Advocates Push for Faster Construction of New Philadelphia Health Centers

Residents say Northeast Philly needs expanded healthcare options much sooner than the projected 2029 completion date.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Advocates in Philadelphia are pushing city officials to speed up the construction of two new health centers in the Northeast region of the city. The centers, which have a $45 million budget, are currently slated to begin construction in 2027 and take at least two years to complete, but residents say the area needs expanded healthcare access much sooner. A second, smaller health center is already underway, but the larger project has faced delays despite being a top priority for City Councilmember Quetcy Lozada.

Why it matters

The Northeast region of Philadelphia currently only has one city-run health center serving the area, leading to long wait times of up to 10 months for new patient appointments. Advocates argue the new health centers are crucial to providing comprehensive, affordable care to residents, especially those who have lost jobs and employer-sponsored health benefits during the pandemic.

The details

The request for proposals outlines a phased construction plan with vendor and contract awards, design, and a 2027 start date. However, the full project could take until 2029 to complete. A second, smaller health center is already underway at a vacant property near the Frankford Transportation Center, but that site is still in the design and predevelopment phase as the city finalizes the budget with its development partner.

  • The request for proposals shows a $45 million budget and a construction start date in 2027.
  • The full construction project could take at least two years or more to complete, putting the estimated completion date around 2029.

The players

Quetcy Lozada

City Councilmember representing District 7 in the Lower Northeast, who spearheaded funding and regulatory approvals for the project in 2023 and 2024.

Adam Goldman

Executive director at the Philadelphia Unemployment Project, a member of the advocacy coalition pushing for faster construction of the new health centers.

Frankford Community Development Corporation

The development partner working with the city on the smaller, mixed-use health center project near the Frankford Transportation Center.

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What they’re saying

“The project experienced delays, but we are working closely with the health department and key stakeholders to move it forward.”

— Quetcy Lozada, City Councilmember (whyy.org)

“The health centers really provide very comprehensive care. So, this is very, very important for folks in the Northeast.”

— Adam Goldman, Executive Director, Philadelphia Unemployment Project (whyy.org)

What’s next

Councilmember Lozada has meetings with groups involved in the project in the coming weeks to maintain momentum and advance the construction as quickly as possible.

The takeaway

The delayed timeline for the new Northeast Philadelphia health centers has sparked urgency among advocates who say the area needs expanded access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare options as soon as possible, especially for residents who have lost jobs and health benefits during the pandemic.