Without a large-scale health facility, non-profit organizations currently fill a health care gap in East County. When Washington Adventist Hospital moves to White Oak, the public health landscape of the region will change. Patch discusses the impact of the move on East County residents with the hospital's president, Jere Stocks.

Colesville Patch: When will the move be finalized, and how soon will health care be available in the new location?

Jere Stocks: The hospital has filed an application with the Maryland Health Care Commission to relocate to White Oak. The reviewer from the Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC) visited our current site and the proposed site in April. We are awaiting the commission's approval and look forward to working with them as this process moves forward.

Colesville Patch: How will the new facility improve the overall landscape of health care in East Montgomery County?

Stocks: The combined relocation of Washington Adventist Hospital and continued use of our Takoma Park campus will strengthen the region's health care infrastructure and expand access to care. The new facility will have all private rooms, more space for clinical care and state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Also, the new facility will be located near the consolidated FDA campus. We have already begun work with the FDA on research and other innovative initiatives which also improves public health in the region.

Colesville Patch: In terms of demographics, who will benefit the most from the
new facility: the uninsured, the elderly, low-income residents,
undocumented immigrants?

Stocks: Everyone. The relocated hospital, which will be in the center of our primary service area, and the health care services offered in Takoma Park will continue to serve the communities in eastern and lower Montgomery County, as well as Prince George's County. We will continue to serve those with and without health insurance.

Colesville Patch: How will the hospital weave itself into the tapestry of the
larger community?

Stocks: We've been working with groups such as the East County Citizens Advisory Board, the Greater Colesville Civic Association, Hillandale Gardens, the FDA, homeowners associations and many more community organizations for more than five years on this project. We will continue to engage with these group and groups in Takoma Park as we move forward.

Colesville Patch: Jobs. How soon will the hospital's relocation start producing jobs in East Montgomery County?

Stocks: Construction jobs will be created as soon as we get approval of the project from the Maryland Health Care Commission, since the project has received all necessary county approvals. The relocation project will create 1,000 new permanent jobs.