Front row: Berkeley Councilmember Ben Bartlett, Berkeley Mayor Adena Ishii, Tosan Boyo, Genea Wilson, Farah Montalvo, Dr. Arzou Ahsan
Back row: Dr. Derek Johnson, Dr. Onouwem Nseyo, Ryan Brennan, Dr. Pavithra Venkat

By Clayton Warren, Vitals contributor

Sutter Health has taken a major step forward with physicians from the Sutter East Bay Medical Group to expand access to healthcare in Berkeley and its surrounding communities with the grand opening of the Adeline Care Center. On May 2, Sutter leaders, staff members and physicians held a ribbon cutting event with Berkeley civic leaders to celebrate Sutter’s ongoing commitment to the city by providing patients the services they need in conveniently located, modern and connected facilities.

Located at 3075 Adeline St.(on the Ed Roberts Campus), the remodeled a 10,000-square-foot leased space, is comprised of 20 exam rooms, ultrasound and lab services. Ten SEBMG OB/Gyn physicians and advanced practice clinicians will care for patients at the site, which also features the welcoming look and feel of Sutter’s new design standards to support healing, provide comfort and help enhance patients’ overall experience.

“Sutter has served the Berkeley community for more than a century and we’re very excited to build on this legacy,” said Genea Wilson, Ambulatory CEO, Sutter Greater East Bay Division. “Sutter is committed to a strong presence in East Bay and we’re confident that the health care needs of our patients and community members will not only be met but enhanced by the additional outpatient services that will be located in Berkeley.”

Previously occupied by LifeLong Medical Care, the remodeled care center is a patient focused environment offering convenient access, easy wayfinding, and streamlined check-in processes.

“Expanding outpatient services in Berkeley marks a significant milestone in our mission to continuously improve healthcare access and care delivery for our patients in this city,” said Tosan Boyo, president, Sutter Greater East Bay Division. “Sutter is focused on providing services where they are needed most and I’m proud to stand alongside our leaders and key stakeholders who made the completion of this project and opening of this facility a reality.”

The opening of the new Adeline Care Center is the first phase of Sutter’s expansion efforts at this location. In phase two, Sutter is renovating another 5,600 square-feet in the building featuring a comprehensive laboratory with additional blood draw stations, 12 exam rooms offering wrap-around services and room for growth for OB/Gyn clinicians. Renovations are underway and Sutter expects to open this space in late 2025.

“It’s truly an honor to stand before you today as we celebrate the grand opening of Sutter Health’s newest care center here in Berkeley,” said Adena Ishii, Mayor, City of Berkeley. “This is a great occasion for our city, a testament to our commitment to progress, and a reflection of our shared vision for a healthier, stronger community.

Pictured left to right: Sutter Adeline Care Center clinicians Debbie Barish, NP, Nicole Sata, CNM, Onouwem Nseyo, M.D., Tamandra Morgan, M.D. and Beverly Maldonado, CNM.

Sutter is also expanding services and capacity at the Milvia Care Center located at 2500 Milvia Street in Berkeley. The plan includes adding 10 primary care clinicians for a total of 22 primary care clinicians and expanding Milvia’s Urgent Care center. The Milvia Urgent Care will double the current number of exam rooms and hire additional urgent care clinicians to meet community demand.

“As Sutter’s East Bay footprint continues to grow, our physicians and care teams are dedicated to growing with it,” said Dr. Arzou Ahsan, president & CEO of SEBMG. “Sutter’s Adeline Care Center is just one example of how we’re investing in the healthcare needs of our Berkeley community by making care more accessible.”

Together, the Adeline and Milvia Care Centers will create a hub of integrated care in Berkeley that exemplifies Sutter Health’s mission of caring for patients first and its vision of becoming the most comprehensive, connected health system in the East Bay region.

“Taking care of people is at the heart of what we do and on behalf of our Sutter East Bay Medical Group physicians, I want to thank everyone here for their partnership in supporting our expansion plans in Berkeley,” adds Dr. Ahsan.

Sutter’s investment in Berkeley is part of Sutter’s recently announced plan to expand access and services in the East Bay. By adding new facilities and services, Sutter is making it easier for patients to access the integrated health system’s high-caliber care from its medical group physician partners.

“Sutter is committed to providing comprehensive, accessible care to our patients here in Berkeley and I know our physicians are inspired to help more individuals and families receive the care they deserve,” said Dr. Derek Johnson, chief medical officer, SEBMG. “This care center represents a significant step toward addressing the evolving healthcare needs of the communities we serve.”

Over the next three years, Sutter plans to add 50 primary care providers in Oakland and Berkeley. Proposed plans will add 45 primary care providers across Sutter’s East Bay footprint by 2028 for a total of 95 new providers.