The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Your highlight from the week Mercy Health breaks ground
New medical facility scheduled to open this fall
Ground was broken April 12 on the controversial Mercy Health Oak Point Medical Center on Lorain’s west side.
In windy conditions, hospital and public officials filled a large white tent on the Oak Point Road land, across from South Mayflower Drive, which will be home to the new 30,000-square-foot facility which is scheduled to open this fall.
As wind whipped the walls of the temporary structure, Edwin Oley, senior vice president of Mercy Health and CEO of Mercy Health Lorain, addressed the crowd saying people are more likely to seek treatment when a facility is nearby.
“That’s what propels our investment and service expansion here in Lorain County,” Oley said. “This is something that we as a system remain committed to: our community.”
Oley said the ground breaking comes after consideration of the community’s needed access to care.
“We have spent time listening to our patients, providers and community leaders to understand their health care needs, and look forward to delivering them,” he said. “Additionally, we have spent much time listening to, and working alongside, the residents of Oak Point.”
The facility will be Mercy Health’s sixth walkin care location in the county, Oley said.
“Walk-in care enables patients to access traditional primary care in a quick service, walk-in environment,” he said. “No appointment is required, and these centers tend to offer shorter wait times and lower costs than urgent or emergency care offices.”
Oley attributes the new facility to the hospital’s partnership with the city of Lorain, local schools and the Bitar family, which donated the land.
“For us, this symbolizes the community’s commitment
to a healthier Lorain County,” he said.
Lorain Mayor Chase Ritenauer also addressed the crowd and echoed Oley’s thanks to the Bitar family.
Ritenauer highlighted the struggle that culminated in the ground breaking.
“It took a little bit longer than I would have liked; it took some obstacles along the way, but we ultimately got to where we wanted to be,” he said.
Ritenauer was referencing the public’s vocal opposition to rezoning the 8.19 acres from R-1A Residential to B-1 Business when Lorain City Council took up the issue.
“This project here, the Oak Point Medical Center, is really a true example of collaboration fostering growth,” he continued. “Not only is this project going to be more options and access points for residents for care, it’s going to be an investment in the city of Lorain.”
Ritenauer said the new facility will bring 75 jobs and $5 million dollars in payroll, which he said would turn into income tax for the city.
“This is important for the city,” he said. “Mercy is our largest employer.
“To be able to help them to grow, to expand, to stay here in Lorain as opposed to look elsewhere, was really paramount in my opinion and the majority of City Council’s opinion.”
Scott N. Pember, president of the Mercy Foundation of Lorain County, introduced Bryant Bitar, who spoke on behalf of his family.
Bitar thanked the city of Lorain for support in the lead up to the event.
“Making an impact in the county has meant a lot to our family over the years,” he said. “From donating land to develop Beaver Creek Park Reservation Center that brings families together from all over the community, to securing good health by partnering with Mercy.
“Both contributions to our area direct our core values: family and health. We are excited to bring this class-A medical facility to Lorain and look forward to working with our relationships to bring jobs and growth to the area for phase two.”
“We have spent time listening to our patients, providers and community leaders to understand their health care needs, and look forward to delivering them. Additionally, we have spent much time listening to, and working alongside, the residents of Oak Point.”
— Edwin Oley, senior vice president of Mercy Health and CEO of Mercy Health Lorain