The practice of helping others in need take their first step toward addiction recovery has a rich history within Summa Health Behavioral Health Institute. In 1939, Sister M. Ignatia, C.S.A., of Summa St. Thomas Hospital, and Dr. Bob Smith, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, created the first hospital-based unit in the country dedicated to the treatment of alcoholism. That unit still exists today in Summa Healths Ignatia Hall, at St. Thomas Campus. This 12-bed, acute care unit provides alcohol and chemical dependency detoxification for adults. Continued treatment is offered through our Summa Health Ignatia Hall Addiction Medicine Intensive Outpatient Program or referral to other community resources.
