Firefighters and unions press Health Service Board for specialized behavioral-health options

Representatives of the San Francisco Fire Department and firefighters' unions told the Health Service Board Feb. 10 that existing behavioral-health resources are insufficient for first responders and urged the board to explore partnerships with specialized centers such as the IAFF Center of Excellence.

Acting Battalion Chief Natasha Parks described the emotional toll of firefighting, saying peer support and two behavioral-health coaches in the department do not meet current demand. Adam Wood, an executive board member of San Francisco Firefighters Local 798, and Fred Sanchez, president of Protect Our Benefits, urged the board to consider the IAFF's Center of Excellence and other culturally competent providers because members often require specialized, vetted treatment.

Executive Director Abby Yant said the health service system is working with Kaiser, Blue Shield and United to evaluate whether network inclusion or single-case agreements could provide appropriate treatment options; she noted that adding a service to a network requires meeting plan standards and can be lengthy. The board and staff identified potential short-term steps — expanding the EAP contract and proposing a budget enhancement to improve 24/7 services — while pursuing longer-term partnerships and asking the mayor's office for funding support.

The board did not take a final vote on a specific vendor or contract; members asked staff to report back with options and possible timelines.