Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Maternal and child health

Low-income children can receive free preventive health services, including health exams and dental screenings through the Child Health and Disability Prevention (CDHP) and Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Programs.

The Child Health and Disability Prevention Program (CHDP) helps to prevent and find health problems through regular no- or low-cost health checkups for children who qualify. Learn more about the program from CHDP Information Brochure, available in different languages. Contact a Berkeley CHDP pediatric office.

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. 

Nutrition

Get quick, budget-friendly recipes, tips for eating healthy and getting active with CalFresh Healthy Living.

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@cityofberkeley.info

Quit Smoking Classes

Attend a "Freedom From Tobacco" Quit Smoking Class for support with quitting. Look for upcoming classes on our event calendar, or contact us at QuitNow@cityofberkeley.info or by calling: (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 MyBenefitsCalWIN, 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.