West Michigan is set to gain a crucial healthcare facility, with Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids opening a pediatric medical psychiatric unit, as reported by The Detroit News. Slated to initiate services this spring, the new unit is dedicated to serving pediatric patients grappling with psychiatric concerns alongside other medical conditions such as epilepsy or diabetes. Unveiling the first-of-its-kind unit for Michigan, the facility will house 12 beds and operate with a multi-faceted approach to care. A diverse team comprising psychiatrists, psychologists, and various specialists will cater to individualized treatment plans.
Financing for the initiative has been secured through a combination of state funding, private donations, and Corewell Health contributions, amounting to $17 million. According to details shared by Spectrum Health's newsroom, the state has allocated $5 million, accompanied by $4 million from community donors, while the healthcare system itself invests the remaining $8 million. Dr. Subodh Jain, Vice President, and behavioral health department chief at Corewell Health, highlighted the critical demand for behavioral health services and voiced enthusiasm about delivering this specialized care to Michigan's younger population.
Meanwhile, the design of the unit is oriented towards fostering complete care inclusive of the patient's broader needs, from dialysis to rehabilitative therapies. FOX 17 News spoke with Brittany Barber Garcia, Chief of the hospital’s pediatric psychology section, who emphasized the holistic philosophy guiding the unit’s treatment approach. "Our main philosophy, in terms of treatment, is trying to support the whole child...And what that means is we're going to be offering individual psychiatric services, individual psychological services, assessment, and treatment. We're going to be offering group services and family treatment services," Garcia explained.
With the forthcoming unit's operations, these young patients having experienced a mental health crisis will now avoid the traditional medical/surgical floor setting, alleviating the risk of receiving fragmented care. The strategic initiative by Corewell Health is expected to not only enhance the patient experience but also elevate collaboration with community partners. Plus, job seekers with applicable expertise can explore career opportunities for this new unit, as highlighted on Corewell Health’s careers page. For families across the state and potentially beyond, this announcement charters a pathway of hope, addressing both the mind and the body in pediatric care—a dual focus that Garcia insists is essential for overall health improvement. "The brain and the body work together," Garcia said, recognizing the need for an integrated care model, per The Detroit News.
