By Geoff Larcom / EMU
YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University (EMU), Saint Joseph Mercy Health System (SJMHS) and IHA are launching a new community health center on the EMU campus.
The health center, which is under construction, will provide vital primary health care services to members of the community at-large as well as the EMU community. Located on the northwest end of campus on open land off Huron River Drive and Oakwood Street, near the present headquarters of the EMU Department of Public Safety, the center will offer:
- Comprehensive primary care services
- 7-day-a-week urgent care services, including x-ray
- Electronic Medical Record capabilities, including a 24/7 patient portal
- Online appointment scheduling
- A “Save your Spot” tool to manage urgent care arrival and wait times
- Onsite pharmacy
EMU is also constructing an adjacent facility that will house the University’s existing Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and other services presently located in Snow Health Center, along with the EMU Psychology Clinic, located on Cross Street, and will also support the University’s College of Health and Human Services programs with hands-on educational opportunities for students and faculty.
The new health center is tentatively set to open in November 2019. The new facility housing EMU health-related facilities is tentatively set to open in March 2020.
The new 12,000 square-foot IHA health care facility and 14,000 square-foot EMU CAPS building are expected to cost nearly $6.6 million. The University is funding the construction of the IHA facility and IHA will rent the facility from EMU.
The new facility reflects an expansion of the strong collaboration between St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor hospital and Eastern, which includes formal affiliation agreements for nearly 20 health-related programs, including the Physician Assistant Program at Eastern, which was launched in spring 2014.
The collaboration also includes a simulation center and anatomy lab, residency training at the student health center, exercise science, inter-professional patient care and education, and large-scale emergency preparedness exercises.
“This is special moment in terms of community and campus health care,” said EMU President James Smith. “This partnership, with an established, world-class health care provider and a top-tier physicians’ group, will provide a modern medical environment able to meet the primary and urgent care needs of students, faculty, staff, and the community.
“This new facility is conveniently located, with excellent access to roads and parking,” added Smith. “It addresses a major priority raised by many on our campus for improved health care, including our student government leaders, and truly broadens our ability to serve the needs and welfare of our students, faculty, staff and community.”
“We are excited that the health center is so close to being completed,” said Bill Manns, president of St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor and Livingston hospitals. “This health center will be a great asset for the entire Ypsilanti community to receive health care services, as well as an important resource for many of our health and wellness activities and professional training on campus.”
“IHA is honored to join with St. Joe’s and Eastern Michigan University to bring our high-quality and patient-centered model of health care to the students, faculty and staff at EMU as well as the surrounding communities,” said IHA CEO Mark LePage, M.D. “Whether it’s accessing primary care services through a real-time online scheduling tool or “saving your spot” in line at the urgent care, this will truly be a state-of-the-art health care facility.”
The existing Snow Health Center area on Eastern’s campus will be evaluated for other potential uses but will likely be demolished because of its age.
About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 18,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University’s Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University’s website.
