City of Antioch, methadone clinic launch partnership to expand treatment access, strengthen community safety
Community celebration September 23rd
By Jaden Baird, PIO, City of Antioch
ANTIOCH, CA — The City of Antioch and BAART Programs Antioch have launched a new partnership aimed at expanding access to opioid treatment and recovery services while addressing community concerns related to safety and quality-of-life conditions surrounding the Bay Area Addiction Recovery Treatment (BAART) Programs Antioch facility on Sunset Lane.
According to MethadoneCenters.com, “BAART Programs Antioch is…considered one of the most reliable methadone clinics in California. What is special about this clinic is that it offers evidence-based approaches, backed by medication-assisted treatment services when it comes to battling opioid disorders. The staff at this clinic believes that supporting patients is of utmost importance because they need as many helpful resources around them as possible in order for a successful recovery process to occur, not only of their family and friends, but also doctors, nurses and psychologists. The main medication is methadone which is given orally. Methadone relieves patients of pain and speeds up their recovery. The goal is to help patients achieve a full recovery so they can continue their everyday lives.”
Supported by opioid settlement funds, the partnership will expand weekend treatment access and provide patient navigation and financial assistance for uninsured and underinsured Antioch residents. The partnership will also strengthen referrals from the City’s Angelo Quinto Community Response Team (AQCRT) and provide additional security during expanded service hours.
The coordinated effort is designed to connect more residents with treatment and recovery resources while promoting a safer and better-supported environment for patients, neighboring businesses and the surrounding community.
“Our community has raised concerns, and we have listened,” said Alicia Espinoza, Public Safety Manager for the City of Antioch’s Community Services Department. “This partnership is about moving from concerns to solutions — connecting people to treatment while strengthening safety, accountability and quality of life for the surrounding community.”
History & Challenges
Before the BAART Programs Antioch facility opened in the late 1990’s, the Antioch City Council worked to find the organization another location in the city that wasn’t adjacent to a residential neighborhood. The City spent approximately $850,000 in a legal battle but lost because the location is zoned for medical uses.
Since then, there have been challenges including shoplifting in the nearby shopping center where Raley’s was located believed to be associated with the facility’s clientele.
“BAART Programs is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care while being a responsible community partner,” said Tracy Hern, Treatment Center Director for BAART Programs Antioch. “We appreciate the City of Antioch’s collaboration and shared commitment to increasing access to treatment, supporting recovery and creating positive outcomes for residents.”
The partnership builds upon operational improvements and community engagement efforts undertaken by BAART Programs Antioch over the past year under new local leadership. The agreement establishes expanded services along with performance and reporting expectations to help ensure accountability and measure progress.
Community Partnership Celebration
The City of Antioch and BAART Programs will commemorate the partnership with a community event:
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 2:00 p.m.
BAART Programs Antioch – 3707 Sunset Lane
The event will bring together City leadership, BAART Programs, Public Safety and Community Resources/AQCRT representatives, neighboring businesses, community partners and residents. The program will include brief remarks, refreshments, community resources and a ceremonial recognition of the partnership.
About BAART Programs
BAART Programs provides evidence-based treatment and recovery support services for individuals with opioid use disorder. Through medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and care coordination, BAART helps individuals achieve lasting recovery while promoting healthier communities. BAART Programs is part of BayMark Health Services, a national leader in addiction treatment and recovery services.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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City & BAART Prorgrams Antioch p-ship
