SSM, BJC partner on economic development venture

SSM Health and BJC HealthCare have formed a joint venture to build and operate a regional laundry which will help bring economic development and new jobs to under-resourced communities in the city of St. Louis.

The St. Louis Healthcare Support Services, LLC, will clean 35 million pounds of the health systems’ linens each year, using a 100,000-square-foot leased warehouse that BJC purchased in St. Louis’ Soulard neighbohood.

Both health systems are part of the St. Louis Anchor Action Network, an initiative that combines the resources of healthcare, education, and the public and private sectors to advance racial equity, remove barriers to economic opportunity and create a more inclusive regional community. 

The Action Network, whose members include large companies and organizations that drive change and sustained investment, is focused on 22 ZIP codes in the city of St. Louis and North St. Louis County that have been impacted by more than a century of systemic racial and spatial inequities. The new facility will be located among those ZIP codes, 63104. 

“As health care systems, we understand the connection between financial stability and general health and well-being,” says Tom Harvieux, BJC vice president and chief supply officer. “We deliberately chose a location that has faced historic under-investment, because we know new business will substantially boost the economy and, by extension, improve health equity in our region.”

SSM Health and BJC will equally fund equipment and construction, utilizing diverse suppliers and contractors, with an aim to open by mid-2025. The facility will create 80 new benefits-eligible jobs with shifts available seven days a week.

“This is a great example of organizations collectively focusing our resources to address the inequities that exist in our communities,” said Michael Gray, system vice president and chief supply chain officer for SSM Health. “We expect the initial construction of this laundry facility and ongoing employee base will draw on businesses and workers from underserved neighborhoods, providing good paying jobs with benefits, which will support individuals and families in living their healthiest lives.”