Olszewski Celebrates Beginning of Construction for New Woodlawn Health Center

WINDSOR MILL, MD — Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski today joined County health officials and community leaders to celebrate the beginning of construction for the new Woodlawn Health Center.

Through a first-of-its-kind partnership with the Set the Captives Free Outreach Center, Baltimore County will open the relocated health center at the O.W.E. Center, a comprehensive community service hub, located at Security Square Mall.

“While we continue our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re committed to expanding our efforts to combat the chronic health issues and underlying health conditions so many of our neighbors face,” Olszewski said. “By partnering with a pillar of our community, Baltimore County will provide a convenient one-stop shop that removes critical barriers to care, improves the patient experience, and ensures more equitable access to essential health services for years to come.”

Baltimore County operates eight health centers, which offer services including, health counseling, immunizations, family planning and reproductive health care, STI screening, diagnosis and treatment, behavioral health supports, and more.

Currently located below the Baltimore County Public Library’s Woodlawn Branch, the Woodlawn Health Center is the busiest in the County—accounting for 24 percent of patients served countywide, with over 3,600 annual visits. It is also the County’s smallest site.

The new 8,800 square-foot center will more than double the size of the existing site and triple exam room space to help meet demand for services while providing a modern healthcare setting for residents.

“Our community health centers serve as a critical safety-net for so many and this new state-of-the-art site will enhance our community outreach efforts and help us more effectively and efficiently serve our patients,” said Director of the Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch.

By relocating the Health Center to the O.W.E. Center at Security Square Mall, Baltimore County will provide patients with improved access to public transportation, expanded onsite parking, and offer more direct access to services for community members.

“The O.W.E Center, formerly Seoul Plaza, is a community center that meets various needs of the community and beyond. O.W.E stands for Outreach, Worship, and Education. The O.W.E. center is being built by Set the Captives Free Outreach Center, a church whose leaders and members believe in giving back what they o.w.e!” said Dr. Karen Stanley Bethea, senior pastor of Set the Captives Free Outreach Center. “We welcome this partnership with the County to relocate their Health Center and look forward to bringing even more community services to the O.W.E Center, including a youth center, a 24 hour daycare, a workforce development center, and more!”

Additionally, Baltimore County plans to relocate the Woodlawn WIC to the new Woodlawn Health Center Site in 2021 to provide improved access to both services in one convenient location.

The new Woodlawn Health Center is expected to be completed by summer 2021.