The Prisoners' Health Project began operations in July, 1974 to provide health services to prisoners and work for comprehensive changes in San Francisco's jail health care. The Project was funded by the Department of Health, Education and Welfare through the Board of Supervisors. The project reported directly to the Director of Public Health. Policy was set by a staff steering committee and a Board of Directors composed of a majority of ex-prisoners active in local prisoner support groups. Project Director was Dr. Richard Fine, Chief of the Medical Outpatient Department, and the Security Ward 54 at San Francisco General Hospital. Former prisoners were given high priority for paid staff positions.