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Xavier Bancroft was recently featured in the Philadelphia Business Journal. Xavier is the President and CEO of The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard, bringing over 20 years of experience to the behavioral health field. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology, a Masters in Health Services Administration, and a Master in Business Administration. Throughout his career, he has held numerous positions, including Vice President of Operations at the same center, and has been recognized by the city of Philadelphia as a change leader. Bancroft is committed to expanding access to high-quality behavioral health care and fostering a culture of innovation and compassion for both patients and staff.

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The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard has announced a leadership transition following the retirement of Gerri H. Walker. Xavier Bancroft is now serving as the Center’s President and CEO.

Bancroft most recently served as the Center’s Vice President of Operations, where he led a wide range of initiatives to strengthen programs, improve quality, and expand access to care. He was responsible for overseeing residential treatment and clinical services, driving quality assurance and compliance, managing budgets, and leading multidisciplinary teams. His ability to align day-to-day operations with long-term strategic goals has positioned the Center to continue growing its impact and reach under his leadership.

“Xavier has been an integral part of the Behavioral Wellness Center’s growth and success,” said Rev. Ralph E. Blanks, Board Chair. “His deep understanding of our mission, his strategic mindset, and his commitment to patient-centered care make him the right leader to guide the Center into the future.”

As CEO, Bancroft brings a collaborative, outcomes-driven approach focused on expanding access to high-quality behavioral health care. He is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and compassion that supports both patients and staff.

“Working to treat the whole person and empowering recovery, that’s what all of this is about,” said Bancroft. “Together, we will continue to deliver culturally responsive, life-informed services for individuals facing mental health and substance abuse challenges, working to transform lives through compassionate care. It is my privilege to follow in Mrs. Walker’s footsteps and lead The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard into its next chapter.”

The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard, which is located at 8th and Girard, is a Philadelphia Drug & Alcohol Treatment Center offering both inpatient and outpatient Psychiatric and Substance Abuse counseling and treatments. It was formerly known as the North Philadelphia Health System – Girard Medical Center, but it has always been at the forefront of innovation in the provision of treatment services for individuals with substance use and mental health challenges.

For the last several years, the Be Well Center has made Newsweek’s “America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers” list, which is a designation recognizing the nation’s top facilities based on their quality of service, reputation, and accreditation.

In a recent interview on PCN’s On the Issues, Aisha Neal, Program Director for Be Well at MPAC, discussed a pioneering approach to mental health care for seniors. Neal detailed the landmark partnership between The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard and Monumental Post-Acute Care (MPAC), which created the “Be Well at MPAC” program—the first of its kind in the United States. This initiative provides integrated, 24/7 behavioral and medical services within a dedicated skilled nursing facility for frail older adults with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Drawing from her extensive background, which includes a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and frontline experience as a mental health worker and social worker, Neal explained her deep-seated motivation to serve the community. She shared that one of the most rewarding aspects of her work is seeing clients she first assisted 20 years ago, calling it a “reunion” that underscores the critical, long-term need for such a specialized and supportive care model.

The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard hosted its highly anticipated annual fundraising gala titled Resilience, Rebirth, Rise! at The Hilton Hotel on City Avenue in Philadelphia on June 13, 2025. This year’s event held special significance as it also served as the official retirement celebration for longtime CEO Gerri H. Walker, whose decades of leadership have shaped and strengthened behavioral health services throughout Philadelphia.

The evening brought together a vibrant group of supporters, staff, community leaders, and public officials to celebrate both the mission of the Center and the remarkable legacy of Ms. Walker. Attendees enjoyed dinner, dancing, and engaging activities that reflected the spirit of the theme and the Center’s ongoing mission to transform lives by providing access to high-quality, compassionate behavioral health care in surrounding communities.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker was among the many dignitaries in attendance and received an award from Gerri Walker in appreciation of their shared commitment to public service. In turn, Mayor Parker presented Ms. Walker with the prestigious Philadelphia Liberty Bell Award, honoring her visionary leadership and steadfast dedication to the community. The exchange was a powerful reflection of the deep respect and admiration Ms. Walker has earned throughout her remarkable career.

Members of the Coalition of Culturally Competent Providers were honored to be present in support of Ms. Walker, whose work has had a profound impact on culturally responsive behavioral health services in Philadelphia. Her advocacy for equity, access, and dignity in care has opened doors for countless individuals and helped shape a more inclusive and effective system of care. We celebrate her contributions and look forward to carrying her vision forward as we continue the work of building a more equitable behavioral health system for all.

The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard will host their annual fundraising event, titled Resilience, Rebirth, Rise! on June 13th 2025 at The Hilton Hotel on City Avenue in Philadelphia.

Attendees will enjoy dinner, dancing, and activities, and rejoice in The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard mission to transform lives by offering access to much needed services in the surrounding communities.

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Watch The 2023 Gala Video

The Pennsylvania Impact Awards recognizes 75 Pennsylvanians who demonstrate commitment to their community through acts of social responsibility. Those honored have demonstrated their dedication to making a positive impact in their city and state. The Behavioral Wellness Center’s President & CEO Gerri H. Walker made the 2023 list for her leadership role at the organization, which offers a multitude of services such as inpatient and outpatient psychiatric and substance abuse counseling, and treatments for approximately 1,000 clients a day. Congratulations to our leader, Mrs. Walker!

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The Philadelphia Tribune presented its list of Philadelphia’s 100 Most Influential African-American Leaders for 2023, and the list included The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard’s CEO Gerri H. Walker. This year’s honorees were recognized at a Reception and Awards program, held on at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This award recognizes professionals making a difference in their respective roles as elected officials, entrepreneurs, organization and business leaders, and/or activists for social change. Congratulations to Mrs. Walker on this well-deserved honor.

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I grew up in the depths of North Philadelphia, and the heart of West Philadelphia. Raised by both my father and mother, learning from the beginning to have unconditional love, compassion and empathy for everyone. I knew to pray and who God was at an early age, and yet life seemed to come at me quickly. I moved on my own at age 19, by the age of 22, I was married with three sons.
In 1987 I experienced the loss of my 9 year old middle son, it was the most devastating experience of my life. It was during this dark and painful time of my life I found myself living in an underworld, succumbed by the addiction of drugs and alcohol for 10 years.

But, God’s Grace and Mercies!! In 1997, I came to (Girard/NPHS) Behavioral Wellness Center as a patient. I was encourage, and inspired, and from that point on I persevered, being resilient and blessed with employment, a new home, united with family, and continued my education, Achieving an Associates, Bachelors, and Master’s degree, all through life’s trials and tribulations, maintaining sobriety.. In 2013, God opened the doors at the Behavior Wellness Center at Girard as an employee. Giving back to the clients that was given to me. From ARA (Addictions Recovery Assistant), to a Counselor, a Clinical Supervisor, and now the Lead Utilization Reviewer. I am also an Adjunct Professor at Alvernia University, and Pastoral Counselor at my Church. To top it all off, with God and the supports of The Be Well Center, I achieved my Doctoral Degree, a PhD in Human Services 2020. I am Dr. Renee C Harvin.

The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard was recently featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer for our hard work in fighting against the drug crisis currently happening. You can read an excerpt from the article and find a link to the full article below: Every weekday, a massive RV rolls down Kensington’s narrow streets, delivering addiction care and medical supplies to triage the latest danger in Philadelphia’s drug crisis. When it parks on Kensington Avenue, the team inside from Girard Behavioral Wellness Center, one of the city’s oldest addiction treatment organizations, steps out to try to encourage people with addiction into treatment.

Nowadays, the first question nurse Elaina Rodriguez asks of patients who approach her is whether or not they have any wounds. It’s a sign of the spread of the animal tranquilizer xylazine through Philadelphia’s drug supply — and it’s made the Girard team’s already difficult job that much harder.

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