The City of Philadelphia Opens Kensington Wellness Support Center Featuring Community Partners and Merakey

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and the City of Philadelphia were very proud to host a ribbon cutting and Open House on June 8 at 265 E. Lehigh Avenue for the new Kensington Wellness Support Center.

Established in January 2025 by Executive Order No.1-25, Neighborhood Wellness Court (NWC) is an innovative pilot program focused on same-day diversion for individuals who have been arrested for minor drug-related offenses. The program is located within the community it aims to serve and was designed by the Office of Public Safety in collaboration with the First Judicial District and the Philadelphia Police Department.

Neighborhood Wellness Court provides essential support and resources, including Merakey substance use services for individuals post-arrest. Alongside advocates and specialists at the Kensington Wellness Support Center (KWSC), located at the intersection of B Street and Lehigh Avenue, the initiative plays a pivotal role in Mayor Parker’s health and wellness continuum in Philadelphia.

Merakey’s CEO Joe Martz acknowledged the mayor’s commitment to meet the needs of individuals within the communities they live and thanked his Merakey family for continuing to put their heart and soul into exceptional services for over 57 years.

Local media was at the event to capture this important moment:
NBC | WCAU | WHPL | WPVI