Plans for a new city health center along Roosevelt Boulevard in 2025 are underway, with a smaller health center near the Frankford Transportation Center already in progress. These new locations will join the existing city health centers operated by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, offering a range of services including primary care, pharmacy services, radiology, behavioral health counseling, and social support. The centers will primarily serve patients with low incomes and who are either uninsured or underinsured.
Health Center 10, the only northeast city-run facility currently in operation, has experienced long wait times for appointments. Chief of Staff Sarah Ennis mentioned that wait times for new adult patient appointments have stretched to 12 months, with new pediatric appointments having a wait time of approximately six months. These long wait times have caused patients to forego care for chronic conditions, resulting in a decline in their ability to work, support their families, and enjoy a good quality of life.
The new city health center at Friends Hospital is expected to serve around 30,000 people annually. City Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, who sponsored the zoning legislation, emphasized the importance of expanding access to healthcare services in the area to address care gaps, reduce wait times, and improve the overall health of the community. Ensuring that residents can see a doctor and easily fill their prescriptions are vital components of this initiative, with the goal of creating a healthier seventh council district through this project.
