Rafiki Coalition works closely with partners and the city to strongly advocate for reducing health disparities in the underserved communities of San Francisco.
Approximately 1/3 of San Francisco’s Blacks live in the Bayview/Hunters Point district. Over half of the land in San Francisco zoned for industrial use is located in the Bayview/Hunters Point area, creating poor air quality and significant environmental health conditions. Residents of San Francisco’s Bayview/Hunters Point neighborhood have an average life expectancy that is 14 years shorter than their counterparts on Russian Hill. The Bayview has the highest number of children in San Francisco but the lowest number of pediatricians.
Umoja Health Access Point Program
Black and African American individuals face disproportionate rates of HIV while having poorer outcomes at virtually all stages of the HIV Care Continuum. Rafiki, in partnership with San Francisco AIDS Foundation, 3rd St Youth Center & Clinic, Positive Resource Center, and UCSF Alliance Health Project, are developing a one-stop-shop Health Access Point (HAP) to generate innovative, creative, and holistic approaches to addressing the crises of HIV, STD, and HCV infection and related health and social issues within the SF B/AA community. The HAP will bring together experienced partners, community members and consumers, and local resources and providers to enable Rafiki to directly deliver comprehensive HIV, STD, and HCV testing, treatment, support, and navigation services, including PrEP navigation, at our own facilities. These community-focused services will provide a whole person care program that is holistic, accessible, welcoming, sex-positive, and offered through an African American centered wellness approach that fosters self-determination, pride, self-esteem, collaboration, and community involvement in a safe and thriving multi-generational community gathering space. Stay tuned to our calendar or newsletter for upcoming events.
