COUNCIL CHAIR DAVIS RESPONDS TO STATE FUNDING REDUCTIONS AND DELAYS FOR NEW HOSPITAL
Over the last six years, stakeholders have worked to maintain a joint commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of our residents, especially as the County moves from the Dimensions Healthcare System to the University of Maryland Medical System, and with construction of the new Regional Medical Center in Largo. Working together, in an historic and pivotal point in this process, we achieved project approval for the new medical facility from the Maryland Health Care Commission.
We have looked forward to continuing the dialogue with all stakeholders engaged in this process, including Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, about long-term solutions to the critical health needs of Prince George’s County residents and citizens from Southern Maryland and across the region that are served by our facilities.
Whether Governor Hogan’s recent decision to cut the current year’s funding commitment for the new hospital and delay future funding was an error or intention, the result has produced a high level of uncertainty among citizens already anxious about the future of the Affordable Care Act and healthcare in our nation. The combined impact on the residents of Prince George’s County and Southern Maryland is devastating to consider.
Without the committed state funding resources, the new hospital project, which promises to transform healthcare in our region with a state-of-the-art teaching hospital; transform both the State and County economies with new jobs and businesses; and ultimately end the years-long dependency of the existing facilities on taxpayer subsidies, is endangered.
The Prince George’s County Council stands in solidarity with County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III, the entire Prince George’s County Delegation, and Presiding Officers to maintain the state funding agreement. We also appreciate the leadership of Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, who has steadfastly committed to a resolution of this issue before this General Assembly session adjourns.
Access to quality health care, health promotion and disease prevention are priority concerns for the Prince George’s County Council as the Board of Health, and for the residents we represent.
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