Days before the Maryland Health Care Commission prepares to hold a series of evidentiary hearings to determine whether Washington Adventist Hospital will be allowed to move from Takoma Park to White Oak, the hospital released a study that touts its involvement in the turnaround of East Montgomery County. 

The hospital invited community members to a presentation by Economist Stephen Fuller, Ph.D, on Wednesday, Aug. 3 to hear findings from an economic study. Fuller is Director of the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University. 

According to Fuller, Adventist’s proposed 48-acre, 249-bed facility would contribute to economic growth in East Montgomery County along with the expansion of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s White Oak campus.

Fuller says FDA and Washington Adventist both will bring new residents to the area, as employees will want to live closer to their work. Also, the study found that the move will total over $115 million in earnings to local construction workers, while the entire construction project is expected to add over $550 million to Maryland’s economy.

Other findings:

-$630.8 million to the state’s economy in 2015

-4,700 statewide jobs from “economic activity” related to the hospital

-The move could help land use in surrounding areas

-Inspire “investor’s confidence” in the burgeoning Science Corridor

“A relocated Washington Adventist Hospital at White Oak presents a unique strategic opportunity that can help strengthen the region’s competitive position and economic outlook over its long-run future,” Fuller said.

This study comes on the heels of another study commissioned by Montgomery County’s Planning Department. As county planners prepare an East County Science Center Master Plan, which seeks to capitalize on the synergy between FDA’s expansion and Washington Adventist Hospital’s move, a June study by Partners for Economic Solutions questioned the institutions’ ability to attract new businesses.