Growing Health: OSF St. Mary’s Community Garden and ER Expansion

In this Galesburg In Focus episode, WGIL’s Chris Postin interviews Dr. Nathaniel Baker, Managing Medical Director and ER Director at OSF HealthCare St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg. Dr. Baker details the creation of a new Community Garden behind the Galesburg Clinic, explaining its origins, development, and mission to promote community health through partnerships with local FFA chapters. The garden aims to provide fresh produce and foster community engagement. The discussion also covers the ongoing $5 million Emergency Room expansion, which will add 7,000 square feet, including six treatment rooms and a triage room, to enhance emergency care capacity. Dr. Baker highlights how these initiatives reflect OSF’s commitment to improving healthcare access and community well-being in West Central Illinois.