History of the department

Today I learned about the incredible history of the AIDS Office within the San Francisco Department of Public Health. It all started with a Hep B study for gay men in 1978. SF was 1 of 5 cities in the world performing Hep B studies. Eventually they produced a successful vaccine that we all receive before entering 7th grade. In 1981 the first official AIDS case was reported. Since SF saved all of the blood work from the Hep B study, they got permission to look back at the samples and test if any subjects were positive for HIV. It turned out that 2% of the individuals were HIV positive, this showing that HIV actually showed up before 1981. 10 years laster, they tested the entire study cohort to discover that 40% of them became HIV positive. The study of these individuals make up the most comprehensive documentation of the natural history of HIV. From here the AIDS office was formed.

The office is unique in many ways. It is the only city department of public health to have its own clinical trials office. They are probably the only office to host a drag show. They are leaders in HIV vaccine trials and have the highest enrolling sites. And many more things that I can't think of since I'm tired....