Holy Cross Health's Commitment to Growth Amplified by $2.5M Investment from the Nora Roberts Foundation

Holy Cross Health’s Commitment to Growth Amplified by $2.5M Investment from the Nora Roberts Foundation


Pioneering the Future of Healthcare: Best Selling Author’s Foundation Reinforces Hospital's Growth Initiatives

Silver Spring, MD (November 13, 2023) — The Nora Roberts Foundation, a steadfast advocate for creating an equitable and safe world, has pledged $2.5 million to Holy Cross Health. This generous commitment will empower Holy Cross Health to reimagine the patient experience through extensive renovations to its emergency department at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, Maryland.

As the hospital commemorates its 60^th year of service, Holy Cross Health is committed to renewing and expanding its capabilities to address the evolving healthcare needs of Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland, and metropolitan Washington, DC.

President & CEO of Holy Cross Health, Norvell V. Coots, M.D., MSS, FAAD, stated, “The timing of this support is omniscient. This substantial $2.5 million gift from the Nora Roberts Foundation is a testament to the incredible impact we are making in our community.” Coots added that, “We have seen a 20% increase in emergency department visits over the past year alone. Now, more than ever, we must continue fulfilling our plans to grow our network of services. I applaud our team for their resilience in the face of change and dedication to providing compassionate care to our patients.”

With over 75,000 annual emergency visits, part of Holy Cross’ aim is to alleviate overcrowding and provide dedicated sections for behavioral health patients and continued support for the senior population. This renovation, projected to cost more than $25 million, will result in a nurturing and patient-friendly environment that promotes efficiency, enhanced communication, and specialized care.

Jason Aufdem-Brinke, on behalf of the Nora Roberts Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership saying, "We believe in making a real and tangible difference in our communities. By supporting Holy Cross Health's mission to innovate and enhance the patient experience, we are not only transforming healthcare, but impacting and improving lives. It’s an honor to serve in this way."

Alisa Smallwood, CFRE, chief development officer at Holy Cross Health, added, “We are deeply grateful for the commitment of the Nora Roberts Foundation. This partnership reveals they too are optimistic about our capacity to make impactful, large-scale change in healthcare.”

In addition to emergency room renovations, Holy Cross continues to improve its comprehensive cancer care. The health system opened the doors to its 31,000 square foot facility earlier this year, introducing the Varian Edge, advanced radiation therapy that better targets cancer. Holy Cross is the only health system in the county to offer this technology. Plans for the continued growth of Holy Cross Germantown Hospital are also underway.

For more information or to support Holy Cross Health, visit HolyCrossHealth.org/donate.

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About Holy Cross Health

Holy Cross Health is a Catholic, not-for-profit, people-centered health system that serves the two most populous counties in Maryland, Montgomery and Prince George's counties, and Washington, DC. The health system is committed to being the most trusted provider of healthcare services in the area. Founded in 1963 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Holy Cross Health is a member of Trinity Health in Livonia, Michigan, one of the largest multi-institutional Catholic healthcare delivery systems in the nation. Holy Cross Hospital, in Silver Spring, is one of the largest hospitals in Maryland, and Holy Cross Germantown Hospital is the first hospital in the nation on a community college campus, enhanced by an educational partnership. The Holy Cross Health Network operates primary care practices and affordable health centers and offers a wide range of innovative, community-based health and wellness programs. Specialty care, home care, and hospice services round out Holy Cross Health's high quality and coordinated continuum of care that aims to improve health and move life ahead for individuals and populations in the communities served. In fiscal 2022, Holy Cross Health contributed nearly 10 percent of its $654 million revenue to community benefit activities that meet community needs and improve access to health. Learn more at HolyCrossHealth.org.