Medical Wellness and Education Center opens at Mahoning County Career Center
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Staff report
CANFIELD -- The Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, with grant funding from the Appalachian Community Innovation Center (ACIC), has completed the $7 million, 13,000-square-foot Medical Wellness and Education Center.
A dedication and ribbon cutting took place Friday morning.
The state announced on June 12, 2024, that MCCTC received a $5,030,814 grant from the Appalachian Community Innovation Centers Program for the health and wellness center. It happened to be the same day for the groundbreaking ceremony of MCCTC's $16 million, 35,000-square-foot technical education facility.
In addition to the state grant, MCCTC used about $2 million of its own funds for the health and wellness center, MCCTC Superintendent John Zehentbauer said.
The center will provide outpatient mental and physical health services for those in the community through Cadence Care Network, which is based in Niles, and Mercy Health, and a school-based health clinic for students and staff members. It also will be a health training facility for the Mahoning Valley, including for licensed practical nurses, paramedics and emergency medical technicians, Zehentbauer said.
The Hannah E. Mullins School of Practical Nursing will relocate from Salem to the MCCTC campus in Canfield. The center will serve more than 6,500 people annually.
"This new facility is designed to enhance healthcare access, workforce development and educational opportunities for students, staff, and the greater Mahoning Valley community," a news release from MCCTC states.
Mercy Health will staff the facility with on-site healthcare professionals, ensuring that students and community members have direct access to primary and preventive care. Additionally, Cadence Care Network will offer professional mental health counseling and behavioral health services, addressing the growing need for mental wellness support among students and families.
"The funding for this center represents a major investment in the health and future of our students, staff and larger community," Zehentbauer said. "By partnering with Mercy Health and Cadence Care Network, we are ensuring that both physical and mental health services are accessible, removing barriers that often prevent individuals from seeking care."
The Health and Wellness Center will provide a range of services, to include primary care and preventive healthcare for students and residents, walk-in care, mental health counseling and behavioral health support, and wellness programs focused on student and community health.
"This initiative aligns with MCCTC's mission to prepare students for success, through career and technical education including Hannah E. Mullins Practical Nursing, partnership with UH Paramedic, and Emergency Medical Technician along with expanding more career training opportunities ahead. By integrating healthcare services within the educational setting, the center will contribute to better student outcomes, stronger workforce development, and a healthier Mahoning Valley community", said Mary Mihalopoulos, director of the MCCTC Adult Career Center.