HANOVER TWP. NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, Pa. — A 144-bed in-patient behavioral health hospital is just what the doctor ordered for a hill just up from Macada and Schoenersville roads.
“Last year, unfortunately, 1,600 Lehigh region patients seeking in-patient behavioral services had to ultimately travel outside our region because of bed non-availability," said Brian Nester, chief operating officer of Jefferson Health, parent company of Lehigh Valley Health Network.
"Now those patients can receive care locally."
The new facility at 1755 W. Macada Road, coming through a partnership between LVHN and Universal Health Services, is just across from Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg.
It’s planned to open to patients early next year. The project broke ground in May 2024.
“Last year, unfortunately, 1,600 Lehigh region patients seeking inpatient behavioral services had to ultimately travel outside our region because of bed non-availability. Now those patients can receive care locally."Brian Nester, executive vice president and chief operating officer with Jefferson Health, parent company of Lehigh Valley Health Network.
Officials said it will nearly triple the number of in-patient beds in the region, offering care for seniors, adults and adolescents and employing 300 full-time personnel.
Across Schoenersville Road at LVH-Muhlenberg, the behavioral health program has 52 adult beds and 13 adolescent beds.
Hanover Hill is hiring for the positions of psychiatrist, therapist, assessment and referral counselor, mental health technician, registered nurse and more.
'Seen, supported and valued'
Facing a chilling 26 degrees day, a crowd gathered outside the Hanover Hill's main entrance for a ribbon-cutting Monday morning.
Those in attendance later got to take guided tours of the new hospital and its assessment rooms, cafeteria, outdoor courtyard area, gym, activity rooms and more.
During the first part of the ceremony, which happened under a canopy tent outside, Hanover Hill Chief Executive Officer Ryan Tatu said the facility will operate to ensure its patients feel “seen, supported and valued.”
“Today, we now know healing happens in the light, in welcoming spaces, with high-quality treatment and with compassion,” Tatu said.
“Hanover Hill solely exists to deliver on this mission.”
“Today, we now know healing happens in the light, in welcoming spaces, with high-quality treatment and with compassion."Hanover Hill CEO Ryan Tatu
Jefferson Health President Baligh R. Yehia said mental health plays a key role in one's overall health.
“Really, the two cannot be separated,” Yehia said.
One in 5 adults nationwide suffers some sort of mental health condition, and nearly the same amount live with an anxiety disorder, he said.
And access to expanded care is a rising need, Yehia said, as everyday people face behavioral health conditions, eating disorders, substance abuse disorders and mental health care challenges due to physical ailments, for example.
Hanover Hill will provide an “entire continuum of care to help people on their journeys,” Yehia said.
'Thoughtful, evidenced-based care'
Michael McDonald, divisional vice president of behavioral health with UHS, said comprehensive, individualized care is the mission of the new Hanover Hill.
“Across our network, we’ve seen the impact that thoughtful, evidenced-based care can have not only for individuals but on families and entire communities,” McDonald said.
UHS operates more than 400 facilities globally, including 10 behavioral health hospitals in Pennsylvania.
