A grant from the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission (CHRC) will support the expansion of the Greater Baden Medical Services (GBMS), a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), at its Walker Mill Health Center in Capitol Heights, located in PG County. Baden’s service expansion and renovation of this facility in the medically underserved area of Prince George’s County will expand access to comprehensive women’s health services for at-risk populations; this is a key component of the Governor’s Initiative to reduce infant mortality rates in Maryland. According to the press release by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Prince George’s County has experienced historically high rates of infant mortality.

The program is supported by a multi-year grant and projects that it will serve 600 individuals in its first year. The program is designed to be sustainable even after grant funding has run its course.

“Prenatal care services, especially for women in underserved communities, are essential to improving birth outcomes,” stated Dr. Sarah Leonhard, CEO, Greater Baden…Greater Baden Medical Services was first established in 1972 to help serve the rural residents of southern Prince George’s County.  Since that time, GBMS has expanded to six health centers and three WIC clinic locations, with sites in Prince George’s, Charles and St. Mary’s Counties.  In 2009, GBMS provided health services for more than 11,000 individuals, the majority of whom were uninsured or low-income.