Hoyer Announces Over $80,000 Grant for MedStar St. Mary's Hospital

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) announced today that MedStar St. Mary's Hospital has received a $84,335 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Rural Health Network Development Planning Grant Program. The grant will support the development of a Community Health Center Planning Network, which will bring together health care and social services providers to address the needs of the underserved population in St. Mary's County.  

"Congratulations to MedStar St. Mary's Hospital on being awarded this critical funding to develop a Community Health Center Planning Network that will help meet health care needs in St. Mary's County," stated Congressman Hoyer. "Improving access to affordable, quality health care in the Fifth District is a top
priority. I will continue to work with the hospital so that they have the resources needed to develop comprehensive and coordinated health care services in our community and we can ensure all residents have access to the care they need."   

"MedStar St. Mary's is grateful to earn this grant award that will be used to further our development of a primary care service for the underserved of St. Mary's County, particularly in Lexington Park where the data revealed citizens have significant disparities in accessing health care," stated Christine R. Wray, President of MedStar St. Mary's Hospital. "It fits with our vision to be the trusted leader in caring for people and advancing health."

The Rural Health Network Development Planning Grant Program provides one-year grants to rural entities to plan and develop a formal health care network. The grant awarded to MedStar St. Mary's Hospital will help fund the formalization of the Community Health Center Planning Network, the creation of a Board of Directors, and development of a business plan. It will also support financial management planning, a marketing strategy and a capital fundraising campaign plan to assist in attaining long-term viability and financial sustainability.