African American Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub is set to be established in Antioch following a unanimous vote by the Antioch City Council on April 8, 2025. The initiative aims to combat long-standing racial disparities in health and wellness among African American residents in the area.
Lead project manager Dr. Kerby Lynch emphasized the importance of the Hub, stating, ‘This initiative is a response to the breakdowns in the community that were exacerbated by societal issues, including the recent racist text message scandal.’ The city council’s resolution to support the Hub reinforces Antioch’s commitment to exploring collaboration opportunities and addressing racial equity in health and economic opportunities.
The county has stated that racism contributes to disproportionate rates of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease and cancer, among African American residents.
The proposed Hub will operate within a phased implementation, beginning with mobile and satellite services, and aims to offer a range of culturally responsive and trauma-informed services. The location under consideration for the Hub is 1650 Cavallo Road, a county-owned facility.
During the council meeting, Dr. Lynch presented findings from community engagement efforts, including over 4,000 survey responses and multiple listening sessions that indicate a strong demand for health services tailored to the African American community.
The initiative seeks to address systemic health disparities in areas such as housing and economic support, with both immediate and long-term goals of improving accessibility and satisfaction with critical services for marginalized populations.
“We aim to create a Hub that leads by example, providing essential services while enhancing community engagement and wellness,” Dr. Lynch noted.
In alignment with this initiative, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors allocated Measure X funding to support the establishment of the Hub, underscoring the urgency of delivering expanded service provisions to affected communities.
The Antioch City Council unanimously voted to adopt a resolution supporting the development of the Hub, thereby signaling continued commitment to fostering equitable health outcomes in the region. This decision marks a significant step forward in collaborative efforts to improve the well-being of underserved residents within the community.
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