New Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital In Grand Rapids Breaks Ground

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has officially broken ground on the state's first dedicated children's rehabilitation hospital.

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The Joan Secchia Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital, a collaborative effort with Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, aims to provide specialized care for infants, children, and teens recovering from various injuries and illnesses.

On August 15, 2024, community leaders and officials gathered for a ceremonial groundbreaking, marking the beginning of construction on this state-of-the-art facility.

The new hospital will span 67,000 square feet and feature 24 private inpatient rooms, designed specifically to cater to the unique needs of young patients.

It is expected to serve approximately 2,500 children annually and will be the ninth facility of its kind in the United States.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer attended the event and highlighted the importance of this project, noting that the state has contributed $15 million towards the total estimated cost of $70 million.

The project has already raised $66.5 million through a combination of state funding, federal contributions, and private donations, with efforts continuing to secure the remaining funds.

The hospital will be strategically located across from Mary Free Bed’s main campus on Wealthy Street, with a sky bridge connecting the two facilities.

This new center will significantly enhance pediatric rehabilitation services in Michigan, doubling the current inpatient capacity and expanding outpatient care options.

Philanthropist Joan Secchia, after whom the hospital is named, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the importance of helping children regain their health and independence following injuries or illnesses.

The facility is anticipated to open in late 2026, bringing much-needed resources and support to families across Michigan and the Midwest.