BRANDYWINE, MD – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) attended a tour and briefing at Greater Baden Medical Services (GBMS), which provides health care services to residents of Southern Prince George’s County and Charles and St. Mary’s counties. Following the tour and briefing, Congressman Hoyer read to young people in the waiting room as part of their Reach Out and Read program, which advises parents about the importance of reading aloud and giving developmentally-appropriate books to children.

“For nearly forty years, GBMS has provided Fifth District residents with access to affordable, quality health care, and I was pleased to join the staff and administration at Greater Baden Medical Services for a tour of their facilities and briefing to learn more about the services they provide,” stated Congressman Hoyer. “Throughout my career, I’ve strongly supported efforts to increase access to care and improve services at community health centers. The Affordable Care Act strengthens these centers, and I remain committed to ensuring GBMS and other health centers in Maryland and throughout the nation have the resources needed to continue serving our communities.”

“I’d also like to thank GBMS for serving as one of the three Reach Out and Read sites in the Fifth District,” continued Congressman Hoyer. “This
program encourages families to read together more often and helps children develop the skills they need to come to school prepared to learn and succeed.”

The Affordable Care Act supports the expansion and growth of community health centers. The law established a permanent Community Health Center Fund that
provides $11 billion over five years for new centers and more services at existing centers. Beyond 2015, the law established a long term growth plan for the centers through the Community Health Center Fund in order to accommodate the continued expansion of the health center system.

GBMS is a non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center that provides primary care, as well as mental health and dental services. In 2010, GBMS responded to the needs of 11,348 patients with more than 43,000 patient visits. Their flagship facility in Brandywine opened in Fall 2010, and several other clinics are
located throughout Prince George’s County and Southern Maryland, including La Plata, Oxon Hill, Leonardtown, Suitland, and Capitol Heights.