Maryland Community Health Initatives, Inc.

Penn North Neighborhood Center

Both a model of success and a vision for the future of addiction treatment and recovery support, the Penn North Neighborhood Center (Penn North) is located at what might be considered the epicenter of the drug abuse crisis in the United States. At the intersection of Pennsylvania and North Avenues in West Baltimore—an area portrayed in the acclaimed television series The Wire and mini-series and book The Corner, Penn North is a place that will leave an imprint on your heart and soul – a special place that brings humanity and hope to thousands seeking to rebuild their lives.

A pioneer in the holistic approach to substance abuse and addiction recovery, Maryland Community Health Initiatives (Maryland CHI), Penn North’s parent organization, was one of the first programs in the United States to use acupuncture in the treatment of addiction—launching the first acupuncture and meditation program in the Baltimore City Detention Center in 1993. Expanding on the demonstrated effectiveness and success of that original program, Maryland CHI opened the Penn North Neighborhood Center in 1995. Today, Penn North is a fixture in the community—a safe haven for individuals seeking support, guidance, friendship, treatment, and a healthy retreat from the negative influences in their daily lives.

At the heart of Penn North is an integrated, community-based wellness program—a continuum of care for individuals in recovery. The center provides a trusting and respectful environment for clients who participate in a broad spectrum of recovery-oriented activities including: acupuncture, Tai Chi, massage, behavioral and mental health counseling, job training, peer support, NA/AA and fellowship meetings, relapse prevention programs, HIV testing and counseling, GED prep classes, life skills classes, guest speakers, recreation, and referrals (residential treatment, medical services, insurance, housing, food, clothing, transportation, employment, legal services, etc.). Services at Penn North are available on-demand for anyone seeking help, regardless of their background, their economic situation, or where they find themselves in their personal recovery journey.

On an average day Penn North serves nearly 400 people – welcoming each and every client and guest with open arms, a smile, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to assist them in recovering their lives and regaining a sense of personal well-being.