By Mike Kinney
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors honored Richmond-based community activist Antwon Cloird on Tuesday, April 18, for supporting the health and recovery of County residents through his service on the Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board.
Cloird has served for the last 15 years on this advisory board, which serves to assess treatment and prevention needs in the community and informs and makes recommendations to the Contra Costa Health Services and the Board of Supervisors.
Since overcoming his own addictions, Cloird has worked full-throttle in the community to support others in the same effort, in part by organizing, promoting and supporting job, health and resource events that improve the lives of impacted community members. As a member of the Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board, Cloird studies up on contracts and grants to ensure his community gets the support it needs, while also helping health and elected officials weigh the costs and benefits of liquor stores, cannabis dispensaries and other business that involves addictive substances such as alcohol, drugs and tobacco.
“Antwon has overcome so much adversity in his life and has gone on to contribute greatly to the health and well-being of county residents,” County Supervisor John Gioia said. “He is a truly impactful, passionate community leader whose life of service has made Contra Costa a stronger and more equitable County.”
Robert Rogers, who serves as District Coordinator of the Office of County Supervisor John Gioia, added: “Antwon’s mind is powerful, but he is all heart. When times are tough, you know you can count on him to come through.”
Cloird called it an “honor and a privilege” to serve on the advisory board.
