Manistee area residents will soon have more choices in health care as three organizations collaborate on a comprehensive wellness center. The new 17,000 square foot Manistee Wellness Center will be home to Crystal Lake Clinic primary care, West Shore Medical Center laboratory, radiology, and rehabilitation services, and Centra Wellness Network behavioral health services.

A groundbreaking ceremony will be held at the site, located at 2198 US-31 South, near the Bungalow in Filer City, at 10 a.m. on Monday, August 20. Representatives from each of the partnering agencies will be in attendance, and local and state dignitaries have been invited to participate in this regional health care milestone. The public is also welcome to attend.

The aim is to coordinate cost-effective, high-quality care for community members and, in the process, improve the patient experience. “The Manistee Wellness Center will exemplify the patient-centered medical home model, in which comprehensive and continuous services are provided at a single location,” said Richard Nielsen, MD, President of Crystal Lake Clinic. “Such ‘one-stop shopping’ is beneficial to patients. Research suggests the medical home results in better health care compliance and improved satisfaction and outcomes.” Crystal Lake Clinic operates seven primary care offices throughout the region.

“We have had outpatient services in the Bear Lake Crystal Lake Clinic for years, and that’s been very convenient for our patients,” said West Shore Medical Center President James Barker. “If the primary care provider orders a lab test or x-ray, the patient can take care of it right away.” The additional location will also help meet the growing needs of West Shore’s ancillary departments. “We have nearly 80,000 outpatient visits each year, and the volume continues to increase,” said Barker.

The medical home model offers particular benefits to those struggling with mental health or substance use issues, a population whose health needs often go unmet. “People with mental illness die on average 25 years prematurely. Integrating primary care and mental health services is a great step toward ensuring we can meet the total health needs of our community,” said Chip Johnston, Centra Wellness CEO. “Having a single site for care also helps reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health or substance use treatment.” Centra has already seen the benefits of sharing space with Crystal Lake Clinic in Benzonia.

This collaboration is the result of the formation of the Northern Michigan Health Coalition, a partnership of regional health providers dedicated to the care of the whole person and establishing a model for health care in rural America.

The Manistee Wellness Center is expected to open in early 2013. Crystal Lake Clinic is operating in a temporary location at 1806 E. Parkdale Ave. in Manistee until the new site is open.