#USA #Cincinnati #Developmental Disabilities #UC Health #Timothy Freeman

UC Health's Commitment to Developmental Disabilities Care

UC Health has recently celebrated the grand opening of the expanded Timothy Freeman, MD, Center for Developmental Disabilities in Greater Cincinnati, marking a significant milestone in the quest for equitable healthcare. Known for its pioneering focus on individuals with developmental disabilities, this facility has been significantly enhanced to better meet the needs of its patients and their families.

Nestled at 2830 Victory Parkway, the newly enlarged center features a tenfold increase in space, allowing the institution to cater to a larger patient base, while maintaining its commitment to provide high-quality, interdisciplinary healthcare. This expansion is inspired by Dr. Timothy Freeman, a long-time advocate for improved healthcare access for adults with developmental disabilities, ensuring that patients receive the dignity and comfort they deserve.

"Hundreds of adults with developmental disabilities in our region still lack inclusive, coordinated care, and waitlists for vital services can stretch for years," said Cory Shaw, president and CEO of UC Health. With this expansion, UC Health aims to fill the care gap that has long affected the community.

The expanded Freeman Center has been designed with input from various stakeholders, including patients, caregivers, and health professionals. This collaborative approach has resulted in a healing environment that is accessible and sensory-friendly, tailored specifically to adults with diverse needs such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and spina bifida.

In addition to enhancing the patient experience, the center offers a unique fellowship in developmental disabilities—a significant educational commitment that aims to train future clinicians in the specialized care for adults facing these challenges. Gregory C. Postel, MD, executive vice president for Health Affairs at UC, emphasizes the center's role in supporting healthcare education.

Currently, the Freeman Center serves over 1,200 patients. This expansion is notably supported through $6 million in combined state and federal funding, alongside philanthropic contributions totaling over $2.3 million from various local and national foundations. Such commitment showcases a community-driven approach to ensuring comprehensive care reaches those in need.

Dr. Lauren Wang, the medical director of the Freeman Center, highlighted the space's goal to provide not just medical care but a holistic approach that includes understanding each patient's situation. The center aspires to be a nurturing entry point into the broader healthcare system where patients with developmental disabilities are seen, understood, and catered to in a secure and familiar environment.

The model employed at the Freeman Center concentrates on continuity of care, fostering long-term relationships that lighten the load on families often burdened as primary caregivers. By prioritizing personalized healthcare and building supportive relationships, the Freeman Center is positioned to significantly improve health outcomes for adults with developmental disabilities in the Greater Cincinnati community.

UC Health remains dedicated to advancing developmental medicine, fully aware that the fight against health disparities is a long-term endeavor. For more information about the Timothy Freeman, MD, Center for Developmental Disabilities, you can visit UC Health.