Olszewski Celebrates Opening of New Woodlawn Health Center at Security Square Mall

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski today joined County officials and community leaders to celebrate the opening of the new, state-of-the-art Woodlawn Health Center at the O.W.E. Center at Security Square Mall.
 
The new 8,800 square-foot site, managed by the Set the Captives Free Outreach Center,
more than doubles the previous center and will provide patients with improved access to public transportation, expanded onsite parking, and increased access to community services.
 
“Everyone deserves access to quality healthcare options and community health centers serve as a critical safety-net for so many, providing essential care to those who often need help the most,” Olszewski said. “Through this first-of-its-kind partnership with a vital community partner, Baltimore County is now better equipped to ensure more equitable access to health services and improve health outcomes for our most vulnerable residents. We are grateful to Pastor Karen Bethea and Set the Captives Free for their commitment to and partnership in supporting public health.”
 
Baltimore County currently operates eight health centers across the County which offer a diverse range of services, including health counseling, immunizations, family planning services, to STI screening and treatment, behavioral health support, and more.
 
Previously located below the Woodlawn Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library, the prior Woodlawn Health Center was the smallest physical location but the busiest health center in Baltimore County—accounting for about 25 percent of all patients served by the County’s eight health centers.
 
The $1.5 million project began construction in December 2020.
 
In addition to providing an expanded modern health care setting for patients, Woodlawn WIC services have been relocated the new Woodlawn Health Center to provide improved access to both services in one convenient location.
 
“Providing an efficient One-Stop-Shop for our Westside residents became a goal for me soon after coming to the Department in 2006,” said Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch, Director of Health and Human Services and Baltimore County Health Officer. “This new site and the public/private partnership will go a long way toward removing barriers for accessing essential services, enhancing community education/outreach efforts, and improving health outcomes in this community.”
  
The expansion was made possible through a unique partnership with the Set the Captives Free Outreach Center.
 
“We are so proud to partner with the County to relocate their Health Center, and we look forward to expanding the community services at the O.W.E Center, including adding a youth center, a 24 hour daycare, a workforce development center, and more,” said Dr. Karen Stanley Bethea, senior pastor of Set the Captives Free Outreach Center. “We are here to meet the needs of our residents and lift up our community, and we’re excited to continue building on this work in the years ahead.”

Located in Security Square Mall, the O.W.E. Center is a comprehensive community service hub managed by the Set the Captives Free Outreach Center. In addition to housing the Woodlawn Health Center, the center provides a food pantry supported by the Maryland Food Bank and various local supermarkets, as well as a community conference room available for community association meetings.