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DPH director's report: HIV diagnoses down 20%, Project Reach grant, AB 2115 expands methadone take-homes
Summary
Deputy director reported a 20% decline in HIV diagnoses since 2022, expanded viral suppression and linkage to care, a $100,000 Project Reach grant for surgical needs of people experiencing homelessness, recognition of EVS week, and described AB 2115 authorizing 72-hour methadone take-home flexibilities effective immediately under an urgency clause.
Deputy Director Bob presented highlights of the department's recent work to the Health Commission, including improved HIV outcomes, workforce recruitment, community events and new state policy affecting methadone access.
Bob said San Francisco has seen a 20% decrease in new HIV diagnoses since 2022, with improvements in viral suppression and linkage to care; he said the annual HIV report will come to the commission in December for a fuller review. He credited expanded testing programs and pre-exposure prophylaxis among the contributing factors. "Some really wonderful news here," he said when summarizing the HIV findings.
On staffing, Bob noted a successful ZSFG nurses hiring event that drew more than 43 candidates. He also acknowledged the first SF Promotora Conference, organized by DPH staff, which recognized community promotoras who contributed to the city's COVID-19 response.
Bob announced Project Reach, a joint program that received a $100,000 grant to address surgical needs of people experiencing homelessness through open-access and drop-in appointments. He also recognized Environmental Services (EVS) week and thanked EVS workers across DPH.
On policy, Bob reported that Governor news included signing Assembly Bill 2115, which he described as increasing access to methadone take-homes (allowing 72 hours of take-home methadone in hospitals or clinics) and aligning state rules with SAMHSA flexibilities; because an urgency clause was attached, parts of the bill can take effect immediately and local clinics were exploring implementation.
Bob closed by noting DPH's activation of heat-advisory monitoring and cross-system coordination to protect vulnerable populations during a hot spell. Commissioners thanked staff for the updates and asked for follow-up materials and more detailed reviews at subsequent meetings.
