DATE:
March 24, 2026
27
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
RETURN BACK ON OPTIONS FOR ESTABLISHING A SAFETY NET BRIDGE PROGRAM TO ADDRESS ANTICIPATED GAPS IN SERVICES FOR RESIDENTS DISENROLLED FROM BENEFIT PROGRAMS AND AUTHORIZE IMPLEMENTATION PLANNING FOR A SAFETY NET BRIDGE PROGRAM PILOT (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
On November 4, 2025 (12), the San Diego County Board of Supervisors (Board) directed the Chief Administrative Officer to explore opportunities to establish a Safety Net Bridge program. This program would provide no-cost primary care medical services co-located with social services, same-day access to prescription medication free-of-charge, and same-day access to fresh food to address anticipated gaps in services due to barriers created by shifts in federal policy.
In partnership with the Board office that initiated this action, County of San Diego (County) staff assessed the anticipated impacts of new eligibility requirements, analyzed existing County and community resources, gathered extensive community input, and developed six potential options to support residents disenrolled from benefit programs. This work builds on a broader County strategy focused on proactive customer service, advocacy, technology solutions, workforce readiness, and strong community partnerships. The results of the assessment are included in the Safety Net Bridge Feasibility Analysis Report (Attachment A).
Today's action requests the Board receive the Safety Net Bridge Feasibility Analysis Report. In addition, today's action authorizes staff to develop and refine a proposed pilot in one or more of the identified high-need areas as outlined in the Implementation Plan in the Safety Net Bridge Feasibility Analysis Report and return to the Board within 180 days with the pilot proposal for approvals and authorizations needed to implement. These actions align with a larger, coordinated County strategy to strengthen the safety net and assist eligible persons ...
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