The historic Neil Kennedy Recovery Center on Rush Blvd.

Meridian HealthCare Preserves Neil Kennedy’s Organization and Legacy

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Youngstown, OH – Meridian HealthCare is proud to announce that the Neil Kennedy organization and legacy will continue to exist through a partnership with Meridian and the services they provide to the community. A significant part of this preservation will be Meridian assuming stewardship of Fellowship Hall, a long-standing recovery meeting space once managed by the Neil Kennedy Recovery Center (NKRC). Meridian is committed to ensuring that the history and mission of Neil Kennedy’s groundbreaking work in addiction recovery will continue to serve the Mahoning Valley community.

Founded in 1946, the Neil Kennedy Recovery Center was the first private, freestanding alcoholism treatment facility in the United States. Inspired by Alcoholics Anonymous, which was founded in Akron, the Center helped shape national standards for addiction treatment and stood for nearly 80 years as a source of hope for individuals and families in Youngstown, Warren, and beyond.

Fellowship Hall has long been a vital gathering place for recovery groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). It provides a safe, welcoming environment for those seeking support, understanding, and connection.

“Neil Kennedy Recovery Center shaped the foundation of modern addiction treatment, not just in our region, but across the nation,” said Larry Moliterno, President and CEO of Meridian HealthCare. “We are honored to carry that mission forward. By continuing operations at Fellowship Hall, we’re ensuring that its history and unique spirit of recovery remain alive in the Valley.”

Following the closure of the Neil Kennedy Recovery Center in late 2022, Meridian HealthCare stepped in to sustain its legacy by continuing to serve patients and maintain its focus on compassionate, evidence-based addiction recovery.

Today, Meridian offers a full continuum of addiction services, including outpatient treatment, residential treatment, withdrawal management/detox, and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), along with primary care and behavioral health programs. Aligning with the mission of Neil Kennedy, Meridian also offers an inpatient alcohol addiction recovery track to provide more personalized treatment.

For more information about Meridian HealthCare’s services, visit www.meridianhealthcare.net.