$300K puts Heartside Health Center in right place at right time

By: Deborah Johnson Wood

The newest location for Saint Mary’s Health Care’s Heartside Health Center is their third one, and largest, since they opened 18 years ago—and they just keep growing. On May 9, Mayor George Heartwell and Bishop Walter Hurley will participate in a celebration of the expanded facilities at 359 South Division.

The center moved into the three-story building last fall, but hasn’t been able to have a proper celebration until now.

“This will be a formal dedication of the building and a rededication of our commitment to the community,” said Sister Myra Bergman, RSM, vice president of mission services. “We serve homeless men, women, and children, but the majority are homeless men. We take care of their most basic needs.”

Saint Mary’s Health Care invested some $300,000 dollars for renovations: converting the main floor into modern private exam rooms, a reception area, and a waiting room, and redesigning the second level to provide much needed office space. The third floor has yet to be completed.

In 2006, the health center provided health care, mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, dental care, HIV testing and other services for 6,400 patient visits a year. They also take care of patients’ social needs by providing clean clothing, toiletries, and a place to shower.

“We just touch the surface of some of the needs are out there,” Sister Bergstrom said.

Source: Sister Myra Bergstrom, Saint Mary’s Health Care

Deborah Johnson Wood is the Development News Editor for Rapid Growth. She can be reached at deborah@rapidgrowthmedia.com.