"On behalf of myself, the town council and all of the citizens of Chesapeake Beach, we are very pleased to assist with the renovations of the emergency department," said Mayor Gerald Donovan.

In November, the hospital broke ground on the largest expansion in its 85-year history. The campaign, chaired by Wanda and Michael King, is raising $3 million to help equip the new facility with the latest medical technology.

The centerpiece of the $33 million project is a much larger emergency department. The new ED, when completed, will be three times its current size. "The extra space will allow us to add beds, new technology and many special features," said Jim Xinis, CMH President and CEO, "that will improve the patient's privacy and comfort."

Xinis thanked the town council for its generous contribution. "We are very grateful for the continuing support of community partners like Chesapeake Beach," he said. "Their effective leadership has been vital to bringing healthcare services to this area."

In 2002, CMH opened the Twin Beaches Community Health Center (TBCHC). The hospital also has satellites in Dunkirk and Solomons. The center provides primary and preventive health care as well as free and low-cost screenings. It also offers health education programs for local residents.

Last year, the TBCHC had over 753 visits by Chesapeake Beach residents. Of that number, 229 were uninsured. The center provided $17,175 in free care. It also helped 167 residents obtain free medication through its Medbank program valued at $163,440.

"CMH is a vital, integral part of our community," said Donovan, "from the Twin Beaches Community Health Center to the Urgent Care Center in Dunkirk to the hospital itself."

Work is progressing smoothly on the other phases of the hospital expansion, according to Monty Suder, who oversees the project. The new 10-bed Intensive Care Unit, which treats the most critically ill or injured patients, is set to open in November.

Last month, the foundation was completed and the steel was erected for the expanded emergency and laboratory departments. New construction in this area should be done by December or January. Then renovations will begin on existing sections of the ED and lab.