SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center (ZSFG) will mark its 150th anniversary this Sunday, August 28, 2022 — a day Mayor London Breed has proclaimed as “Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital Day” in honor of the hospital’s leading role in supporting public health for the San Francisco community since 1872.
“For 150 years, the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital has been a vital part of San Francisco by providing access to quality health care and services to our communities,” Mayor London Breed said. “From its early beginnings to the state-of-the-art facility our residents recognize today, this outstanding establishment along with their dedicated and professional team members continue to play a key role in San Franciscans’ health and well-being.”
The San Francisco General Hospital Foundation (SFGHF) will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the City’s landmark public hospital over the coming months by highlighting the storied history of ZSFG and its essential role in supporting San Franciscans through booms and busts, plagues and pandemics, natural disasters, and everything in between. San Franciscans will see stories showcasing the hospital’s rich history of innovation and inclusion through print ads, radio and TV spots, public banners and billboards, social media, and more.
SFGHF’s annual Hearts in San Francisco public art project will also feature 10 special mini heart sculptures this year celebrating the 150th anniversary of ZSFG. Those hearts will be among the 34 total hearts to be auctioned at the annual Hearts in SF event on February 9, 2023, a tradition that has raised more than $34 million to support patient care and innovation at ZSFG.
“ZSFG’s remarkable history is inseparable from the past, present, and future of San Francisco — the hospital has been on the frontlines of public health over the years,” Kim Meredith, CEO of San Francisco General Hospital Foundation, said. “We are thrilled to be able to share that story and showcase the truly exemplary resource that San Francisco has in ZSFG, which continues to evolve through its commitment to equity, inclusion, and innovation. As recent and past history have shown, our health is a shared asset, dependent on the health of everyone in our community, and investing in that asset is essential.”
On August 28, 1872, the City of San Francisco opened the doors to the City and County Hospital at 23rd and Potrero Streets, launching an investment in public health that has served successive generations of San Franciscans and remains a leader in public health today.
“During the 150 years we’ve been here, we have been a pillar of San Francisco’s health care system, serving those most in need and providing life-saving care during some of our City’s most historic moments,” Dr. Susan Ehrlich, CEO of ZSFG, said. “While a lot has changed over the years, one thing remains constant: the dedication and hard work of every person who works here, committed to our mission, vision, and place in this community. This anniversary is a celebration of those values, of the unparalleled importance of public health, and of all the health care and allied professionals, volunteers, and supporters who have made an impact on our patients’ lives and in advancing health, wellness, and equity in San Francisco.”
“Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital has been providing extraordinary care for generations of San Franciscans and I am thrilled to celebrate its 150th Anniversary,” said Dr. Grant Colfax, Director of Public Health. “This milestone presents a special opportunity to celebrate all of the great work that has come before and also join all of our partners to continue our promise of providing quality health care and trauma services with compassion and respect to all San Franciscans. I thank all of our dedicated staff, our community of patients, our partners, and the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation for their contributions to supporting the health of all of San Franciscans. ZSFG helps us deliver on our promise to empower all San Franciscans, without exception, to live the healthiest lives possible.”
SFGHF invites the community to celebrate the 150th anniversary of ZSFG through a host of opportunities:
Create a Heart Sculpture: SFGHF is currently accepting applications from local and regional artists of all backgrounds to create heart sculptures for the 2023 Hearts in San Francisco art project; apply by September 12, 2022.
Join us at Hearts in SF: SFGHF’s annual Hearts in SF event will take place on February 9, 2023, celebrating the 150th anniversary of San Francisco’s community public hospital and only Level 1 trauma center; stay tuned for details and opportunities to register.
Share your #ZSFG150 story: Follow SFGHF on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for snapshots into the history of ZSFG and use #ZSFG150 to share stories about the positive role ZSFG has played in your life and community.
Support ZSFG: Learn about the various ways you can support SFGHF’s mission to keep ZSFG at the forefront of innovation and equity in public health long into the future.
“For 150 years, Zuckerberg San Francisco General has advanced a singular vision of providing essential health care to all San Franciscans,” Janis MacKenzie, SFGHF Board President, said. “In celebrating this milestone, we honor all who came before us in making ZSFG the tremendous public resource and national health care leader it is today, and we embrace our role in ensuring that the hospital provides accessible, equitable health care for the next century and beyond.”
To learn more about ZSFG at 150, visit: zsfg150.org