WVU Medicine Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) welcomed U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, representatives from the office of U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, and U.S. Rep. April McClain Delaney for a special presentation recognizing $1 million in congressionally directed spending that the lawmakers secured to support planning for radiation oncology services at Garrett Regional Medical Center.
The investment marks a significant milestone in GRMC’s efforts to expand access to cancer care for patients in Garrett County and the surrounding region.
“Bringing radiation oncology services closer to home would be a tremendous benefit for our patients and families,” said Mark Boucot, president and CEO of Garrett Regional Medical Center. “We are incredibly grateful to Senator Van Hollen, Senator Alsobrooks and Congresswoman McClain Delaney for their advocacy and commitment to improving access to cancer care in our rural community.”
The funding will support the planning and development efforts necessary to bring radiation oncology services to Garrett Regional Medical Center. Currently, many patients in the region who require radiation treatment must travel significant distances to receive care.
“Far too many Marylanders and their families have to travel long distances to receive the treatment they need to battle serious health challenges like cancer. That’s why we fought to secure this federal funding to help bring treatment closer to home for patients in Garrett County and the region. The future radiation and oncology department at Garrett Regional will help more residents access the care they need right in their own communities,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “
“We are thankful for the strong partnership we have with our federal delegation,” Boucot said. “Their support of this project demonstrates a shared commitment to the people of Garrett County and the surrounding communities.”
The presentation was held Thursday, Aug. 20, in the GRMC main lobby and included local government officials, hospital leadership, medical staff, representatives from WVU Health System and community representatives.
Since joining WVU Medicine, Garrett Regional Medical Center has significantly expanded access to specialty care, allowing patients to receive more services closer to home. New and expanded services include cancer care and hematology, urology, gynecology, pain management, nephrology and inpatient dialysis, stroke care, dermatology, pulmonology, podiatry and foot and ankle care, behavioral health, cardiology, vascular surgery, a Lyme disease clinic, palliative care and additional wellness services.
These expanded services reflect GRMC’s ongoing commitment to bringing high-quality, comprehensive care closer to home for the communities it serves.
For more information about Garrett Regional Medical Center and its services, visit WVUMedicine.org/Garrett.
Photo Cutline: From left to right: Kevin Shannon, MD, oncologist at GRMC Cancer Center; U.S. Congresswoman April McClain Delaney; Marjorie Fridkin, MD, Chief Medical Officer of GRMC; Mark Boucot, president and CEO of GRMC; U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen; Amy Boothe, COO/CFO, GRMC; Kendra Thayer, CNO/Vice President of Clinical Services, GRMC; and Delanie Blubaugh, representative from U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks office.
