The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), recently announced that it has filed its regulatory plan with the Maryland Health Care Commission seeking approval to enhance health care services offered in Laurel.  

As the District 1 Council Member, whose constituent area includes the University of Maryland Laurel Regional Hospital, I am excited about this major step forward, which represents two years of hard work and collaboration between elected officials and UMMS.

The UMMS plan includes a $50 million investment that will bring a new state-of-the-art medical center to the Laurel/Beltsville area.  The new building will anchor a larger medical campus and offer 24/7 emergency care, surgery center, crisis and outpatient behavioral health services, and a range of other medical services to meet the community's health needs.  

Additional development plans include expansion of outpatient programs such as chronic disease management, wellness promotion, pharmacy and imaging in collaboration with UMMS and its partners from the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

I appreciate the leadership and partnership of County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III, State Senators Jim Rosapepe and Douglas J.J. Peters, Laurel Mayor Craig A. Moe, the Laurel City Council, UMMS President and CEO Robert Chrencik and the UMMS team, and our residents, to create a new future for the University of Maryland Laurel Regional Hospital. I also want to thank my Council colleagues, particularly longtime Dimensions Board Member Andrea C. Harrison, for their strong support of a replacement medical facility in Laurel to serve Northern Prince George’s County. 

Subject to regulatory approval, I look forward to continuing to work through to the anticipated completion of the new University of Maryland Laurel Regional Hospital in the year 2021.

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