Geisinger Health System unveils $21 million Center for Health Research

DANVILLE, PA. – The dedication of Geisinger’s Center for Health Research Thursday has reaffirmed the health system’s commitment to finding solutions to complex healthcare dilemmas facing the American healthcare system, according to Geisinger’s President & CEO Glenn Steele, Jr. MD.

The Center for Health Research focuses on outcomes research, rural health policy, environmental health, electronic health record safety, and issues related to aging. Utilizing Geisinger’s advanced information technology, Center researchers work closely with clinicians to translate knowledge into practice.  Investigators are focused on health services, epidemiologic and population genetics research studies to address problems such as obesity, autism, stroke, diabetes, and hypertension.

The three-story, 63,000-square foot C-shaped facility is located on the campus of Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, between the Sigfried and Janet Weis Research Center and Geisinger Medical Center. “The very location of this new building demonstrates our commitment to translating clinical knowledge and experiences to basic science,” Steele said. “It also demonstrates our ongoing commitment to Danville and Central Pennsylvania, where Abigail Geisinger founded our system, more than 90 years ago.”

“We’re looking for the best ways to apply our research to improving the lives of patients in our region and throughout the country,” said Geisinger Center for Health Research Director Walter “Buzz” Stewart, PhD.

In addition to Steele and Stewart, speakers included Bucknell University President Brian Mitchell, PhD; and keynote speaker Carolyn M. Clancy, MD, Director of the Agency for Health Research and Quality at the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

“We have a lot to learn from institutions like Geisinger,” Clancy said during Thursday’s opening.

The Geisinger Center for Health Research houses:
Conference facilities including a 300-seat auditorium, 150-seat multipurpose room and meeting rooms
Focus group facilities
State-of-the art audiovisual technology
Telephone survey center
Geisinger’s healthcare library (soon to be relocated from Geisinger Medical Center)

“Geisinger’s unique status as an integrated health system with a highly evolved electronic medical record will enable us to pioneer new models for the effective, efficient delivery of healthcare,” noted Steele.

Please visit http://www.geisinger.org/dedication for more information