HISTORY AND SERVICES
In the late 1960’s federal funding became available to provide primary care services in medically underserved areas throughout the United States. West Oakland, a largely African American community, lacked affordable, accessible, culturally responsive and high quality health care services. Many residents were unable to afford care from nearby private medical practices and were
forced to seek care at the county hospital, often requiring long waiting times for appointments and difficulty accessing services by public transit. Community activists, organized and supported by our founders, four dedicated West Oakland African American women, established the West Oakland Health Council in 1967 to receive public funding, and to build and staff the West Oakland Health Center. Funding was received and services were initiated in 1969 at 700 Adeline Street. In subsequent years, as additional funding became available, the Council expanded to seven facilities serving West/North Oakland, East Oakland, Emeryville and Berkeley. We have proudly served generations of people and families for nearly six decades, extending far beyond our South Berkeley, West, and East Oakland areas. As our patients have resettled outside Oakland and Berkeley to places across the Bay Area, so must we. In keeping with our vision and honoring the legacy of our founders, in June 2024, The West Oakland Health Council launched a rebrand and name change to become Baywell Health. Our rebrand is not a change in ownership or management. We are not being acquired; we are growing to meet our communities' needs better. Our staff, comprehensive services, and convenient locations remain the same. What to expect:
A renewed focus on our purpose: To be the trusted hub advancing the Bay Area Black community's health and dignity. Improved services and programs at our same locations: Tailored to meet the specific needs of our community’s diversity. Stronger partnerships: We value your partnership and mutual commitment to our community and look forward to new shared opportunities to improve our community’s health. We are excited about this new chapter in our journey and the opportunity to continue serving you and your loved ones. Stay tuned for upcoming events and announcements as we celebrate this transformation. Our services include primary medical care (general medicine, gynecology and reproductive health, and pediatrics), dentistry, optometry, behavioral health care for adults and children, Medication Assisted Treatment services, and ancillary support - including pharmacy, laboratory, health education, and the W.I.C. nutritional supplement program. We a re Patient-Centered Medical Home and Accreditation by Joint Commission.
