Oakland, CA – Aug. 14, 2024 – West Oakland Health officially announced its rebranding to Baywell Health, effective immediately. This change reflects the historic organization’s
commitment to its community and renewed purpose “to be the trusted hub advancing the Bay Area Black community’s health and dignity.”

Founded and organized as the “West Oakland Health Council” in 1966 by four Black mothers, along with volunteer physicians, social workers, social justice advocates, and other community members, it was the first federally qualified health center in Alameda County. For nearly six decades, the organization has proudly served generations of individuals and families, extending far beyond their clinic sites in West and East Oakland and in South Berkeley. The new name and brand reflect their dedication and constant evolution to meet patients’ needs while also honoring a legacy of service, advocacy, and community partnerships.

“Throughout our history, we’ve been a community anchor for more than healthcare by advocating for African Americans and others who often felt invisible and unheard by the medical system.” said Robert Phillips, President, and CEO, Baywell Health. “We are an alternative where respect, compassion, and cultural understanding are the cornerstones of care. We stand firmly on these things as we embark on a journey to reimagine our identity, strengthen our commitment to our communities, and double down on our founders’ vision.”

“We are thrilled that Baywell Health’s new name and brand stand out as a symbol of their expansive work and impact in the community,” said Julia Liou, CEO, Asian Health Services. “For decades and throughout history, our collaboration and partnership have been critical to the health of our collective patients and communities, and we’re honored to work alongside and in close collaboration with a health center that continues to stay true to their mission and legacy.”

“Our community partnership has been instrumental in bringing health and healing to our communities,” said Thu Quach, President, Asian Health Services. “Baywell Health’s new name encompasses our continued partnership as we expand our Asian Black Solidarity Project, a powerful, replicable model of health care that goes beyond the clinic walls and redefines racial healing through a public health lens.”

New Name, Same Commitment to Our Community

The decision to change their name was not made lightly. While West Oakland Health originally served a community primarily in one geographical location, they have since broadened their reach and services to better meet the needs of a multi-generational, widely dispersed, and diverse patient population across the Bay Area.

“As the Black community has migrated throughout the Bay Area, so have the people we serve,” adds Phillips. “Our new name and brand reflect our evolving to meet our bedrock commitment to being the trusted hub advancing the Bay Area Black community’s health and dignity.”

The rebranding effort includes a beautiful new logo that honors Baywell Health’s founding Black women leaders, a community engagement campaign to listen and learn from their patients and partners, and a renewed commitment to advocating for the total health and well-being of the Black community.

Listening to Black Californians

The rebranding comes as Black Californians are demanding change. A recent research study conducted by Evitarus, in partnership with the California Healthcare Foundation, found that 31% of Black Californians report unfair treatment by a healthcare provider because of their race or ethnicity. In the Bay Area, this amounts to approximately 150,000 Black people reporting unfair treatment because of their race. They are demanding health services that understand their unique needs, are built on trust, offer culturally concordant care, and deliver measurable health equity. At a time when the practice of healthcare is making it more difficult for Asian, Black, Latinx, Native American and poor communities to be feel safe, seen, and treated with compassion, Baywell Health will still be driven by the same need that drove their founders.

As Baywell Health, the health center will continue its practice of offering all-inclusive, community-centered, health services under one roof, including adult medicine, pediatrics, optometry, gynecology and reproductive health, behavioral health, a full-service pharmacy, dental services, and more. But beyond providing health care services, Baywell Health will lean into the legacy formed during its infancy amid the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements, and become a hub of health, well-being, connection, and inspiration.

“Our core beliefs will remain unchanged,” says Phillips. “We will be a beacon of hope to our patients and community, a safe harbor built on the bedrock of respect, reliability, and
compassion.”

For more information about Baywell Health, please contact us at contact@baywellhealth.org.

FAQS

Q. Will there be any changes to the services?
A. No. Our commitment to providing quality healthcare remains unchanged.

Q. How will this affect my appointments and medical records?
A. Your appointments and medical records will remain unchanged.

Q. Does the rebranding represent a change in ownership or management?

A. We are not being acquired; we are growing to meet our communities’ needs better. Our staff,
comprehensive services, and convenient locations remain the same.

Q. Can I still access the same resources and programs at Baywell Health?
A. Yes, you will still have access to the same resources and programs.

Thank you for entrusting us with your healthcare needs.