Virginia Beach, VA (June 14, 2007) – Bishop of Richmond Francis X. DiLorenzo officiated at a blessing and dedication ceremony on May 30 for the new Bon Secours Health Center at Virginia Beach.

This is the first major Bon Secours facility in Virginia Beach, marking the health system’s entry into the state’s largest city. The 85,000-square foot center provides a variety of health care services for residents, including advanced imaging, ambulatory surgery, physical therapy and sports performance, and physician offices for primary care and specialists. The facility also houses a community room for health education programs.

“As Church, Catholics in health care do more than take care of the sick. They address issues of wellness and all its functions,” said Bishop DiLorenzo. “For that I am most grateful to Bon Secours for inviting all of us, as people of God, to live up to the challenge that God gave all of us which is to be as well as we possibly can be."

The new facility is located on a 13-acre parcel along South Plaza Trail, between the heavily populated Kempsville and Princess Anne areas of Virginia Beach. This convenient location will enable Bon Secours to serve a large segment of the community. The health system also recently announced its intention to seek state approval to develop a community hospital on the campus.

“We’re excited about this opportunity to provide a choice of health care providers for Virginia Beach residents,” said Bon Secours Hampton Roads’ Chief Executive Officer Richard A. Hanson. “City leaders invited us to serve the unique health care needs of this community, and Bon Secours is committed to offering high quality services for Virginia Beach residents.”

Photo, Father Leo Manalo, left and Bishop DiLorenzo, right.