The Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) is launching a dedicated facility for women’s health on the historic site of Bethlehem Steel’s Martin Tower. This new enclave will focus on providing comprehensive healthcare services tailored specifically for women.
An official ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Monday to commemorate the opening of the Health Center at Tower Place and the Women’s Health Center located at 1490 Eighth Ave., Bethlehem. Both facilities are expected to open their doors to patients on Tuesday.
“LVHN is committed to doing what’s right by women at every stage and age of life with personalized care, innovative treatments, and unwavering support,” stated Dr. Amanda Flicker, interim clinical leader of women’s health at Jefferson Health, which includes LVHN.
Facility Overview
Designed with women in mind, the three-story, 40,000-square-foot Women’s Health Center will house a variety of services under one roof to enhance accessibility. Key offerings include:
- Preventive gynecology care
- Breast health services
- Gynecological specialty programs
- Women’s heart and vascular center
- Obstetrics and midwifery
- Maternal-fetal medicine
- Female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery
Child Care and Engagement Programs
Recognizing the needs of mothers, the facility also features an on-site childcare area capable of accommodating up to 10 children aged between four weeks and 12 years. This space includes amenities such as a large screen TV, books, toys, and a diaper-changing station.
Additionally, the Women’s Health Center offers the CenteringPregnancy program, highlighted by Christina Felten, a certified nurse midwife. This initiative groups women due around the same time, allowing them to share experiences throughout their pregnancies. “If you’re due within the same month, you get to go through pregnancy with a cohort of women who become friends and family during this period,” Felten explained.
Patient-Centered Approach
Following one-on-one consultations with pregnancy care providers, participants engage in group meetings that emphasize education and mutual accountability for their health and pregnancies. These sessions occur multiple times during pregnancy and focus on building a supportive community among expectant mothers.
Since its implementation at additional outpatient centers, the program has successfully supported around 120 patients, demonstrating positive outcomes, including reduced preterm birth rates and increased breastfeeding among participants.
Additional Services
The Women’s Health Center has partnered with Advanced Dermatology Associates to provide dermatology services. Furthermore, it offers women’s rehabilitation services, including specialized pelvic floor therapy. A unique feature of the facility is the serenity room, equipped with zero-gravity chairs that provide a relaxing and soothing experience for patients, facilitating decompression through customizable music and massage.
Health Center at Tower Place
Adjacent to the Women’s Health Center, the Health Center at Tower Place spans approximately 60,000 square feet and includes a variety of healthcare options such as:
- HNL Lab Medicine
- Rehabilitation services
- Imaging services
- ExpressCARE
- Primary care
- Pulmonary and critical care medicine
- Endocrinology
- Bariatric medicine
- Diabetes metabolism center
A Historic Transformation
The construction of this healthcare facility marks a revitalization of a historically significant location, once home to Bethlehem Steel, the region’s largest employer prior to its closure. “It’s fitting to see the site occupied by the Valley’s current largest employer,” remarked state Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-Northampton County. “My dad did work hard at that plant. We’re seeing a rebirth 53 years after Martin Tower’s completion on Aug. 28, 1972.”
This new health hub signifies a commitment to support women’s health in the Lehigh Valley and reflects a community’s resilience and adaptability in the face of change.
