When Sisters of Charity Health Systems announced last fall that it would no longer offer inpatient services at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center downtown, the news sent shock waves throughout Cleveland.
For decades, many city residents, especially those who live in the Central neighborhood, have relied on healthcare services, at the corner of East 22nd Street and Community College Avenue.
Although inpatient care is no longer available, the health system wants the community to know that plenty of outpatient services are still being offered on the campus.
“There was so much attention in September, October, and November about the transition [to outpatient care] that the message became that St. Vincent is closed,” Dr. Charles Garven, the chief medical officer, Sisters of Charity Health System told Signal Cleveland.
“I think… people haven’t even thought to look to us to see what resources are still available,” Garven said.
When asked if the services are being fully utilized, Brad Rauh, the chief administrative officer of St. Vincent Charity Community Health Center, told Signal Cleveland he believes there’s still room for improvement. “Is behavioral health care underutilized in the community in general? Yes. Is there difficulty getting access to behavioral health professionals throughout the area? Yes. Are these resources that could be utilized more? Absolutely.”
Signal Cleveland recently toured the St. Vincent Charity Community Health Center. Here is a rundown of medical care offered on the campus.
Outpatient Primary Medical Care
Urgent Care: Located in the former emergency department Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Patients may be seen the same day for visits that do not require emergency care. 24/7 virtual urgent care is also available. Find the link here.
Doctor Visits: Located in the Sisters of Charity Health System building, 2475 E. 22nd St. Walk-ins Monday through Friday, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dr. Pandit, Dr. Wardega, and Dr. Eghobamien are the three adult internal medicine physicians that provide primary medical care. They are available by appointment or walk-in. The medical campus includes a family medicine physician, a nurse practitioner, and a clinical nurse midwife to care for adolescents, pregnant women, and families of all generations. The Occupational Health program supports local employers and employees by offering pre-employment health assessments and evaluating and treating work-related injuries.
Outpatient Behavioral Health Care
Psychiatric Emergency Services: Main Campus, 2351 E. 22nd St. Emergency evaluation and treatment of people with intense behavioral problems, including mental health and addiction issues. A referral is not required.
Rosary Hall: St. Vincent Medical Office Building, 2322 E. 22nd St., Suite 200. Founded more than 70 years ago at St. Vincent by Sister Ignatia Gavin, this provides outpatient alcohol and drug addiction treatment. No referral is required.
Crisis and Recovery Services: Main Campus, 2351 E. 22nd St. This pilot program started in November. The recovery team provides evaluation, support and case management for people with a non-emergency behavioral health crisis. They also help people in post-recovery by connecting patients with additional behavioral health services outside of the Health Center Campus.
Pharmacy: Main Campus, 2351 E. 22nd St., 1st floor. An outpatient retail pharmacy, open to all.
Patients can pay out-of-pocket or use insurance.
Joseph’s and Mary’s Homes: Located on Community College Avenue. Temporary respite care for homeless men and women with complicated medical conditions. Individuals are welcome to stay up to three months in a homelike environment preparing them for more permanent housing.
Cafeteria & micro market: Main Campus, 2351 E. 22nd St. A variety of salads, hot foods, and snacks are available for purchase at affordable prices. This cafeteria is the source of food for Mission Kitchen, a project that provides free meals at St. Vincent and the Friendly Inn. The mission recently expanded to include area residents who use SNAP benefits.
What’s new
Sisters of Charity Health System said it is committed to developing new programs to serve the community.
Cuyahoga County ADAMHS Board and MetroHealth System are waiting on approval from the state to provide 16 temporary beds for people having a behavioral health crisis who don’t need hospitalization but need a place to stay until they can find a long-term solution. The health campus hopes to expand these services. Focus areas include:
- Youth in crisis
- Food insecurity
- Resources for families with young children
- Education resources
- Job training
Residents who took part in Signal’s Central listening project said safety was their number one concern but access to education resources came in second. Responders said these two things are most important to strengthening the neighborhood.
If you have any questions on the services being provided or services to come, call St. Vincent’s at 216-861-6200.