Health news in Kensington, Philadelphia — covering the opioid crisis, addiction and recovery, mental health, harm reduction, healthcare access and food resources.
Black Americans account for 40% of people living with HIV but are far less likely to be prescribed preventive medication.
Accountability
Despite declining enrollment, parents and City Council member Quetcy Lozada describe Conwell and Stetson as community anchors and resource hubs.
A year in photographs from the neighborhood, made close and over time.
Friends of the Children offers families a commitment that the program will be there in a child’s life from kindergarten through high school graduation — “12+ no matter what,” they say.
Community Life
Counties battle uncertainty over funding rules while advocates and families push for an increased say in opioid settlement spending decisions.
Small Business
Applications are open through Dec. 31 on the Merchants Fund website. Priority will go to small, locally owned retailers operating in low-income neighborhoods.
Small Business
This year’s holiday gift guide highlights creative, hyperlocal gifts that support Kensington’s artists, makers, and small businesses.
Kids in Kensington
Fab Youth Philly’s Play Captains program empowers Kensington teens by paying them to lead educational play for younger children and helping them build job skills for the future, despite challenges like neighborhood safety.
Community Life
From South to North Philadelphia, resilient residents shared the hopes and fears of the Latine community. Their concerns range from gun violence and economic disparities to aspirations for education and the pursuit of a better future.
Accountability
Kensington Voice collected and verified data on 87 people who were arrested during the first months of the program and tracked their journeys through the court. Most ended up with Wellness Court bench warrants after the city lost contact with them.
Kids in Kensington
Klean Kensington is one of eight organizations citywide selected for the Department of Planning and Development’s “Philadelphia 2050: Planning Together” initiative.
Neighborhood Voices
. Cutting both direct assistance and evidence-based education is like declaring war on the people of Kensington. Food security means more than just access to food.
Small Business
The Medicine Shoppe on Kensington Avenue remains one of the few remaining places in the community to offer quality hospice partnership and medical care.
Public Space
Neighbors filled the sidelines at Trenton and Auburn Playground for a summer league game between the Jewtown Ballers and the Peacemakers.
Neighborhood Voices
September was National Recovery Month. Luis Soto shares his journey to sobriety and how working with others has helped him heal.
Arts & Culture
The Harrowgate area will see increased funding as part of the City of Philadelphia's celebration of America's 250th birthday.
Housing & Shelter
As of September 1st, people receiving SNAP benefits are required to work, volunteer, or be in an employment training program a minimum of 20 hours a week in order to continue receiving assistance. If they don’t comply and aren’t exempt, their benefits will terminate December 1st.
Accountability
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration plans to allocate more to Riverview than to all other opioid settlement money initiatives combined.
Small Business
Vizion Gallery on Kensington Avenue offers artists a place to practice, vend and find community.
Housing & Shelter
The ongoing story of one mother's agonizing journey with Pa.'s mental health care system
Accountability
The Philadelphia Board of Health unanimously approved a regulation relating to Councilmember Quetcy Lozada’s mobile services ban in Kensington. The health department will now oversee a permitting process for all mobile medical providers in the city.
Small Business
Longtime Kensington resident Ligia Rodriguez runs San Expedito Botánica — a neighborhood shop offering spiritual healing, warm meals and community care.
Arts & Culture
Organizers and community members marched from Huntingdon Station to Prevention Point Thursday in memory of those who have died from overdose. The annual event is part of International Overdose Awareness Day.
Small Business
Born and raised in Kensington, Austin Wright launched Ava’s Farm — a local produce market and nonprofit that offers free meals and youth programs to residents.
