New Behavioral Health Services Facility Coming to Oswego

Oswego County is a step closer to having a facility exclusively designed for mental health treatment. Oswego Health recently held a ground-breaking ceremony to mark the conversion of the vacant Price Chopper building on the east side of Oswego into a modern behavioral health services site.

The health system is renovating 42,000 square feet of the former grocery store, to feature 32 inpatient beds and related outpatient behavioral health clinic facilities at 29 E. Cayuga St. The facility is expected to be complete by September 2020.

Oswego Health in 2017 was awarded a $13 million grant from the New York State Department of Health for the transformation of its behavioral health services in the county.

Oswego Health is the only behavioral health services inpatient and outpatient provider in Oswego County. According to the hospital, the purposes of the project are to:

• Improve the overall financial condition and long-term sustainability of Oswego Health;

• Transform behavioral health services to a new model of care with the resulting impact of enhancing behavioral health services in Oswego County; and

• Preserve behavioral health services within the county.

According to a news release, patients will find the new location offers a welcoming, soothing and healing environment that includes secure outdoor spaces, comfortable interior areas and a kitchen area. The building itself will be landscaped to match the neighborhood and will be well-maintained.

To assist those that utilize these services become healthier overall, primary care services will be available onsite. Services that are offered currently at the Behavioral Health Services Bunner Street location, the outpatient clinic and Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team also will be relocated to the new facility.

The facility is a short drive from the Oswego Hospital emergency room, making it more convenient for physicians and other staff members.

Photo: Rendering of Oswego Health’s new behavioral health services facility at 29 E. Cayuga St. in Oswego. The project will be completed by September 2020.