In an effort to support accessible healthcare in Orange County, Mount Saint Mary College has partnered with Mid Hudson Construction Management (MHCM) to create a state-of-the-art wellness center on its Newburgh campus. The Desmond Center for Community Engagement and Wellness will provide medical and educational services for underserved individuals and families, including the uninsured.
Funded in part by grants from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation and New York State’s Higher Education Capital (HECap) program, the Desmond Center will offer educational workshops, family counseling services, fitness checks, immunizations, professional development events, and more for the local community. Once completed, the college expects the center to serve more than 4,000 residents per year.
“The need for a facility like the Desmond Center is critical,” said Genesis Ramos, executive director of the Center. “Providing not only reactive medical services, but also proactive educational services, will be instrumental in supporting the long-term health and wellness of the community.”
The Desmond Center will be located on campus, in what is currently the multipurpose Guzman Hall. Guzman Hall will be renovated by MHCM to become exam rooms for patients and offices for healthcare staff and students. MHCM will also construct a ground-up addition to an existing chapel, which will become a multi-purpose room. Stained glass from the chapel will be incorporated into the new design to preserve the character of the former structure.
“Mount Saint Mary College’s mission to provide service-based community engagement is something that we value strongly,” said Ray Travis, president and CEO of MHCM. “We’re honored to help construct a facility that is built to attain those goals.”
