Saginaw’s Medical Diamond Initiative Gains Momentum with New Projects

Saginaw, Michigan, is witnessing significant developments in its health care sector with the emergence of the “medical diamond.” This term, initially vague and shrouded in secrecy, now describes a series of multimillion-dollar investments aimed at enhancing the city’s health care infrastructure. Recent public meetings have shed light on the ambitious plans that local leaders and several educational institutions have in store for the area.

The term “medical diamond” captures the essence of a health care-focused district that spans neighborhoods around key institutions such as Covenant HealthCare and MyMichigan Health. Presentations from various agencies during a special Saginaw City Council meeting highlighted the progress and future plans integral to this initiative.

Great Lakes Bay Health Centers: Behavioral Health Clinic

One of the standout projects in this initiative is the establishment of a new behavioral health clinic by the Great Lakes Bay Health Centers. In late 2022, the Saginaw City Council and the Saginaw County Board of Commissioners approved an investment of $5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) towards the projected $15 million development. The decision to redirect these funds was explained during the recent council session, where details about the clinic were unveiled.

Brenda Coughlin, president and CEO of Great Lakes Bay Health Centers, detailed plans for a 15,000-square-foot facility that will be known as the Great Lakes Bay Health Centers Behavioral Health Center of Excellence. Located between South Washington Avenue and South Water, the center will include child and adolescent clinics, adult residency clinics, and various health services, all designed to enhance community access to mental health care. Coughlin expressed an ambitious vision: “Our goal is to transform behavioral health care and access in Saginaw and our region.” A groundbreaking ceremony is anticipated in the fall of 2026.

Saginaw County Health Department and New Facilities

During the same meeting, Saginaw County officials discussed the repurposing of the ARPA funds initially allocated for the behavioral health clinic to construct a new facility for the Saginaw County Health Department. According to Saginaw County Administrator Mary Catherine Hannah, the existing health department building is outdated and ill-suited for community needs. The new facility will be developed in partnership with Covenant HealthCare, which plans to transform a former Rite Aid store into a primary and urgent care facility.

Kevin Albosta, Covenant HealthCare’s vice president of finance, indicated that renovation costs for the Rite Aid could reach between $8 million and $9 million. The new health department headquarters will be situated near this facility, facilitating seamless patient movement between the two sites.

Academic Enhancements: SVSU and CMU Initiatives

Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) is also set to play a vital role in the medical diamond initiative. Marcia Ditmyer, dean of the SVSU College of Health and Human Services, outlined plans for a new 50,000-square-foot building dedicated to graduate programs in nursing, social work, and occupational therapy. This facility aims to support 400 graduate students and is envisioned as a collaborative project involving community partnerships.

The estimated budget for this development is around $30 million, with a potential groundbreaking as early as 2028. University officials hope to locate the building along the downtown riverside district, close to an existing SVSU outpost.

Central Michigan University (CMU) is also expanding its presence in Saginaw. Officials announced plans to establish the Covenant HealthCare College of Medicine at Central Michigan University, following two substantial donations that facilitated this rebranding. The expanded campus will now be located adjacent to MyMichigan Health, which is a strategic shift from the previously identified site.

The new facilities will accommodate approximately 400 medical students, enhancing the medical education landscape in Saginaw. Tina Thompson, interim dean of the CMU College of Medicine, emphasized that training health care professionals in the area increases the likelihood that they will remain in the region to serve the community.

As Saginaw continues to develop its medical diamond, these investments signify a commitment to improving health outcomes and bolstering the local economy. The collaboration among health care providers, educational institutions, and local government reflects a unified effort to address the region’s health care needs and foster sustainable growth.