Commission approves Hillary Coonens as San Francisco Mental Health Plan director

The San Francisco City Commission convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss significant developments in mental health services and the appointment of a new director for the San Francisco Mental Health Plan. The meeting highlighted the progress of a promising program aimed at diverting individuals from law enforcement intervention to appropriate health services.

The session began with commendations for the ongoing collaboration between health teams and law enforcement. A commissioner praised the program for successfully diverting individuals who would otherwise require police involvement, emphasizing the positive impact on both the community and law enforcement agencies. The collaboration was noted as essential, with regular meetings held to ensure effective communication and support between the health teams and police.

Dr. Colfax acknowledged the efforts of Dr. Alameda and her team in launching the program, which faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He shared his firsthand experience with the Tenderloin team, expressing admiration for their dedication and the innovative approach of peer counselors in reaching out to those in need. The commissioners expressed excitement about the program's potential and the positive results already observed, indicating that this is just the beginning of their efforts.

Following the discussion on the mental health program, the meeting transitioned to an action item regarding the appointment of Hillary Coonens as the new director of the San Francisco Mental Health Plan. Dr. Hammer presented the resolution for approval, marking a significant step in the leadership of the city's mental health initiatives.

The meeting concluded without public comments, and the commissioners expressed their gratitude for the presentations and the ongoing work in mental health services. They look forward to further updates on the program's progress and the impact of the new director's leadership.