COUNTY COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY SUPPORTS COUNTY EXECUTIVE PLAN TO SAVE PRINCE GEORGE’S HOSPITAL CENTER

The Prince George’s County Council, during session on Tuesday, October 28, 2003, unanimously adopted Council Resolution 75-2003, taking emergency action to save the financially struggling Prince George’s Hospital Center and its operator, the non-profit Dimensions Health Corporation.  The resolution, introduced at the request of County Executive Jack Johnson, approves a cash infusion of $5 million to avert the closing of the Prince George’s Hospital Center.  The appropriation, the total of $3 million in personal income taxes and $2 million in recordation taxes, does not draw from funds dedicated to education.

Council Member Thomas R. Hendershot (D) – District 3, who chairs the Council Committee on Health, Education and Human Services, said while the County Executive and County Council are working together, the State of Maryland must still do its part.  “This County Executive and this County Council have put together a program that is going to work.  If the State of Maryland will meet its obligations, the people of Prince George’s will continue to be served.   We’ve got a partnership.  The state needs to get on board and join us in this partnership.”

Tuesday’s Council action will ensure continued access to health care for Prince Georgians, especially 90,000 uninsured or underinsured County residents.   County Executive Jack Johnson thanked Council Members for their cooperation.    

“ There are moments when you feel really proud to serve with certain people and I am really proud to serve with the members of this Council.  Each one of you in your own way worked to make certain that we achieved the goal of providing an opportunity for people in this County without health insurance to have access to medical care.” 

The County Executive and County Council agree that the State of Maryland has a critical role in assuring the fiscal health of the Prince George’s Hospital Center, noting that dialogue with state officials is ongoing.