Santa Clara County Drug Deaths Double Amid Mayor Mahan's Dual Public Safety and Mental Health Push

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan recently underscored the critical intersection of public safety and mental health, citing Stanford University Professor Keith Humphreys on the urgent need for intervention. The Mayor's comments come as Santa Clara County grapples with a significant rise in drug-related fatalities, which have doubled from 202 in 2016 to 432 last year. Mahan's administration is advocating for a comprehensive strategy to address individuals who pose a "danger to themselves and others."

Mayor Mahan has implemented a "zero tolerance policy" for public drug crimes in San Jose, emphasizing both law enforcement and treatment. "If you are using drugs on the street, we will do everything in our power to get you into treatment," Mahan stated, outlining a "carrot and stick" approach that combines arrests with increased access to treatment programs and supportive resources. This stance aims to prevent the city's drug problem from escalating to levels seen in other Bay Area cities.

Professor Keith Humphreys, a psychiatry professor at Stanford University and former senior drug policy adviser for the Obama administration, supports a multi-faceted approach. Humphreys highlighted that ending open-air drug markets requires "complete alignment" among police, social services, and the courts. He noted that San Jose's lower tolerance for public drug use, compared to San Francisco, has historically helped deter overt drug dealing.

Despite San Jose's proactive measures, challenges persist, including thinly staffed law enforcement and resource-deprived county departments. The mayor is pushing for stronger legislation, such as SB43, which would expand the definition of "gravely disabled" to facilitate treatment access. Experts emphasize that the demand for substance abuse services often outstrips the available supply, underscoring the need for greater investment in rehabilitation facilities.

The city's strategy also includes increased police patrols and community engagement to report drug-related activities. Mayor Mahan asserted, "We are the safest big city in the Bay Area, and we are going to keep it that way." The ongoing efforts reflect a commitment to public safety through accountability and accessible treatment, striving to reduce both crime and the tragic toll of drug overdoses.