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-Press Release, Maria Parham Health
Maria Parham Health, part of Duke LifePoint Healthcare, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Thursday, February 20, 2020, to celebrate its newly expanded behavioral health facility at Maria Parham Franklin. Representatives from the hospital and Duke LifePoint Healthcare joined community leaders, elected officials, health care providers and other supporters to celebrate the completion of the project.
“This project has been a true partnership since the beginning, and I am grateful for our many partners – including Duke LifePoint Healthcare, as well as local, state and non-profit organizations for contributing their time and resources to expanding services at Maria Parham Franklin,” said Bert Beard, chief executive officer (CEO) of Maria Parham Health. “Since opening our doors, this facility has provided care to thousands of patients, and we are so honored to continue serving the health needs of this community.”
Since October 2018, the hospital has operated its Maria Parham Franklin location, which provides 24/7 emergency care, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services and a 13-bed inpatient geriatric behavioral health unit for adults 55 years and older. Spanning 14,900 square feet, the new 20-bed adult behavioral health unit adjoins the current facility and will serve patients 18 years and older.
“As Franklin County continues to advance and grow, a strong foundation for healthcare is critical for our long-term success,” said Sidney E. Dunston, Franklin County commissioner and chairman of the Commissioner’s Hospital Committee. “We are proud to be restoring critically needed healthcare services back to our community, while also adding new jobs and opportunities for growth.”
The expansion project cost for construction and equipment totaled more than $10 million. With both phases of the Maria Parham Franklin project now complete, the capital investment totals more than $16 million and was made possible by Duke LifePoint Healthcare, The Dorothea Dix Hospital Property Fund, The Golden Leaf Foundation and the North Carolina Department of Commerce through the North Carolina Community Development Block Grant.
“Access to high-quality behavioral health services is a growing need for communities across our nation, and Duke LifePoint Healthcare is proud to have been a part of restoring these essential health services to this region,” said Harry Phillips, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Duke LifePoint Healthcare. “This project underscores our commitment to engage patients and people, lead quality innovation and advance knowledge to improve health in the communities we serve.”