>> so good morning, everyone. i want to welcome everyone and thank you all for coming here today: you know, as mayor of the city, it is one of our core responsibilities as a government to provide public safety to our residents and preparedness for any emergencies that come about. both these issues have and always will be a top priority of mine. anyone in calling 911 in our city needs to make sure there's a live person on the other end of the line when they make that phone call. it is sometimes a matter between life and death. and our 911 dispatch center has

seen an increased call volume of 44% since 2011. that is a dramatic increase here in the city of san francisco. it equates to dispatchers answering approximately 1,000 more calls perday. that's 1,000 more calls perday since seven years ago. with a growing population in the city of san francisco, we have to anticipate that this call volume will not decrease but will only increase here in the city of san francisco. and last year, our 911 dispatch center, despite many efforts, was falling short on response times. recognizing the importance of this, mayor lee created a task force to look at the issue, along with many of the people standing behind me here today. along with increased hiring strategies, the task force came up with a number of innovative approaches to help our dispatch center, tapping 311 to handle

non-emergency calls. welcoming back recently retired veteran dispatchers to duty, and hiring, training and retaining more dispatchers than ever before. as mayor it has been a top priority of mine to continue to improve our 911 dispatch times. we have put a number of policies in place over the last year to improve our response times, but we cannot rest on our laurels and we have to do more here in the city of san francisco if we want to continue to emphasize san francisco safety for -- public safety for our san francisco residents. and since these strategies have been implemented, we have seen an increase in our response times by 22 is. which is good but we have nor work to do. we have to continue to bolster our dispatch here here at our department of emergency management. so today, i'm introducing new funding to tackle exactly that

issue. we are investing $8.9 million over the next two years to train 90 new dispatchers here at the department of emergency management to continue to improve our response time, to make sure that our 911 response times are over the 90% national standard that exists today. we want to make sure our dispatchers have the resources they need to respond to calls quickly. in addition, we are giving them the tools and the technology that they need to do their job appropriately. so the budget also includes technology upgrades that will shorten the time it takes to dispatch fire and medical assistance on our streets. it also includes power loss prevention tech 23408g to ensure utility disruption will not interfere with our center right here. in short, this funding over the next two years will make sure we have a world class dispatch center here in san francisco. our residents deserve nothing

less. meeting the national standard of 90% call times within ten seconds demands a fully staffed department and dispatch center, and i am thrilled as mayor to be making these investments for the public safety of our residents. in addition, i want to talk about vst investments that we are making for our fire department through this budget. the men and women of our fire department save lives every single day here in the city of san francisco. we have some of the best men and women firefighters here in the city of san francisco. we need to continue to give them the tools they need to continue to do this beers. this package will include $15 million for new firefighter apparatus, fire trucks, engines, ambulances and command

vehicles. the new ambulances are outfitted with cameras to make sure drivers have better sight lines so they're better able to navigate our very tight and congested streets here in the city of san francisco. our men and women in the fire department are also responding to increased medical calls here in the city of san francisco, so today i'm announcing we're investing $1.5 million for the fire department to add an additional quick response vehicle. this team and the budget to support them will build upon the success of the ms-6 program that responds to high frequency emergency service users. the team will provide 24/7 medical response to call services and ambulances that are needed in our streets where we need an ambulance or a fire engine.

this team will also alleviate the appreciate on the larger fire vehicles to come to the scene. combined with the additional investments we've made over the past few weeks and that we have announced, i want to make sure that san francisco residents know that we are investing in the future of the city, that we are investing to make sure the streets of san francisco are as safe as can be, and those that are on our streets can get the help that they need and off the streets as quickly as possible. since day one as being mayor, i've always states that public safety has been my top priority. these investments and the funding we're making reflect exactly that. as mayor of the city of san francisco, i want to make sure that i leave our city in a safer place than when i took office, and i believe these investments will do exactly that. so i want to thank everyone for being here today, and with that, i want to turn it over to

our director of the department of emergency management, ann croneberg. >> thank you, may or farrell. thank you so much for your unwaivering support of public safety here in san francisco, first as a member of the board of supervisors and now as mayor of san francisco. as the mayor stated over the last six months we've implemented strategies here at d.e.m. that have allowed us to maintain our goal of answering 90 is pfrs of our 911 calls within ten seconds or less. the first part of our strategy focused on hiring and training new dispatchers. it takes about nine months to a year to fully train a dispatcher, so it's a long process, it's a huge commitment. the fact that the mayor is giving us the funding in the next two years to hire additional 90 dispatchers will make a huge difference for us here at d.e.m.

last year we added almost 40 new dispatchers and we're seeing the results of that right now with our 90% call answering time. the second part of our strategy was to make sure that the public knew which calls should be going to 911 and which calls should be going to 311. as the mayor stated, 40% of our calls that come into the call center really are not emergencies, so here we are, trying to address that issue and let the residents and the visitors to san francisco know that we have a highly functional 311 center that also operates 24-7 that people can call for non-emergency kind of issues. we also had an ad campaign this last year, which i think really helped us in educating the public who could call. at the department of emergency management, we reach more than

25 million people through our ad campaign last year, through social media, bus ads. you probably saw the ads on bus shelters, as well, be it the 311 or # 11. our strategies have increased our hiring, redirected calls, and allowed the public to be better educated. the announcement today of the additional $8 million to hire and train 90 new public safety dispatchers over the next two years is critical to maintain san francisco's ability to meet and exceed our call standards. for our residents, businesses, and visitors, this is an investment in our ability to quickly receive help when you have an emergency when you call 911. for our dedicated and hard working 911 dispatchers, this is also an investment in you. you've worked long hours over the last few years, oftentimes working mandatory over time,

being away from your family, being away from your loved ones. with the continued investment in 911, we are hoping that we have the appropriate staffing level and that people will be able to have a life outside of work, as well. so thank you, mayor farrell, again for your vision and for your investment in san francisco's 911 system. the collaboration and coordination that we have here in san francisco between our public safety departments is something that we think is quite wonderful. we work very closely with the fire department and the police department. none of us could do it by ourselves. really, it is this investment in the entire public safety system that's going to make a difference. so at this point, i'm going to turn it over to my friend and colleague, chief hayes-white, to say a few remarks. >> good morning, everyone. thanks for coming out.

first and foremost, i'd like to acknowledge and applaud mayor farrell for his efforts not only as surprise but as our mayor. as he said, he has always prioritized public safety and for that we are grateful. he has always been a champion about keeping our community safe. with all of the challenges that we see in an ever growing city that we want to keep safe. also, like to thank mayor farrell for his investment in the department of emergency management. it's all about partnerships and collaboration, and the funding is much needed at the department of emergency management. that is the first agency that's call when someone is in need of help, and you need to have a high functioning department in department of emergency management to be able to get the appropriate resources out to the streets of san francisco via the san francisco fire department and san francisco police department so thank you for that investment. that's where it all starts. we're very proud to say that it was a privilege working for

mayor lee, just as it's a privilege working for mayor farrell, and mayor farrell has expanded upon some of the initiatives of the lee administration. as he mentioned, over $13 million for new equipment to keep our members safe and our community safe. it's very important that we have state of the art equipment. it does a few things. not only does it add to the safety of our members, but it achieves goals such as vision zero goals. all of our specifications now for apparatus, talked about the importance of vision zero. making sure we have environmentally responsible vehicles to the highest he mission standards as well as moragile vehicles to navigate through our windy and narrow streets here in san francisco. so making that investment and bringing on a new you are fleet will achieve a whole lot of different things that we really appreciate. just as the department of

emergency management has experienced a boost in their call volume. we have, as well. it kind of makes sense, right? 25% increase in call volume since 2013. we're one of the busiest fire departments in the nation. we run over 150,000 calls a year, and we pride ourselves in getting to the scene within about a five minute time period. if it's a medical call and someone needs transport, our response times are back where they should be in that we get an ambulance to the scene within ten minutes 90% of the time and that's because again, the great investment that we've started making in the lee administration and has continued in the farrell administration. we appreciate the continued support of mayor farrell and look forward to continuing to serve the residents and visitors to our beautiful city. thank you. [applause] >> so thanks, everyone. we're going to conclude the press conference. we'll be available to talk and answer questions on the side here. thanks, everyone.

>> my name is amanda [inaudible] over see the girls sports program. when i came to san francisco and studied recreation and parks and towerism and after i graduated i moved to candlestick park and grain r gain adlot of experience work with the san francisco 49 and [inaudible] be agfemale in a vore sports

dynamic facility. i coached volo ball on the side and as candle stick closed down the city had me move in92 too [inaudible] >> immediate interaction and response when you work with kids. i think that is what drives other people to do this. what drew me to come to [inaudible] to begin with for me to stay. i use today work in advertising as a media buyer and it wasn't fulfilling enough and i found a opportunity to be a writing coach. the moment [inaudible] you to take advantage of how you change and inspire a child by the words you say and actions you do. >> you have a 30 different programs for girls through rec and park and fast ball, soft ball and volley ball. i

started the first volley ball league and very proud what i have done with that. being a leader for girls is passion and showing to be confident and being ambiggish and strong person. [inaudible] for about 5 years. programs offered thraw thirty-three rec and park and oversee thg prms about a year. other than the programs we offer we offer summer camp squz do [inaudible] during the summer and that is something i wherei have been able to shine in my role. >> couple years we started the civic center socking league and what an amazing opportunity it was and is it for kid in the neighborhood who come together every friday in the civic center plaza on green grass to run and play. you otonly see soccer and poetry but also see books t. is a really promoting

literacy to our kid and giving them to tools to make it work at home. real fortunate to see the [inaudible] grow. >> girls get pressureed with society and i know that is obvious, but we see it every day, magazines, commercials the idea what a woman should look like but i like to be a strong female role for it goals that play sports because a lot of times they don't see someone strong in a female role with something connected with sports and athleticism and i love i can bring that to the table. >> soccer, poetry, community service. we now have field of dreams. we are [inaudible] all over the bay area and excited to be share our mission with other schools across the bay to really build the confidence and character of kids when they go out to play and close their eyes and think, why was

[inaudible] we want to make sure-i want to make sure they remember me and remember the other folks who [inaudible] >> get out there and do it. who cares about what anybody else says. there will be poopal people that come up and want to wreck your ideas. that happen today eme when i went to candle stick part and wanted to [inaudible] people told me no left and right. whether you go out for something you are passionate about our something you want to grow in and feel people will say no. go out and get it done. i can be the strong leader female and i love that.

>> good morning, i want to give a special welcome to mayor ferrell, and supervisor sheehy and san francisco general hospital and this incredibly special place ward 86. it is special for so many reason. it has played such a pivotal historic role in addressing the hiv-aids epidemic and now in ending the same epidemic and very excited to welcome mayor ferrell to this podium to address the group on this very wonderful day. >> thank you dr. ehrlich. i want to thank everybody for

joining us here today and i want to thank dr. ehrlich and all the staff here at san francisco general hospital and for hosting us here today. this hospital, our city in particular where we have been through the aids crisis dating back to the 1980s and it is fitting that we are hereth to and to highlight your continuing commitment to fighting the epidemic. our lawmakers community leaders, providers and advocates and many of whom are standing here with me today we are closer than ever to getting to our goal. zero new infections, zero deathst and zero stigma. in 2016 we had a report low of 223 new hiv infections in san francisco. these accomplishments are the

result of strategic investments in prevention, treatment and social services that we will continue here in the city of san francisco. this requires a sustained commitment to funding in our city, which is why since 2012 the city has backfilled more than $12 million in federal hiv cuts. today our spending approaches $60 million every single year, but we have a lot more to accomplish. we have to reduce december decer parties between the african-american and latino community. this discussion will highlight and help those in youth communities, lgbftg community.

includes 2.8 million to offset cuts made through the federal center for disease control. these support prevention programs and increased community access to testing an linkage across the community. also includes 1.4 million to support getting to zero. this will increase prep outreach and navigate outreach and employment for those with hiv. these are critical to ending hiv and aids here in fran. i am can feel that the people behind me and the working working here in san francisco, researchers, providers and members of our community women puwillput these funds to good u.

i want to bring up someone that is a former colleague and also a friend but the first time i got to know this individual is because he was an advocate for getting to zero and a leader for that move. here in san francisco when i was budget chair, we had earnest and strong conversations about the topic, but i have not met a more convincing and a more proactive advocate getting the zero than that individual. i want to welcome supervisor jeff sheehy. [applause] > >> this is the first time i have been back here since being appointed by mayor lee, so it's a special moment. this was the first outpatient hiv clinic in the country and

some of the people are still here and still working 30 years plus into the epidemic. the very first patients who came in, none of them made it out. there are stories of people will tell of the doctors and nurses and caregivers sitting around the table and everybody crying because there was nothing they could do. this place has special meeting because it's the place where getting to zero is hatched. we made substantial progress and couldn't have done it without the support of the city, mayor lee and now mayor ferrell. i really want to thank mayor ferrell for his commitment that goes back to being on the board for the finance committee the idea of no new hiv infectionst

and no hiv deathst and no stigma, people thought we didn't know what we were talking about, but the great thing is we did get new tool. we did find out that if somebody who manages to control hiv in their blood undetectable, so there is no hiv detected that they cannot pass the virus on to someone else who is not hiv positive, that is an amazing thing. undetectable equals uninfectious. we had the tool that shows if you take this pill every day and you don't have hiv, you are greater than 95% protected against infection. in fact at kaiser since they have implemented this and thousands of patients later, they have yet in san francisco to see an infection. if you do both at the statement,

you test them, treat them successfully until they are undetectable and reach out to everybody and get them on pre prophylaxis, you can send the epidemic and that is the program that we have been doing. first of all, getting this funding to sustain this effort is huge because as people and many folks behind me are involved in this consortium, there are communities that we are still not reaching both in terms of testing, in terms of treating and getting on pre exposure prophylaxis. this is the hard work now. thank you to president obama and the affordable care act which pays for these treatments but the hard slog is talking to people who historically have not

had good access to the health care system and historically experienced disparities. we will be bring r. bringing people into the health care sim system who have not been served by it. hiv is the gate waisway. we will be able to treat a whole bunch of symptom. i want to give a salute to the department of public health, the finest in the country. i am so proud of the work that we do this tremendous institution. dr. ehrlich is here. i worked here and i couldn't get treated here because this hospital serves the under the served and has historically done that, so if you didn't have insurance you were here, but they didn't take insurance. these are the best doctor.

people don't realize we have the finest docks, they have ucf doc. they come with the best credentials in the country and they come here to serve those that suffer the greatest disparity. i want to thank the mayor for not only getting to zero but the bacbackfills because we have toe able to continue to test and link people to care. i want to thank everybody for being here. it's emotional being back here and it's the first time i have been back on this ward since i left and became supervisor. i want to salute the people that work onward 86 and work at my hospital. they are my hero. thank you. [applause]

i need to introduce the next speaker. i would like to introduce dr. thomas aragon. >> good morning, how is everyone? my name is dr. thomas aragon, i am the public health officer in the city of san francisco and i grow up in this neighborhood. in 1988 i started clinical training here so i am very proud to be here today as your health officer. in san francisco in the department of public dealtdeparr approach is based on embodying and promoting universal dignity

and equity for all. our new mission statement is protect health and well-being for all in san francisco. our vision, making san francisco the healthiest place on earth. mayor mark ferrell and my district supervisor jeff sheehy. what's up. sorry. embody and promote these values and the biggest champions of making san francisco the healthiest place on earth. we owe a huge gratitude to them. yoheard about the racial disparities. in african-american men it is

2.5 higher and for latinos it is 2.1 higher and our campaigns we are goin doing. when you have a chance look at some of these amazing posters. this was done with a lot of work doing ethnographic research in the community and figuring out how to do this from a strength-based perspective. john melacar is leading this effort at the department of public health. first san francisco deemploys a world class syringe access and disposal program because it is the best evident-based practice that reduces syringe sharing among persons and reducing hiv,

hepatitis c and hepatitis b. second, for reducing risk of infection from syringes they are the most important group to reduce infections because they have the highest risk of getting multiple pathogen. i want to end by reminding us by keeping the prevalence of infection as low as possible by persons who inject are important to all of us and moves us toward our vision of making fran the healthiest place on earth. thank you. [applause]

>> my name is himen scott. i am a physician here and i moved to san francisco to train and work at ucsf to work at this clinic, so i am a proud provider here and i am proud of the staff -- here we take care of patients living with hiv and at risk for hiv offering prep. i started a young african-american on prep who moved to san francisco and heifehadnever heard of it. he heard about it from his friends and sex partner. this is the power of how networks and friends and families and partners can influence individual's uptake of prep. i think campaigns are a great way to encourage this conversation and prep is more

than taking a pill. it's a program and for this young man we were able to get him connected to primary care and get him his vaccinations and ensure he had other support he needed, access to housing and case math and some structural barriers that african-american and latino man are facing on a daily base. basis. the prep navigation was supported by the getting to zero program and our navigators communicate with this patient almost daily when he initiated prep in an effort to keep him on help. we have seen several zero conversions particularly among afric.we have seen this challenh

uptake and pir cis tense and staying on prep and the getting to zero campaigns are in place to support these individuals staying in care, so i along with the navigator text with my patient frequently to help him stay engaged and meeting him where he is and i think that is the ethos for all the work that we do here and not just forcing people into a system that might not work for them but trying to change the system so it does work for them because we want to help people stay in care whether living with hiv or wanting to access prep. i want to turn the podium over to diane halvelier for remarks and closeout. >> good morning. i am diane halvelier and i am a professor and physician and have

been working in the aids response since the epidemic. people come from all over the world to see our beautiful city. people from the health world come from all around the world to see getting to zero. as you heard getting to zero is an imwish effort to get to zero new infections, zero deaths from hiv and zero stigma and we have set a target of 90% reductions by 2020 an 2020 about less than0 infections per year. this was launched by many of the people standing up here in 2013 when we met together at the lgbt center and realized we could do more with strategy and coordination across sectors.

when we launched getting to zero, we had a first few flagship programs and the first was expanding prep. we also have a program where we are trying to strengthen care, people who have fallen out of care and we need to welcome them and we sponsor add progra sponsm called rapid. between the time someone gets tested and they start care they fall out of the system. here right down the hall, ground zero for hiv care, we started a rapid program where we offer treatment on the same day that people are infected with hiv. this is good for the individual and keeps them healthier and

reduces transmission. dr. coffee, the director is standing at the back of the room and i'm sure would love to answer any question. last week i was at the united nations at a meeting for for geneva and one of my colleagues who runs the program in ban rock. they startebangkok.they startedr results are better than ours and it shows you the exten extent ad impact we are having. back to san francisco are we getting results from getting to zero? i think we do have. we have 50% in reduction. contrast that to the united states where over 6 years we only had 16% reduction.

it is going to get harder because we are going to need to address disparities in our city. everyone knows about these and that is where this funding is so important because this funding is going to be target as you heard on prevention and treatment for populations that are disproportionately affected by the epidemic including african-americans, transgender, hihispanicings and transgendered youth. just to step back and summarize and say this funding is crucial because of the status quo we are not going to make it and secondly this funding reflecting the values of our city. finally, this funding is going to benefit the citizens of our city, but also the hiv community

around the world and for that you are fulfilling your service to others and we ever deep gratitude, so thank you very much. [applause] >> that's it everyone. the press conference is over and i think all of us would be happy to answer any questions on the side. thank you.