The New York State Office of Mental Health today hosted an open house at the newly renovated community wellness space on the campus of the Bronx Psychiatric Center. The event was aimed at cultivating interest in and finding an operator to run the two-story 17,000-square-foot facility when the agency issues a request for proposals later this spring.

“Being part of a community is important and especially for individuals recovering from mental illness,” Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. “The Wellness Center will provide a diverse and inclusive environment for individuals receiving services at the Bronx Psychiatric campus and offer residents of the community a place to come together in an inclusive and wellness-focused manner. We look forward to finding a community partner to operate this facility and bring our vision for an integrated person-centered wellness center to fruition.”

Commissioner Sullivan joined leadership from the Bronx Psychiatric Center, state legislators and local officials to tour the facility today, March 27. The event featured demonstrations and exhibits to showcase the renovated space for both members of the Greater Bronx community and prospective operators.

The Wellness Center is envisioned as a resource for individuals living with a variety of different mental health conditions, including those transitioning back into the community from inpatient and residential settings, or otherwise lacking a connection to their community. In May, OMH anticipates seeking proposals to operate the facility and provide skill development services for people residing in the Bronx.

Watch a video of the open house.

The goal of the center is to address the social drivers of health within the greater Bronx Community, including its financial, occupational, and intellectual needs. The selected operator will be expected to build positive relationships and coalitions with community providers, businesses, and organizations; facilitate and support peer leadership roles; and practice person-centered recovery models.

The facility is envisioned as a place that will host wellness services, community activities, skills development programing, personal enrichment classes, and other support. Likewise, the facility will promote mental and physical wellness and foster interpersonal connections aimed at bringing together individuals from widely varying backgrounds –something that will help reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness.

Located in Building 5 on the Bronx Psychiatric campus, the center is adjacent to an MTA bus stop and near a residential area. Originally known as the Bronx Ginsberg Clinic, the facility was overhauled in 2019 and now offers office space, a computer room, training rooms, a commercial kitchen with center island for teaching space, a full-service health suite, and a large greenhouse.

OMH conducted extensive discussions and visioning workshops to determine the best uses for the resulting center. As a result of these discussions, the agency developed a list of guiding principles to provide direction for future activities at the wellness center, including empowering the Bronx community and being inclusive; being adaptable and flexible, providing on- and off-site programing; having a holistic approach to health with offerings that meet the needs of Bronx residents; and leveraging the strength and expertise of existing integrative wellness practitioners and organizations.