving into the areas that are impacted
the most in San Francisco, it comes to show that poverty and homelessness plays a significant
role in drug usage and overdose deaths. With San Francisco being a large county and city,
areas like the Tenderloin, a neighborhood located in downtown and in the South of Market
neighborhood, have experienced a greater impact with its drug crisis. Using policy
interventions can result in restrictions on access to addictive drugs and the promotion of harm
At policy level, the Social Ecological Model offers a framework for understanding
and addressing the various complexities of San Franciso’s drug crisis. The first central
expedite administrative procedures, reduce bureaucratic barriers, and lower operating costs
for rehab centers to make services more affordable for patients. The second central concept
government agencies, healthcare providers, and community organizations can help spread the
financial burden of rehabilitation facilities. The third central concept is insurance coverage.
Striving for an all-inclusive insurance that covers addiction treatment services, can ensure
The services that San Francisco has offered comes with a price tag many cannot
afford. Reflecting on San Francisco’s drug crisis and policy intervention, implementing laws
and regulations to allow access to rehabilitations affordable and regulated health insurance
plans. Referring to San Francisco Behavioral Health Plan, they offer services by a culturally
diverse network of community and provide services to individuals with Medi-Cal at no fee or
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with a minimum share of cost. Following a similar approach and strengthening the listed
capacities, can lead to a decline in San Francisco's drug overdose death rate.
San Francisco's drug crisis is a pressing issue that needs proactive and comprehensive
treat the underlying causes of addiction and offer practical assistance and services to those
who are impacted by substance abuse. Strategies and activities using community engagement
and evidence-based practices, the program aims to reduce the harm that is associated with
drug use and promote long-term recovery. Through the combination of outreach initiatives,
treatment accessibility, and harm reduction measures, the program aims to thrive as a
supportive and encouraging environment where individuals who battle with addiction can
program will conduct events and seminars to help empower individuals with knowledge and
support networks. The program aims to develop outreach initiatives to target vulnerable
communities and provide them with education on drug abuse prevention and intervention,
along with the resources available. Strategies will be based on prioritizing harm reduction
measures within these programs to help reduce the spread of diseases and prevent overdose
deaths. For example, providing safe injection sites in areas that are most impacted within San
Francisco, such as the SoMa and Tenderloin neighborhoods. Both neighborhoods have a
serious negative impact on their society because of its association with the high rates of
sexually transmitted infections and drug overdose deaths. It's also known as the home to a
large population of homeless and to those who live in extreme poverty. In 2020 and 2021,
23% of drug overdose deaths transpired in the Tenderloin district and 18% in the South
Market area (CDC,NVSS, 2023). Many of these deaths occurred in civic spaces such as the
sidewalks that surround buildings and the outdoors. It makes it difficult for the public to walk
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by without feeling unsafe and at high risk of harm. This program in this area can be beneficial
in reaching the right audience, along with Implementation of safe injection sites in areas that
are most impacted can help reduce the risk of preventable disease, infection, and overdose
The activities accomplished during the program will support service sustainability and
offer evidence of the program's impacts. For effective outcomes, the activities must be
aligned with the impact and process goal. These activities can lay the groundwork for the
program to better address and understand the requirements of patients. For this program,
Social-Ecological Model
Individual
In the context of San Franciso's County drug crisis, the Social-Ecological model
environmental factors. At an individual level, factors such as genetics, mental health, and
personal history, can play a significant role in drug abuse. Additionally, interpersonal
of drug abuse disorders within neighbors and communities. In collaboration with the program
providers such as therapist and educators, the program will provide the tools and treatment
for patients who feel at risk with overlaps or usage of drug. The progam aims to create a
space for patients to feel comfortable and develop close friendships with peers and our
professional team.
Community
healthcare services, and neighborhood environments can significantly influence drug usage.
Socioeconomic disparities such as poverty and the lack of employment opportunities can
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survival. Limited access to healthcare services, including addiction treatment centers, can
make it difficult for individuals' ability to seek help and access resources for recovery.
Implementing this program in San Fransico’s most impacted area; Tenderloins and SoMA,
will help spread awareness to those who are need of treatment and care.
The program implantation on strategies and activities will have a significant impact
on reducing criminal activities, particularly in drug-related offenses and other crimes linked
to drug abuse. By ensuring that the program oversees comprehensive insurance plans and
affordable options, it can enhance accessibility for individuals struggling with addiction. This
program will provide counseling, mental health support, treatment alternatives such as
medication or behavioral therapies, and assistance with employment and housing. Addressing
the roots of criminal behavior leads to poverty, homelessness, and mental illness. By
November 1, 2025, criminal activities in San Francisco’s County will decrease by 30%, after
decrease the utilization of emergency medical services, hospitalization and other healthcare
important role in raising awareness about the availability of addiction centers, services
offered, and the benefits of seeking treatment. The program will use outreach programs,
options.
Implementation Plan
The alarming rise in overdose deaths rates in San Francisco highlights the urgent need
to prioritize awareness and education surrounding drugs and addiction. Understanding the
risks associated with substance abuse and recognizing the signs of addiction are the key steps
important to note the drug overdose deaths in San Francisco in 2023 had surpassed those in
2020 (OCME,2024). This demonstrates that there were new patterns and factors that emerged
within those three years, contributing to its drug overdose death rates. By breaking the cycle
of addiction, rehab programs foster healthier families, safer neighborhoods, and develop
stronger communities. This program will influence San Francisco’s County as a whole, by
reducing strain on healthcare systems, decreasing criminal activity rates, and promoting
economic productivity.
Gateway Life Program is a proposed rehab drug program that aims to provide
comprehensive support and treatment for individuals struggling with substance abuse. The
program will address the complex needs of participants through a multifaceted approach that
support. The implementation sets will include a team of qualified professionals, including
nurses, therapists, and social workers, who will work collaboratively to tailor treatment plans
to everyone's needs. Using evidence-based practices, this program will lean on cognitive
group or individual counseling, this program helps create a feeling of community and
belonging by connecting participants with others who have gone through similar experiences
and challenges.
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Organization Partnership
comprehensive care for individuals struggling with substance use disorders or addiction. The
BAART programs have a focus on medication assisted treatment (MAT), counseling, and
medications with counseling and support services, it has offered many a pathway to recovery
that reduces cravings, prevents withdrawal symptoms, and supports long term sobriety. When
incorporating implementation approaches, it's important to address not only the physical
aspects of addiction, but also the emotional, social, and environmental factors. Using similar
evidence-based practices as BAART programs, this program approach can result in greater
outcomes. Reflecting San Francisco’s highly populated drug use area; SoMa and Tenderloin
neighborhoods, both neighborhoods have a serious negative impact on their society because
of its associated high rates of drug overdose deaths and sexually transmitted infections.
Before the launch of Gateway program, community meetings will be held to discuss and
share insights on the program's services and goals among San Francisco’s County residents
that are 18 years or older. Members under the (BAART) organization will be present in these
meetings to further support and represent the program's mission. The Community Advisory
Board will be hosted six months before the program's initial launch.
Staffing
The program will involve a collaborative effort among medical and mental health
professionals to assist both young and older adults in San Francisco who are struggling with
drug use disorders. The program will have a group of professionals looking into improving
treatment and care services for addiction. For this program to pursue, the recruitment process
must include the following positions; program manager, clinical personnel, and
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administrative positions. These positions are important roles to provide effective treatment
Program Manager
The program’s manager will oversee daily operations, communicate strengths and
weaknesses among the team professionals, and collaborate with clinical personnel to ensure
the needs and perform effective teamwork. These positions will be in charge of developing
assessments in each area to make sure patients are receiving the accurate care and treatment
needed.
Clinical Personnel
The clinical personnel will consist of healthcare professionals such as nurses and
therapists, trained in addiction treatment mental health support. Healthcare professionals will
medication management, therapy sessions, and ongoing support for individuals that are
seeking recovery from drug abuse disorders. Their impact plays a significant role in the
Administrative Staff
The administrative team will handle the dissemination of program information across media
Facilities
The program will be in San Francisco City, near Union Square and Tenderloin neighborhood.
The program’s operating hours will be every weekday, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 3pm.
Its location is surrounded by social services and local neighborhoods, rendering it a densely
populated area.
Program Equipment
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The program will need access to equipment for administrative staffing including the program
manager, and clinical personnel. Equipment for administrative staffing and program manager
consists of four desktop computers, one multifunction printer, three desk tables and chairs,
and telephone lines. For clinical personnel, equipment includes a clinical room, with two
patient beds, one examination table, medical tools like one sphygmomanometer, one
ophthalmoscope, one stethoscope, basic life support equipment, gloves, and diagnostic kits.
For therapist, equipment includes two therapy chairs, supplies like paper and pencils, two
Ethical Considerations
The success of Gateway depends on the trust patient's place in the program, its
resources and staff. Upholding privacy, respect and integrity requires careful review of all
programs rules and policies, which includes guidelines for behavior, treatment participation,
and discharge procedures. The agreements are designed to ensure a safe and secure
Confidentiality Protocols
The programs confidentiality protocols consist of privacy policies, limited access to records,
informed consent, and confidential communication. The program's privacy policies will help
outline how patient information will be collected, stored, accessed, and shared. Limiting
access to patients' information and records is highly important, only the authorized personnel
and healthcare provider that is directly involved in the patient's treatment can access these
lines to ensure the privacy of patient information during interactions with staff or healthcare
providers. Staff members must always maintain the confidentiality of patient information.
For this program, if a staff member fails to properly document a patient's medication
has the right to constitute an act of omission. A solution to address the acts of omission can
be implemented through staff training programs to ensure that all personnel understand the
responsibility and knowledge and skills to document, communicate, and patient monitoring to
careless actions that directly cause harm, such as giving the wrong medication to a patient,
practices and report any concerns or incidents to help address acts of commission.
treatment programs and overall well-being of patients. It also plays a cultural role in the
healthcare services, resources constraints, or cultural differences, public health agencies can
Barries
Mental health is one of the main reasons why people decide to take drugs. Some
individuals view drugs as an escape from reality and don’t realize the consequences it can
lead to. With repeated drug abuse, individuals often require a higher dose to attain the same
euphoric effect. The ease with which addiction can take hold is often underestimated, a single
instance of drug use can spiral into a persistent issue. The lack of awareness regarding drug
use and inadequate mental health support is all connected to San Francisco's drug crisis. Drug
use and drug abuse are completely different stages. It is important to be aware that addiction
is seen differently for every individual. No matter the amount of dosage, the effects on the
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individual can be different. The lack of education and awareness is also a major factor that
needs to be addressed within these approaches. Some individuals are aware of their addiction
and want help but do not know where to start due to the lack of education they have with
resources. Interpersonal, one’s cultural or ethnic background also impacts their attitudes and
beliefs with drug treatment services. Gateway aims to address the roots of addiction but
acknowledging mental health and the factors that surround addiction. This program is a free
Facilitators
Local hospitals and clinics within the County of San Francisco can refer their patients who
may seem to be struggling with addiction to our program services. These local hospitals and
clinics will have access to informational packets and flyers that present the programs contact
information, location, and the services provided. Having a close relationship with local
hospitals and clinics can lead us to the right audience and outcomes. Gateway aims to strive
for health communication to enhance awareness, reduce stigma, and promote understanding
Conclusion
Gateway aims to provide holistic support and empower individuals to their journey to
Gateway seeks to overcome barriers to treatment and care, reduce stigma, and promote an
improvement, Gateway can make a meaningful difference for individuals that struggle with
drug abuse disorders, fostering hope, healing, and resilience. It’s impact on San Francisco
will reflect on the community and the surrounding environment, allowing the County to strive
socially and economically. Its efforts to raise awareness and promote understanding of
addiction can inspire community members, stakeholders, and funders to invest in the program
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long-term. Together, we can work towards a healthier, resilient community where everyone
can thrive.
Objective
By November 1, 2025, 30% of program participants engaged in criminal activities, such as drug-related
Evaluation Question
What factors implemented by the program are associated with the observed changes in criminal
activity?
Data Collection
Method
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-Community Reports
-Program Records
Data Analysis
Using descriptive statistics to help identify the measures and trends of drug related
criminal activity.
Dissemination
Data findings will be reviewed by program staff to ensure the needs of participants to not
Objective
By December 1, 2025, a decrease in the utilization of emergency medical services, hospitalizations, and other
healthcare resources related to drug overdose or substance abuse complications among program participants.
Evaluation Question
Will the program partner with local hospitals and clinics to track this data?
Data Collection
& Method
and success in
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- Create surveys
Data Analysis
I will analyze the data by acknowledging the strengths and weakness of the outcomes using
Dissemination
Once data is collected and analyzed, I will reflect on the data and share it with all staff
members during a collective team meeting. I will share what areas need more improvement
References
Alhammad, M., Aljedani, R., Alsaleh, M., Atyia, N., Alsmakh, M., Alfaraj, A.,
Alkhunaizi, A., Alwabari, J., & Alzaidi, M. (2022). Family, Individual, and Other Risk
Barriers to addiction treatment: Why addicts don’t seek help. American Addiction Centers.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, February 14). Products - vital
statistics rapid release - provisional drug overdose data. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/drug-overdose-data.htm
https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep22-06-01-005.pdf
Drug overdose and treatment data and reports. Drug overdose and treatment data and reports
and-
reports#:~:text=Navigating%20dashboards%20with%20a%20keyboard&text=Drug%20overd
oses%20are%20a%20public,drug%20overdose%20in%20San%20Francisco.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, April 17). Products - vital statistics rapid
release - provisional drug overdose data. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/drug-overdose-data.htm
fentanyl
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https://www.sf.gov/data/health-disparities-dashboard
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/sapb/Pages/default.aspx
Jonathan Choe April 22, 2024 Community Impact. (2024, April 24). Seattle activists protest
https://fixhomelessness.org/2024/seattle-activists-protest-scotus-anti-camping-case/
content/uploads/2022/01/SubstanceUseDisorderAlmanac2022.pdf
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/opioid-overdose
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