San Francisco

San Francisco launches public awareness campaign amid fentanyl crisis

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Amid a skyrocketing fentanyl crisis, San Francisco is announcing the launch of a public awareness campaign.

"We want people to know that it's OK to call when somebody is, when you see somebody that you're worried about their safety,โ€ said Francis Zamora with the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management.

San Francisco has been struggling with open-air drug dens and a spike in property crimes. The city also is at odds with itself over how to address homeless encampments throughout the city.

According to a report this summer from the medical examiner's office, there has been a 40% rise in the number of overdose deaths in San Francisco compared to last year.

Yet, some emergency services workers are worried they are only hearing about some of the issues.

The campaign is being launched because emergency services workers in San Francisco are concerned that residents are simply no longer calling 911 or 311 when they see someone in distress.

Sergio Quintana has more in the video above.

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