July 31 was a milestone date for the construction of Loma Linda University Health – San Bernardino. The final steel beam for the structure was installed during a topping-off ceremony.
Wearing personalized Loma Linda University Health constructions hats and safety vests, leaders of the organization gave remarks during a brief program before moving the crowd outside, where they and construction workers signed the final steel beam.
Covered with newly penned signatures and messages, the beam was lifted to the roof via crane, putting in place the final piece of the building’s shell.
Loma Linda University Health – San Bernardino represents a new approach to improving the health of the city and will serve as a model for communities across the country.
The project involves three components: the San Manuel Gateway College, a medical clinic and a vegetarian restaurant. It is scheduled for completion in summer 2016.
San Manuel Gateway College
The San Manuel Gateway College, named in recognition of a $10 million gift from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, is a new and unique educational collaboration with the San Bernardino City Unified School District, the San Bernardino Community College District and other entities.
This initiative will provide career opportunities through six- to 12-month entry-level medical certification courses, such as phlebotomy and medical and dental assisting, for high school and adult students who come predominantly from disadvantaged and impoverished communities of San Bernardino and the surrounding area.
Medical care
A clinic operated by Social Action Corps (SAC) Health System will offer affordable clinical care to underserved communities, more than doubling the space it currently occupies at the former Norton Air Force Base. Formed by Loma Linda University students and faculty in the 1960s as a way to help people in need, SAC Health System is now the largest single provider of MediCal services in San Bernardino.
The new space will grow this outreach and feature world-class health care provided by Loma Linda University Health faculty, residents and students.
Restaurant and demonstration kitchen
A gourmet, wait-service vegetarian restaurant will offer healthful foods to the community while demonstrating that plant-based eating can indeed be enjoyable. The restaurant will provide an important healthy dining option in the city center and offer another avenue to share the latest health advances made by Loma Linda University Health’s researchers.
Learn more: lomalindauniversityhealth.org/sanbernardino