We’ve been an integral part of San Francisco history for 150 years, responding to the city’s health crises and working to improve the health and well-being of all San Franciscans.
Historic Milestones
NOW
ZSFG at 150 years!
From our humble beginnings as a small wooden structure to the expansive campus we know today, ZSFG has stood ready and at the forefront to provide care through many significant historical natural disasters and health crises in our city. Now, 150 years later, we continue to lead in research in health innovation and in providing compassionate care for the whole person and the whole city with the San Francisco Department of Public Health. Thank you, San Francisco.
2022
2020
COVID-19
The Coronavirus pandemic hits the world. ZSFG reacts by helping all in need and being a critical public health resource for information, care, and vaccine distribution in San Francisco.
A New Era in Care
In 2016, construction of our new facility was completed. Today, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center cares for 20% of all San Franciscans.
2016
2008
San Franciscans OK New Hospital Building
84% of San Francisco voters passed Proposition A to build a new acute care and trauma center on the original hospital site. In 2011, San Francisco General Hospital Foundation launched the Heart of Our City Capital Campaign to raise funds.
Pioneering HIV/AIDS Care
The first AIDS case was confirmed at San Francisco General Hospital. The hospital opened Ward 58, the first AIDS inpatient unit in the US, and Ward 86, the first outpatient clinic dedicated to AIDS – setting the world standard for care and treatment of AIDS.
Photo Courtesy of San Francisco General Hospital Historical Archives
1981
1972
The City’s Trauma Center
San Francisco General Hospital became a pioneer in trauma care and, in 1972, received its Federal Trauma Center designation, which it has held ever since.
Photo Courtesy of San Francisco General Hospital Historical Archives
For All San Franciscans
The hospital was providing 75% of all hospital care for San Franciscans who couldn‘t afford payment – with UCSF faculty staff, a house staff of young physicians, undergraduate and postgraduate nursing students, and 150 volunteers.
Photo Courtesy of San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library
1930
1906
The Great Earthquake and Fire
The Great San Francisco Earthquake struck on April 18th – destroying over 80% of the city and killing 3,000 people. Luckily the hospital was spared and became “a Mecca where all the sick and injured, be their situation what it may, sought shelter and treatment.”
Photo Courtesy of San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library
San Francisco’s First Public Hospital
The first official City and County Hospital was built at the present Potrero Avenue location. In 1873, the hospital began its agreement with UCSF.
Photo Courtesy of San Francisco General Hospital Historical Archives
1872
1849
Early Settlement Days
Before the Gold Rush, San Francisco was a tiny settlement, pop. 850. Once gold was discovered, that quickly changed. The city’s population exploded and so did problems with sanitation and rampant illness, including cholera, tuberculosis, fevers, and smallpox.
Photo Courtesy of San Francisco General Hospital Historical Archives
Heart of Our City
History in the Making
Capital Campaign Launched in 2011
In 2011, San Francisco General Hospital Foundation launched the Heart of Our City Capital Campaign and went on to raise $135 million by early 2015. One of our pediatricians, Priscilla Chan, MD, and her husband, Mark Zuckerberg, donated $75 million to the effort — making it the largest private gift from an individual to a public hospital in the country.
In recognition of this generous gift, we added their names to our hospital. That’s why today, we are known as Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center.