(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Nationwide Children’s Hospital will expand its Close To HomeSM network with a new facility in New Albany that will offer Urgent Care and specialized pediatric services. The center is expected to open in 2027.
The Close To HomeSM center will be built on 25 acres, donated by the Wexner family, in the northern section of New Albany’s Village Center. While the hospital currently offers services in New Albany at the Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany, the Close To HomeSM will offer expanded care that includes Urgent Care services and imaging, specialty clinics, occupational, physical and speech therapy and lab services.
Close To HomeSM centers offer community-based diagnostic and therapeutic services for newborns, children, and young adults, with services varying by location. Nationwide Children’s now operates 24 Close To Home℠ centers in central Ohio, including a new location that opened in Zanesville this week. A new location will open in Athens in fall 2024, and plans are also in development for a location in Grove City, expected to open in 2026.
“So many have come together to help make this new Close To HomeSM center in New Albany’s Village Center possible,” said Tim Robinson, chief executive officer of Nationwide Children’s. “The generosity of the Wexner family, the collaboration of the New Albany Company and the desire of the City of New Albany to support children are allowing Nationwide Children’s to expand access to our care.”
New Albany City Council approved a rezoning at its August 20 meeting to allow the project to move forward.
“New Albany Company and its ownership are honored to collaborate with Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the City of New Albany to donate 25 acres at the Route 161 and Johnstown Road interchange to be used to support pediatric health in the growing northeast corridor,” said Bill Ebbing, president and CEO of The New Albany Company, a real estate development company. “This new facility will substantially increase access to testing, treatment and care for children and young adults close to where they live, attend school and participate in sports and other activities.”
This project will support New Albany’s strategic plan priorities to improve community health and wellness and improve healthcare access.
“The 25-acre land donation for this project is a testament to the Wexner family’s enduring dedication to the community,” said New Albany Mayor Sloan Spalding. “The project aims to not only improve healthcare access but also stimulate economic growth by attracting new shops and restaurants to the area. As we continue to prioritize strategic planning and sound development principles, we are confident that this facility will play a crucial role in supporting the health and well-being of New Albany's residents for generations to come.”