A Look at Rise 4 Life’s Vitalis St John Medical Center

The Vitalis St John Medical Center represents a major milestone in Rise 4 Life’s mission to expand access to health, social, and preventive care across Lebanon. Through services rooted in dignity, community, and long-term impact, the center aims to respond to growing needs while promoting wellbeing and strengthening support systems for individuals and families.

Located in the Monastery of Saint John in Khenshara, Metn, the center was developed as a medical, social, and humanitarian project designed to respond to multiple needs under one roof. Renovation works began in May 2024, marking the start of a journey that brought together generous donors from the Lebanese community in Canada, the support of the Basilian Chouerite Order, and the commitment of partners who believed in the value of this vision.

With the blessing and approval of the Basilian Chouerite Order, Rise 4 Life was granted the use of a building in the monastery for 18 years, renewable, creating a stable foundation for the project’s future. This support was essential in transforming the space into the Vitalis St John Medical Center, a place intended to serve both immediate health needs and broader social wellbeing.

The center includes a range of services, such as medical clinics, dental care, laboratory services, radiology, and preventive care. It also places special emphasis on elderly wellbeing through a dedicated day care space for older persons, where they can benefit from social, awareness-based, recreational, cultural, and nutritional activities in a supportive and respectful environment. This integrated model reflects a deeper understanding of health as something that goes beyond treatment alone.

The project has also been strengthened by key partnerships. An agreement with the administration of Hôtel-Dieu de France Hospital provides support across departments and includes a 40% reduction on examinations and operations. Another cooperation agreement was established with Caritas, reinforcing the center’s ability to respond more effectively to community needs through collaboration rather than isolated action.

To mark its launch, the Vitalis St John Medical Center began with a free medical day organized in cooperation with the Faculty of Medicine, volunteer doctors from USJ, and 7eme Jour. Around 200 people were received for free check-ups and preventive consultations across different specialties. This opening activity reflected the spirit of the center itself: accessible care, professional dedication, and a strong commitment to serving people with compassion.

Through the Vitalis St John Medical Center, Rise 4 Life is investing in a model of care that is both practical and humane. It is a project built on generosity, partnership, and trust, and it reflects what can be achieved when institutions, donors, volunteers, and communities come together around a shared purpose.

As this journey continues, Rise 4 Life looks forward to growing the center’s impact and ensuring that more people can benefit from services that protect health, strengthen social ties, and restore hope.