SFCHC’s Critical Programs Terminated in Major Federal Cuts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2026
San Francisco Community Health Center’s
Critical Programs Terminated in Major Federal Cuts
San Francisco, CA—San Francisco Community Health Center received notice today on devastating cuts to our CDC-funded programs as a part of the $600M in cuts to HIV, STD prevention and surveillance grants targeting California, Minnesota, Colorado, and Illinois.
Over $300,000 of SFCHC's funding was terminated this morning, effective February 11, 2026, and we expect to receive notice of additional terminations. These funds supported our TransHOPE program that has trained and empowered young community leaders to conduct peer-based education, outreach, and direct linkage to HIV, STI, and other essential health services, particularly for young transgender women in San Francisco. These are critical health care services that keep our most marginalized communities healthy and safe.
HIV prevention has been associated with a nearly 20% reduction in new HIV infections across the U.S. between 2010 and 2022.[1] The decisions being made will result in an irreparable loss to the backbone of our HIV and public health infrastructure here in San Francisco and across the country, and could drastically impact gains made against the spread of HIV in the U.S. that has taken years to achieve.
We have been the direct target of the Trump administration’s cruel and inhumane attacks from day one. This is an affront on the communities we are serving, particularly the transgender community. At a time when transgender communities already face disproportionate health disparities, violence, and discrimination, the loss of these programs threatens to reverse hard-won public health gains and disrupt trusted, community-led care networks that have been instrumental in keeping our community healthy and safe.
We are fighting back and engaging all partners in the city and state. We remain resolute in ensuring the transgender community continues to have access to the comprehensive range of services we have always provided. All programs and services at San Francisco Community Health Center continue to be readily accessible for our community members.
We urge community members, partners, and advocates to stand with us. Contact your elected officials, amplify the importance of HIV and STI prevention services, and speak out in support of transgender health equity.
Contact:
Diana Lieu
dlieu@sfcommunityhealth.org
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[1] https://www.amfar.org/news/cuts-to-the-cdcs-division-of-hiv/