Christopher Gil, Senior Content Marketing Specialist
(415) 282-3334 ext. 152
cgil@medasf.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2015
Education on Street Safety the Goal of Mission Promise Neighborhood Grant
Sense of urgency after recent accidents in Mission neighborhood
San Francisco, CA –The Mission Promise Neighborhood (MPN) has announced its receipt of a grant to foster street safety for Mission District residents.
The Department of Public Health and the San Francisco Municipal Transit Authority have partnered with agencies serving corridors of high pedestrian injury to bring awareness about street safety. In 2014, the MTA rolled out this initiative with an ad campaign on buses, light rails, in bus shelters and at light-rail stations, with the goal to promote awareness about street safety.
Last year’s pedestrian statistics showcase the need for education, with 800 struck and 21 killed in San Francisco.
This year has not started off any better. On January 10th, a motorcyclist suffered fatal injuries after colliding with a pedestrian on Van Ness Avenue and McAllister Street, right near City Hall. The pedestrian survived.
The Mission District has not fared any better in 2015, with two incidents of note last week. On January 29th, in broad daylight, a three-year-old was struck by a car while crossing at Mission and 21st streets. The following day at the nearby, bustling intersection of Mission and 16th streets, a MUNI bus and a car collided, with pedestrians scrambling to avoid being struck.
“These recent incidents showcase the need for community engagement on the issue of pedestrian safety,” explains Avni Desai, MPN Community Health and Safety Program Manager. “Education is a step in the right direction. Our aim is to start a downward trend in pedestrian injuries and deaths in San Francisco. Now is the time to start.”
One innovative approach to be employed by the Mission Promise Neighborhood is to disseminate information on pedestrian awareness via promotoras, who have a long history in the Latino community of outreach on safety issues.
MEDA will also be convening a community forum on this issue in March, with the Department of Public Health and the San Francisco Municipal Transit Authority invited.
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About Mission Promise Neighborhood
The Mission Promise Neighborhood is a citywide community partnership that was created to support kids and families living, working and attending school in the Mission District. It brings together schools, colleges, community organizations and community leaders to help kids graduate and families achieve financial stability.
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Thank you for the feedback. Please contact adesai@medasf.org for more information on community safety.