Cedar Hill aims to bring health care access to Wards 7 and 8 – NBC4 Washington

Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center is making waves as it aims to enhance healthcare access for residents in Wards 7 and 8, marking a significant development in healthcare in the District. As the first new hospital to open in over 20 years, Cedar Hill is more than just a building; it is a beacon of hope and vitality for a community that has long faced barriers in accessing quality healthcare services. CEO Anthony Coleman recently provided insights into the operations and impact of this state-of-the-art facility, sharing observations drawn from their initial weeks of operation and highlighting the disparity in healthcare access faced by the local population.

In its first 45 days, Cedar Hill’s emergency department recorded more than 5,300 visits. However, a closer examination of these statistics revealed a concerning trend: approximately 80% of those patients could have received adequate care in either urgent care settings or through a primary care physician. This startling figure underscores a much larger issue—the stark lack of primary care access in Wards 7 and 8. Coleman emphasizes the importance of aligning healthcare services with community needs. “What we did not expect was a swell of the unmet need in this community,” he stated, pointing to the pressing requirement for more primary care options.

To address this gap, Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center plans to launch additional clinics later this year, aiming to provide residents the care they need without overburdening emergency services. Coleman reflects on the critical distinction between ER visits and primary health concerns, a knowledge he hopes to disseminate within the community. “We’re reminding residents about what warrants a visit to the ER,” he said, acknowledging the need for proactive health education.

Cedar Hill’s contributions extend beyond primary care access. The hospital serves as a crucial trauma center, capable of responding to 85% of all trauma needs, thereby playing a significant role in emergency care. Coleman shared an impactful story about two young men who were transported to Cedar Hill after being shot. They made the choice to drive themselves to the hospital, illustrating the urgency that often accompanies trauma cases. “It’s literally the difference between life and death. When you have a trauma, seconds matter,” Coleman explained, highlighting the hospital’s crucial role in potentially saving lives.

The newly established medical center is not just about healthcare; it is also an economic catalyst for the area. Out of the 550 employees, 196 are District residents, with approximately 65% of the staff hailing from Wards 7 and 8. This investment in local workforce development is crucial, offering not just job opportunities but fostering a sense of community pride and ownership in the healthcare system.

Perhaps one of the most heartwarming aspects of Cedar Hill’s opening is its impact on maternal healthcare. For the first time since 2017, babies are being born east of the Anacostia River, a significant milestone for the community. Within its inaugural weeks, Cedar Hill proudly welcomed 11 healthy newborns, including a high-risk case. Coleman noted, “We brought OB care back east of the river. All healthy babies, healthy deliveries, healthy moms.” This is more than just a statistic; it represents a tangible shift in the maternal healthcare landscape, instilling hope for families who previously had to travel long distances for care.

In addition to providing essential healthcare services, Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center aims to foster relationships and engagement within the community. Coleman and his team are committed to ensuring that residents feel welcomed and cared for, not just as patients but as integral parts of the healthcare system. They plan ongoing outreach efforts to assess and understand community needs, thereby building a more responsive and effective healthcare model that is sensitive to the unique challenges faced by Wards 7 and 8.

The journey of Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center is just beginning, and while the initial data showcases both exciting achievements and significant challenges, the overarching theme remains one of hope and resilience. By addressing immediate health needs and improving healthcare access, Cedar Hill is positioned to transform the lives of those it serves.

As the community looks forward to additional clinics and expanded services later this year, the commitment to bridging the healthcare gap in Wards 7 and 8 has never been more palpable. Through the lens of utilized data, firsthand stories of triumph, and a focus on community engagement, Cedar Hill stands as a testament to what thoughtful healthcare practice intertwined with community needs can achieve.

As Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center continues to refine its approach, it remains devoted to its mission of delivering quality healthcare, saving lives in emergencies, and improving the general wellness of Wards 7 and 8, one patient at a time. With the continued support and involvement from local residents, Cedar Hill promises a brighter, healthier future—a future where access to essential medical care is no longer a challenge, but a right.

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