Providing a Unified Home for Children’s Health in Flint
In the wake of Flint’s water crisis, the Genesee Health System (GHS) recognized the urgent need for a facility that could unify its behavioral health services, expand access to care, and stand as a visible symbol of community recovery. Families across Flint continued to face the lasting impacts of lead exposure, while the city’s underserved neighborhoods lacked a single destination for comprehensive children’s health. GHS sought to bring together its programs under one roof, creating a center that would not only provide vital services but also anchor the revitalization of the surrounding community.
HED partnered with GHS to design a new 60,000-square-foot building that houses the Neurological Center for Excellence (NCE), Child and Family Services (CFS), and the Children’s Autism Center. For the first time, these critical behavioral health programs are co-located with a Federally Qualified Health Care center and a Community Outreach hub. Together, these services create a continuum of care for children and families, providing behavioral health, primary care, and innovative treatment for lead poisoning in one integrated setting.
The building was designed around people first. Clear layouts improve navigation for patients and families, while strategic adjacencies enhance staff efficiency and visibility. Secure drop-off areas reduce stress for parents, and welcoming waiting spaces are complemented by a café, an outdoor plaza, and a safe playground for children. These details reflect a deeper goal: to reduce barriers to care and create an environment that feels supportive, accessible, and rooted in dignity.
“Having a single, state-of-art center for quality medical care and supportive services will be a huge help for Flint families, especially as they continue to deal with challenges related to the Flint water crisis.”
Externally, the center stands as a cornerstone of the South Saginaw corridor. Its location on a major bus line reinforces accessibility, while the architecture signals investment in a community that has endured hardship. By carefully considering both urban presence and neighborhood connections, the design helps catalyze growth and renewal beyond the facility’s walls.
The center also serves as a hub for medical innovation. With specialized facilities for evaluating and treating lead poisoning, the building supports research and clinical practice that will shape how these conditions are treated worldwide. For Flint families, however, the most immediate impact is access: a single, trusted destination where their children can receive the mental, behavioral, and primary care they deserve.
Recipient of the 2023 CREW Detroit Special Impact Award, the Center for Children and Family Integrated Health reflects Flint’s resilience and determination. More than a building, it is a lasting investment in children, families, and the future of a city rebuilding itself.
