Health Commission declares anti-Black racism a public‑health crisis and faces calls to remove sheriff's deputies from hospitals

The San Francisco Health Commission voted unanimously to adopt a resolution declaring anti‑Black racism a human‑rights and public‑health crisis, approving a text drafted with the Human Rights Commission and community groups.

Nyesha Underwood of DPH and Britney Chiquata (acting chief of staff, Human Rights Commission) introduced the resolution on behalf of Mega Black SF and other community partners, saying it documents how structural racism has driven disparities across housing, health, income and criminal-justice systems. "This resolution is intended to uplift the truth that racism, not race, is the driving force of many of the outcomes and indicators," Chiquata said.

The meeting included an extended public-comment period. Dozens of callers—many identifying themselves as DPH clinicians, hospital staff or community leaders—expressed support for the resolution and urged additional actions. Several callers asked the commission to remove or defund the San Francisco Sheriff's Department (SFSD) from DPH sites, arguing law-enforcement presence in hospitals harms patients and communities of color. "Law enforcement is not the appropriate security service for healthcare spaces," physician Juliana Morris told commissioners during public comment.

Commissioners debated a handful of wording changes and an authored insertion that had been added to the draft after community drafting. After discussion and a motion to remove the contested 'intersectionality' whereas clause introduced by the commission secretary, the Commission approved the resolution with the contested clause removed. The motion to adopt the resolution was moved by Commissioner Chao and seconded by Commissioner Gerardo; a roll-call vote recorded unanimous support from present commissioners.

Director Colfax and community leaders said they view the resolution as a basis for measurable DPH actions and accountability. Cheryl Davis, Director of the Human Rights Commission, told the board the resolution grew from recent community convenings and emphasized the importance of centering Black San Franciscans. "We want to really state unapologetically to own and to walk into that," Davis said.

The adopted resolution includes multiple DPH-oriented actions and a commitment to ongoing partnership with community and the Human Rights Commission. Several public commenters said those actions should include immediate steps to end the Sheriff's Department's security role at San Francisco General Hospital and community clinics and to redirect funds toward community-based safety, housing and mental-health services. The Commission did not adopt a separate, immediate policy removing the Sheriff's Department at this meeting; commissioners and staff said they will continue to engage with community partners on next steps and implementation.