Big changes are coming to the area along the Saginaw River. This region is set to be transformed into Michigan’s third bioscience hub, nicknamed the “Medical Diamond.” The project will include a new health department, medical facilities, and educational programs.
The “Medical Diamond” will feature a new building for the Saginaw County Health Department, various post-graduate programs from Saginaw Valley State University, and Central Michigan University’s (CMU) medical school. Additionally, a behavioral health center will be built, along with a riverside park for everyone to enjoy.
Currently, a lot is happening near Covenant HealthCare and MyMichigan Health hospitals, which lie on either side of the river. According to Saginaw’s Mayor Brenda Moore, this project aims at revitalizing the city. She described it as a long-lasting investment in Saginaw’s future. “Imagine what it’ll look like. Saginaw is being rebirthed,” she stated, encouraging community members to participate actively in its growth.
Feedback from local residents at a recent strategic planning meeting was mostly positive. One attendee, Saleem Mannan, shared his excitement, saying, “It’s a lot of good things happening in the city. Saginaw is going to rise.” He believes that positive changes are in motion, overshadowing the negativity often associated with the area.
Another resident, Beverly Austin, highlighted the need for improved healthcare facilities. She pointed out that healthcare resources are spread thin in Saginaw. “I think having buildings closer together will allow for better access,” she expressed.
**Saginaw County Health Department**: The county’s health department plans to move from its old building to a new one near a converted Rite Aid. This will help to streamline healthcare in the area, as the new facility will be closer to residents.
Christina Harrington, the chief health officer for the Saginaw County Health Department, emphasizes the importance of public health in the medical field. She believes that every doctor plays a role in public health, a concept that may not always be front of mind for healthcare professionals.
**CMU Medical School**: CMU is relocating its medical school with generous support from MyMichigan Health and Covenant Healthcare. This move aims to centralize education for medical students. They will now complete all their studies in one location, allowing for a more integrated experience.
Pete Kramer from Kramer Management Group is overseeing the transition, highlighting the importance of securing adequate land and resources to make this move possible.
The university is also planning an 80,000-square-foot facility on land recently donated by MyMichigan. Groundbreaking is expected soon, though final designs have yet to be revealed.
**SVSU Programs**: Saginaw Valley State University plans to build a 50,000-square-foot facility for health-related graduate programs, including social work and nursing. Dean Marcia Ditmyer noted the importance of collaboration across disciplines, aiming to train students to work as a team to address complex health issues.
Aside from classroom learning, a proposed Simulation Adaptive Tiny House will allow students from various fields to get practical experience in housing and health-related projects.
**Great Lakes Bay Health Centers**: In addition to the schools, Great Lakes Bay Health Centers will construct a Behavioral Health Center of Excellence. This will be an accessible one-stop shop for varied healthcare needs, including primary care and therapy.
The center plans to partner with local universities to provide specialized care and education. It is set to break ground in late 2026, a timeline that indicates the rapid development happening in Saginaw.
Overall, this ambitious project promises to bring new life to Saginaw. Residents seem hopeful about the future, demonstrating a collective belief in the city’s potential for recovery and growth. With multiple institutions coming together, the “Medical Diamond” could redefine healthcare and education in the region.
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