Skip to main content

Hoyer Applauds New State-of-the-Art MedStar Behavioral Health Unit in Prince George's County to Improve Quality, Access to Behavioral Health Needs

May 10, 2022

CLINTON, MD – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) joined Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Maryland State Senator Michael A. Jackson, MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center President Stephen T. Michaels, MD, and MedStar leadership for a ribbon cutting ceremony dedicated to the fully-renovated, state-of-the-art behavioral health unit at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center in Prince George's County. At the event, Congressman Hoyer delivered remarks focused on the urgent need to address behavioral health challenges in the Fifth District and on his work to secure $925,000 in federal funding for the new health unit in the FY2022 Omnibus Appropriations bill enacted in March 2022.

"Mental health ought to be taken just as seriously as any physical injury or ailment," said Congressman Hoyer. "That is what this new behavioral health unit is all about: treating, caring for, and focusing on the behavioral health needs of our community. I was excited to join the unveiling of MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital's new, state-of-the-art behavioral health facility this morning. This pandemic has put a spotlight on the challenges our state confronts in our health care system and that is why I was proud to fight in Congress to deliver results for our frontline workers, hospitals, and patients."

"Earlier this year, I secured $925,000 for this new MedStar facility, and I know that this investment will have a positive impact on hundreds of residents in our community. With four new treatment areas and dedicated spaces for examinations and administrative hearings, this facility will enhance patient experience, improve patient outcomes, ensure associates' safety, and improve behavioral health care broadly. I want to thank Dr. Michaels, Christine Wray, County Executive Alsobrooks, Senator Jackson, Council Chair Hawkins, and the many others who helped make this project a success, and for taking the time today to show me how our federal investment is being put to very good use," continued Congressman Hoyer.

"MedStar Health has been busy making tremendous investments to improve health care quality and access for our patients in Prince George's County and Southern Maryland. We couldn't be more thankful for the support from Rep. Hoyer and all of our governmental partners," said Stephen T. Michaels, MD, President of MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center. "Securing almost $1 million in federal funding for our behavioral health unit renovation project is a remarkable achievement and a wise use of taxpayer money. These upgrades will allow us to provide our behavioral health patients with the best therapeutic experience possible, as we care for them physically, mentally, and emotionally when they need it most."

###