Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Maternal and child health

The Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program provides free nutrition education, food vouchers, breastfeeding support, and referrals for low-income, pregnant women, women who recently lost their pregnancy, and low-income children under the age of five. 

IMMUNIZATION

Immunizations are one of the most effective ways to prevent illness. By staying up to date on your vaccinations, you can help protect yourself, your family and your community. Berkeley residents that are uninsured or underinsured may qualify for free vaccines at the West Berkeley Family Wellness Center Immunization Clinic. 

For more information, including operating hours, please visit Vaccination Services.

Nutrition

Get food assistance through one of the providers below:

• Berkeley Food Network
• Berkeley Food Pantry
• Alameda County Food Bank
• California CalFresh Program
• Meals and Groceries for Seniors
• Find more resources at FoodNow

Dental

If you have Medi-Cal, you can receive free or low-cost dental care through a dentist in Berkeley.

Visit the Medi-Cal Dental website to find additional providers outside of Berkeley or contact Medi-Cal Dental at 1 (800) 322-6384.

Heart health

The Heart 2 Heart program links residents in South Berkeley and North Oakland with needed resources and services to reduce the rates of hypertension, heart disease, and stroke occurrence.

Lead poisoning prevention

Find resources about keeping you and your family safe from lead poisoning through the California Department of Public Health. Berkeley’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program can provide educational resources and case management if your child has tested within a range requiring follow-up. Contact the program by emailing gettheleadout@berkeleyca.gov

Quit Smoking Classes

The City of Berkeley offers free 8-week classes to help you quit smoking. Our online quit smoking classes happen twice per year, on Thursday evenings from 6-8pm. To enroll in these classes or to learn more about other resources to stop smoking, please email quitnow@berkeleyca.gov or call (510) 981-5330.

Smoking is not allowed in any multi-unit housing in Berkeley. Learn more about the rules and how to submit a complaint.

Public Benefits Programs

You can apply for many public benefits through BenefitsCal including CalFresh, CalWORKS, Refugee Cash Assistance, and Medi-Cal.

You can also apply for Medi-Cal and CalFresh using the links below:

• Medi-Cal
• CalFresh

To apply by phone, call (510) 263-2420 or 1 (888) 999-4772.

Healthy Berkeley Program

Learn about the Healthy Berkeley Program’s community- and school-based strategies for reducing the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.