The Behavioral Health Unit at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center has more than tripled its capacity and more than quadrupled its footprint after a $10.3 million expansion project.
Slated to open on Dec. 2., the newly expanded unit will help address the county’s rising demand for mental health services.
“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 Executive Calvin Ball said in a statement.
The unit, which previously covered 1,500 square feet, now spans 7,000 square feet. It also expanded its bed capacity for the first time since 2009, growing from 5 to 24 beds.
The medical center is the only hospital in Howard County and, like other hospitals across Maryland and the region, its emergency room has seen an increase in patients seeking behavioral health care.
Mental health cases comprised 18.3% of visits to the hospital in 2021, up from 10.5% in 2013.
“These high volumes result in longer than acceptable wait times,” Ball said. “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.”
Funding sources included $2 million from Howard County government, $2.6 million in state funding, and $3 million from a fundraising campaign led by the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Foundation.
“As we celebrate this milestone, let us also renew our commitment to ensuring that no one in our community struggles in silence,” Ball said. “This facility stands as a beacon of hope, compassion, and healing for those who need it most.”
