(1/29) More details were released in regards to the future health and wellness center located on Mount St. Mary’s (MSMU) campus during the January Emmitsburg Town meeting. Don Shilling, Vice President of Ambulatory Services for Frederick Regional Health Systems (FRHS), and Simon Blackwell, MSMU’s Chief Transformation Officer, were present to answer any questions in regards to this new facility in the works.

FRHS entered into a five-year contract with MSMU to support its mission to graduate ethical leaders inspired by a passion for learning. This new healthcare facility may not only contribute to this mission, but it has the potential to address the healthcare needs of citizens in the northern part of Frederick County.

The new facility plans to address the current and future needs of the university and the community. MSMU currently has needs in: Sports Medicine; Sports Nutrition and Athletic Performance Management; wellness services for the student population at no charge to the students; preventative wellness services for the employee population; healthcare for all students billable to the students’ health insurer. Future needs of the Mount as discussed include: employee health care; sports medicine for non-Mount athletic camps and events. Other community needs that have thus far been addressed are: pediatric, OB/GYN, geriatric care, transportation, access to health insurance/financial assistance.

Phase I of this project began last July and is expected to continue through September of this year. This phase includes: continuing services that support the athletic program as outlined in the existing Memorandum of Understanding; using existing MSMU location to support employee, seminarian, and student healthcare needs including acute care and outlined preventative health services. Phase II which is expected to begin in the fall, will include the transformation of on-site services into a multi-disciplined facility supporting the patient-centered medical home model of care and combining the MSMU and Community Health Center to include urgent and primary care, radiology, lab and physical therapy, chronic disease management, behavioral health.

This new 10,000 square foot facility is intended to serve the Mount population and the community. Blackwell noted that five locations have been discussed to construct this new center. The most viable options at the moment are on the North end of campus, next to the athletic field and across from the campus cottages. Both locations would be convenient and easily accessible for students as well as safe to access.

Additionally, as a MSMU healthcare facility, the new center would follow the Catholic directives. A management/ethics committee would be formed to ensure the facility remains in compliance with the Catholic directives. No beginning of life or end of life issues would be handled at this facility.

In other MSMU news, a new student venue is in the works. The site development plan for the 5,200 square foot building was approved during the January 9 Frederick County Planning Commission meeting. The new venue will be located adjacent to existing residence halls on the southwest corner of John Walsh Way and Annandale road, and will provide a location for students to gather for events, work on group projects and engage in social activities.

The student venue would expand services to the existing student body, not directly increasing the student capacity of the school. Additionally, the building would be within walkable pedestrian access for the university and accessible from anywhere on campus. Three bike racks will be installed as well.