The West Oakland Health Council was founded in 1967 by a group of West Oakland residents who were concerned about limited access to quality and affordable health care services in the West Oakland area.

In 1969, following incorporation and fundraising, the Council opened the West Oakland Health Center, at 700 Adeline Street, to provide comprehensive, community based primary care services. Support for the Center was provided by the U.S. Public Health Service, Alameda County and others.

In subsequent years the Council expanded its services to other low income areas, and increased its range of services through the addition of mental health care, substance abuse recovery, and adult day health care. Today the Council operates Joint Commission accredited health centers, medical clinics, mental health treatment and substance abuse recovery facilities, and an Adult Day Health Center.

Service sites are located in West, North and East Oakland and Southwest Berkeley.