Leading the effort to turn crisis response into a path to recovery

For too many Californians facing mental health or substance use crises, a call to 911 often sends them to an overcrowded emergency department—a loud, clinical setting not well equipped to handle the nuances of a psychological break or a chronic addiction struggle.

As a leader within the San Francisco Fire Department Community Paramedicine Division, 2026 Steinberg Institute Champion, Section Chief Michael Mason is rewriting the script for crisis intervention in California.

Chief Mason’s work is centered on this premise: people in crisis deserve the right support, in the right setting, at the right time. Under his leadership, the SFFD is moving away from the “default” ER transport. Instead, Mason is leading the Street Crisis Response Teams and overdose response initiatives, which meet individuals exactly where they are.

His contributions have brought new hope to the streets of San Francisco, notably through:

• Alternative Destinations: Empowering paramedics to bypass ERs in favor of sobering centers, crisis stabilization units, and psychiatric facilities.
• Buprenorphine Implementation: Providing life-saving medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder directly in the field.
• Quality Improvement: Establishing rigorous standards to ensure that “compassionate care” isn’t just a phrase, but a measurable outcome.

Beyond his leadership in bringing innovative approaches to crisis response,  Mason is recognized for the humanity he brings to the role. 

As cities across the country struggle with strained emergency systems, San Francisco has provided a blueprint for a more effective and humane approach. Michael has proven that effective response can be a bridge to recovery. For transforming crisis response into a system grounded in dignity and medical common sense, the Steinberg Institute is proud to honor Section Chief Michael Mason—a true champion for the most vulnerable members of our community.