Bayview Hunters Point Health and Environmental Resource Center

Since 2001, the Health and Environmental Resource Center (HERC) has been dedicated to improving the quality of life of residents of Bayview, Hunters Point, Potrero Hill, Silver Avenue, and Visitacion Valley by reducing disparities in their health using health assessments, health education and counseling, and referral via patient navigation to qualified medical providers. Our model of trained health educators and community health workers reaching out and educating children in the schools, seniors in the community, and adults in their homes is working very well.

Our primary focus today is on respiratory diseases such as Asthma and COPD and includes advocacy for environmental justice and policy changes that promote clean air and improve public health. HERC also provides acupuncture and wellness services, women's health support, and home assessments. Additionally, HERC operates a weekly food pantry in partnership with the San Francisco Food Bank.

HERC’s three year vision is to use our successful model of environmental advocacy, health assessment, health education and counseling, and referrals for treatment for asthma and respiratory disease. We wish to expand our model to address other health disparities such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease for the residents of Bayview Hunters Point. To achieve this HERC will also provide health screenings, mobile health education and counseling, and will partner with other health service providers in Bayview Hunters Point and the general San Francisco area.