ST. MARYS — Dickinson Center Inc. is purchasing four buildings in downtown St. Marys to allow for the centralization and expansion of its prevention and mental health programs in the city.
A new 10,000-square-foot facility will be constructed on the properties located on Railroad and Market streets. These properties are currently owned by Donald Fleming who is working closely with DCI on this project.
“We have been searching for the right location for this building for almost three years now, and we are excited to finally be moving forward,” said Heidi Thomas, executive director of DCI. “Thanks to community partners like Mr. Fleming and the City of St. Marys, this new facility will offer more resources efficiently under one roof for the community and the individuals we serve.”
In addition to being more convenient for transportation, including walking traffic, the new facility will save costs by housing multiple programs that are currently scattered across St. Marys. Children’s Prevention Services and the Intensive Outpatient Program are currently located in the Community Education Center, the Crossroads Partial Hospitalization Program is located within Penn Highlands Elk, and the Outpatient Clinic is located out on South Michael Street.
DCI has been operating most of these programs for over 25 years in St. Marys. These programs will bring approximately 25 more employees that will support downtown businesses during their hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The project timetable and final budget have not yet been confirmed. DCI will be working closely with the City of St. Marys and the community as it develops construction plans.
Progress reports will be released in the future.
Dickinson Center, Inc. (DCI), an affiliate of Journey Health System, was formed in 1958 and named to honor its founder, Dr. Robert J. Dickinson. DCI is a regional behavioral health provider in northwestern Pennsylvania employing over 200 employees.
