John Abalos urges San Francisco board to improve Kaiser behavioral health services

The San Francisco Health Service System Board convened on July 4, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding mental health services and financial reporting. A significant focus of the meeting was a public comment from John Abalos, assistant director of political community organizing with the National Union of Healthcare Workers, who highlighted the urgent need for Kaiser Permanente to enhance its behavioral health workforce.

Abalos emphasized that many patients face long wait times for appointments, particularly those experiencing mental health crises. He pointed out that despite legislative efforts to ensure timely access to care, the gap between patient needs and available providers remains substantial. Abalos urged the board to hold Kaiser accountable for meeting its commitments to provide adequate care for city workers and residents, especially in light of increased demand during the pandemic.

In response to Abalos's comments, Supervisor Connie Chan announced her intention to request a hearing on Kaiser’s mental health services. She indicated that this inquiry would aim to gather data on the quality of care provided to San Francisco city workers and the broader community.

The meeting also included a financial report presented by Chief Financial Officer Larry Liu, detailing the fiscal status of the Health Service System as of June 30, 2021. Liu reported a year-end increase in the trust fund, primarily due to self-insured plans and pharmacy rebates. He noted a surplus in the general fund administrative budget, attributed to controlled expenditures and the deferral of some projects.

The board's discussions underscored the ongoing challenges in mental health service delivery and the importance of financial oversight in ensuring quality care for San Francisco residents. As the meeting concluded, the board expressed a commitment to addressing these pressing issues, with plans for further investigation into Kaiser’s service quality and accessibility.