August 18, 2026 — Covenant HealthCare and the Saginaw County Health Department (SCHD) are advancing plans for new healthcare facilities in and around the former Rite Aid property at the corner of Michigan and Genesee in Saginaw.
The two organizations have entered into a development agreement to create convenient, community-focused health sites that will expand access to urgent care, primary care, and public health services for residents of 48602 and surrounding communities. While planning and development efforts are ongoing, the project reflects a shared commitment to improving access to healthcare and strengthening community health for years to come.
The project would create a future home for the Saginaw County Health Department, allowing the organization to move from its current Michigan Avenue facility and better serve residents through a modern, accessible space. For Covenant HealthCare, the development represents an opportunity to expand access to care through an additional location that complements an existing network of services near the main hospital campus. Current locations and services for both organizations will remain unchanged during the planning and development process.
The planned health sites would allow Covenant HealthCare and the Saginaw County Health Department to deliver their respective services while creating new opportunities to collaborate on programs and initiatives that support the well-being of residents throughout the region.
“Covenant HealthCare is committed to delivering extraordinary access to medical care for our local community and the region,” said Beth Charlton, President and CEO of Covenant HealthCare. “This project represents an important investment in the future of healthcare in Saginaw. By working with partners such as the Saginaw County Health Department, we can expand services, improve access, and better meet the evolving needs of those we serve.”
The initiative will further complement the transformational Medical Diamond district and ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare access throughout Saginaw.
“It’s all about expanding access to essential health services,” said Christina Harrington, Chief Health Officer for the Saginaw County Health Department. “This partnership creates an opportunity to bring public health resources and clinical services closer to the people who need them most while strengthening the network of care available within the Medical Diamond and across our community.”
Additional details, including services, timelines, and facility plans, will be shared as development progresses.
About Covenant HealthCare
Covenant HealthCare is a non-profit regional health system dedicated to delivering extraordinary care for every generation across Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region and beyond. From moms-to-be to babies to great-grandfathers, families trust Covenant for a full continuum of high-quality, compassionate care. The health system offers a comprehensive range of inpatient and outpatient services, including high-risk obstetrics, neonatal and pediatric intensive care, acute care, primary care, cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, robotic surgery, neurosciences, rehabilitation, a Level II Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center, and more. In 2025, Covenant HealthCare was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of Michigan’s “Best Regional Hospitals,” placing Covenant HealthCare in the top 10% of hospitals in the state.
About Saginaw County Health Department
Saginaw County Health Department (SCHD) is driving a collaborative movement to make Saginaw one of Michigan’s Top 25 healthiest communities. Recently recognized for groundbreaking work in community health transformation by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, SCHD leads the 12-partner BWell Saginaw initiative and champions Rx Kids in the City of Saginaw, Bridgeport and Buena Vista townships.