2021-2023: Jim Desmond Was Absent For A Vote On Approving An Opioid Settlement Framework And Voted Against Receiving An Update On The County Substance Use Harm Reduction Strategy

2023: Desmond Was Absent For A Vote On Approving An Updated Opioid Settlement Framework, Which Included $7.5 Million For The East County Recovery Bridge Center

2023: Desmond Was Absent For A Vote On Approving An Updated Opioid Settlement Framework, Which Included $7.5 Million For The East County Recovery Bridge Center. “ACTION: ON MOTION of Supervisor Vargas, seconded by Supervisor Anderson, the Board of Supervisors took the following actions: 1. Received and approved the updated Opioid Settlement Framework, which is aligned with Opioid Settlement Agreements and new State guidance and approved Option B: B. Authorize the same spending plan referenced in Option A but also include a one-time investment of $7.5 million to support funding for the East County Recovery Bridge Center, part of Capital Project 1024603, replacing the $7.5 million unspent on the initially recommended drug disposal pilot program. Under this option ongoing investments would be supported through Fiscal Year 2028-29, instead of Fiscal Year 2030-31, with revenue from finalized and anticipated near-term settlements. 2. Directed the Chief Administrative Officer to report back on significant updates to the Opioid Settlement Framework that will include adjustments based on ongoing review of existing programs and according to any new guidelines for Opioid Settlement Funds. […] AYES: Vargas, Anderson, Lawson-Remer ABSENT: Desmond; (District 4 Seat Vacant).” [San Diego County Board of Supervisors, Meeting Minutes, 10/10/23]

San Diego Announced Plans To Build The Recovery Bridge Center, Which Would Provide Screenings For Substance Use, Counseling Services, And Connections To Ongoing Behavioral Health Services. “The County of San Diego is pleased to announce plans for the construction of a new East Region Crisis Stabilization Unit and Recovery Bridge Center. These services are part of an array of mental health and substance use services that are regionally distributed across San Diego County and will enable those living in East County to access the care they need. […] Recovery Bridge Center (RBC) […] Provides a safe, supervised, non-medical environment to stabilize individuals whose level of public intoxication puts themselves or others at risk and outpatient substance use disorder services to ensure continuity of care. Services are provided on a short-term basis, and may include: • Screenings for substance use or mental health conditions • Counseling services • Outpatient substance use disorder services • Resources and connections to ongoing behavioral health services.” [San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency, East Region Crisis Stabilization Unit and Recovery Bridge Center, accessed 5/15/26]

2021: Desmond Cast The Lone Vote Against Receiving An Update On The Comprehensive County Substance Use Harm Reduction Strategy

2021: Desmond Cast The Lone Vote Against Receiving An Update On The Comprehensive County Substance Use Harm Reduction Strategy. “Receive an update on the comprehensive County Substance Use Harm Reduction Strategy, inclusive of a Syringe Services Action Plan. […] ACTION: ON MOTION of Supervisor Fletcher, seconded by Supervisor Lawson-Remer, the Board of Supervisors received an update on the comprehensive County Substance Use Harm Reduction Strategy, inclusive of a Syringe Services Action Plan. AYES: Vargas, Anderson, Lawson-Remer, Fletcher NOES: Desmond.” [San Diego County Board of Supervisors, Meeting Minutes, 6/8/21]

Harm Reduction Was A Set Of Practical Strategies To Reduce Harms Associated With Drug Use And Save Lives. “Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies designed to reduce potential personal and public harms associated with drug use. The goal of harm reduction is to save lives and protect the health of people who use substances and preserve the integrity of their communities.” [San Diego County, Harm Reduction Services Program, accessed 5/15/26]

• American Medical Association Board Of Trustees Chair: “The AMA Again Is Asking State And Federal Policymakers To Embrace Steps That Will Save Lives By Ensuring Evidence-Based Treatment And Harm Reduction To Our Patients.” “The following statement is attributable to: Bobby Mukkamala, M.D. Chair, American Medical Association Board of Trustees Chair, AMA Substance Use and Pain Care Task Force. ‘We know the overdose epidemic is ravaging this country, and the National Center for Health Statistics tally of about 107,000 deaths in the past year confirms the problem is getting worse. Behind the numbers is thousands of grieving families. We need to help patients and their families with medically proven approaches to addiction. The AMA again is asking state and federal policymakers to embrace steps that will save lives by ensuring evidence-based treatment and harm reduction to our patients.’” [American Medical Association, Press Release, 5/11/22]