— information courtesy of Donna Young, Maria Parham Health Public Information Officer
Maria Parham Health has received a Certificate of Occupancy for its Emergency Department renovation on the Henderson campus, marking a major milestone in the hospital’s ongoing efforts to expand access to high-quality care—especially for patients facing behavioral health challenges in Vance and Franklin counties.
Construction on the renovation began Mar. 17, 2025. The project was designed to better serve vulnerable populations in the region, with particular emphasis on creating dedicated spaces within the Emergency Department to meet the growing need for behavioral and mental health services.
“These renovations reflect our unwavering commitment to improving the way we care for every patient who walks through our doors—especially those navigating mental and behavioral health issues,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “We are incredibly grateful for the community support and funding that made this project possible, and we look forward to opening these new spaces to better serve our neighbors.”
Key improvements include the creation of dedicated, purpose-built areas within the Emergency Department that promote safety, privacy, and dignity for behavioral health patients. The enhancements are also expected to boost operational efficiency and support staff well-being.
To ensure continuous care during construction, temporary modifications were made to the hospital’s main lobby, which have served as a substitute intake, registration, and emergency care area for patients arriving via personal vehicle. These temporary areas have allowed for uninterrupted triage, waiting, and registration services throughout the renovation period.
With the Certificate of Occupancy now in hand, hospital staff began final preparations on Aug. 20 to bring the renovated Emergency Department online. The space opened to patients at 11 a.m. on Aug. 20, 2025.
The project was made possible by funding secured in October 2023 through a collaborative initiative involving the Vance County District Attorney’s Office, Granville Vance Public Health, the Vance County Board of Commissioners, and the North Carolina General Assembly. The investment demonstrates a shared regional commitment to strengthening mental health care infrastructure and improving outcomes for patients across the area.
Maria Parham Health will continue to provide renovation updates through its official Facebook page and local media outlets-
