Maryland Community Health Initiatives Accredited
A vision for the future of addiction treatment and recovery support, Penn North is located at what many consider to be 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.
As a pioneer in the fields of integrative medicine and addiction recovery, Maryland Community Health Initiatives (now known as "Penn North") 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 success of that innovative program, MDCHI opened the Penn North Neighborhood Center in 1995. Today, Penn North is a fixture in its community—a safe haven for individuals seeking support, guidance, friendship, treatment, and a healthy retreat from the negative influences in their daily lives.
Penn North is an integrated community-based wellness program—offering a continuum of care for individuals in recovery. At Penn North we provide a trusting and respectful environment for our clients who participate in a broad spectrum of recovery oriented activities including; Acupuncture, Tai Chi, massage, behavioral and mental health counseling, peer support, NA/AA and fellowship meetings, relapse prevention programs, HIV testing and counseling, 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, economic situation, or where they may find themselves in their personal recovery journey.
On an average day Penn North serves nearly 400 people – welcoming each and every one of our clients and guests 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.
The mission of Penn North is to help individuals and communities overcome substance abuse, poverty, homelessness, crime, and health inequalities.
Our goal is to empower our clients, improve their health and well-being, and support them in creating a productive and rewarding life.
We do this by proactively engaging our clients in a comprehensive program of behavioral health treatment, wellness and recovery services, vocational training and employment assistance, and supportive housing.
Maryland Behavioral Health Administration