Since 1972, Park West Health Systems (PWHS), a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), has been a comprehensive primary health, dental, mental, behavioral health, and social services provider for populations residing in Northwest Baltimore City and surrounding counties. Its distinction as a FQHC means PWHS can provide services regardless of a patient’s ability to pay or insurance status, which is particularly vital in a community that has both federal distinctions of a Medically Underserved Population Area (MUPA) and Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA).
And now PWHS is kicking off an enormous effort to expand their footprint and services!
PWHS’s building was originally constructed in 1950 as a Jewish Fraternity Social Club. The building went through several uses before housing the medical facility in 1972. Though able to adapt it to provide holistic, “patients-first,” services for decades, the building is outdated; does not meet today’s building codes and standards; and lacks sufficient square footage to meet the considerable health needs of service area residents.
The PWHS Capital Expansion Project is comprised of the new construction of a 15,245 square foot, 3-story addition and the 10,710 square foot renovation of the 2nd and 3rd floors. It will enable patient access and flow; eliminate disjointed departments; and bequeath the building with an exterior makeover, making it a visible exhibition of private and public investment in a once disenfranchised community. This development will enable the expansion and delivery of health, dental, behavioral, and mental health services while integrating new disciplines in psychotherapy and youth behavioral health intervention. In addition, as the second largest employer in the neighborhood, the expansion will create new job opportunities.
Neighborhood Impact Investment Fund (NIIF) is a part of a consortium of partners supporting PWHS’s ambitious plans. Along with Primary Care Development Corporation (PCDC), a national Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) specialized in FQHC debt financing, the loan structure includes a grant bridge loan of more than $4.6 million and a construction-to-perm co-loan just over $4.0 million. NIIF’s portion of the financing totals over $4.5 million. In addition to the loans, their financing includes grants from Baltimore City, Maryland State, Federal earmarks, the HJ Weinberg Foundation, and France-Merrick Foundation.
PWHS is an MD Healthcare Safety Net in the Park Heights community, and this project will allow the organization to provide even more essential healthcare services to a diverse patient population. It is a story of adaptability and perseverance that will benefit residents of the Park Heights corridor for generations to come.