ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball recently joined hospital leaders, state and local officials, and community partners to celebrate the grand opening of the newly expanded Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center (JHHCMC). This transformative $10.3 million project expands the BHU from 1,500 square feet to 7,000 square feet, tripling its capacity from 5 to 24 beds. The hospital has not expanded bed capacity since 2009. The new facility is designed to provide specialized, compassionate care to address the increasing demand for mental health services in Howard County, which will impact overcrowding and emergency room wait times. Pictures from the event can be found here.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and today’s opening marks a significant leap forward in ensuring our residents receive the timely and supportive care they deserve. Howard County has one hospital. Like other hospitals across Maryland and the region, our hospital is experiencing increasingly higher patient volumes in its emergency room. On top of this, our hospital has not expanded its bed capacity since 2009. These high volumes result in longer than acceptable wait times. With this expansion, we are now able to better address hospital wait times and overcrowding within our emergency department. It reflects our commitment to addressing the mental health challenges in our community by providing a dedicated, therapeutic space for patients in crisis. Together with our partners, we are building a stronger, healthier Howard County.
The new BHU offers a calm, structured environment tailored to the needs of behavioral health patients. It includes open treatment spaces, semi-private rooms, and dedicated areas for therapy. By alleviating overcrowding in the emergency department, the expanded unit will allow JHHCMC to better manage patient flow and care, enabling the hospital to see an additional 20-25 emergency patients per day.
The expansion was made possible through a $2 million contribution from Howard County, $2.6 million in state funding, and a $3 million fundraising campaign led by the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Foundation. This collaboration underscores the shared commitment of local, state, and philanthropic partners to enhance behavioral health infrastructure.
Behavioral health emergency visits have surged in recent years, with mental health cases comprising 18.3% of hospital visits in 2021, compared to 10.5% in 2013. The expanded unit addresses this growing demand while supporting JHHCMC’s role as the only provider of emergency behavioral health services in the region.
Howard County has a longstanding history of supporting JHHCMC. During the past five years, Howard County has invested more than $12 million in hospital initiatives, including capacity enhancements, community health programs, and emergency room upgrades. This latest investment in the BHU reflects Howard County’s strategic approach to strengthening mental health resources, ensuring residents have access to the care they need to live healthier, more supported lives.
The Behavioral Health Unit expansion is expected to open its doors to patients on December 2, 2024. It represents a significant step forward in meeting the community’s behavioral health needs and alleviating strain on emergency department operations.
As we celebrate this milestone, let us also renew our commitment to ensuring that no one in our community struggles in silence. This facility stands as a beacon of hope, compassion, and healing for those who need it most.