Cleveland Clinic Akron General
Akron: The Ohio capital budget bill (Senate Bill 310) that was approved Friday includes $700,000 for Cleveland Clinic Akron General to upgrade its 52-bed inpatient behavioral health unit to meet new federal regulations.
Akron General is one of the few providers of inpatient psychiatric care in Northeast Ohio, and treats patients from Summit, Medina, Stark, Portage, Wayne and Tuscarawas counties.
Renovations are required in order to meet new regulations by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to create the safest possible care environment. The $14 million project includes replacing doors, beds, bathrooms, furniture and flooring.
“The pandemic has underscored the great need to address mental health issues, both in terms of treatment and facilities,” said Akron General President Brian Harte, M.D. “We greatly appreciate the state’s support of our efforts to provide the highest level of safety for our patients.”
Design plans for the renovations are in development. The unit will continue operating at a reduced capacity while the work is completed.
Akron General is one of the few hospitals in Ohio to be awarded money for projects through the state capital budget this year. The $700,000 grant will come from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.