Emergency Department Renovation
Transforming emergency care at Holy Cross Health
For tens of thousands of people each year, the Emergency Department at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring is where care begins. It is often the first point of care for patients facing urgent, complex, and life‑threatening needs. That is why investing in this space is so critical.
Why this renovation matters
Holy Cross Hospital serves more than 75,000 emergency patients each year, making it one of the busiest emergency departments in Maryland. Over the last two decades, more than 1.5 million patients have received care in this space, far beyond what the original facility was designed to support.
At the same time, the needs of our community are evolving. Visits related to behavioral health crises continue to rise, and many of these patients remain in the Emergency Department for extended periods while awaiting appropriate placement. Crowded waiting areas, limited treatment rooms, and outdated layouts place daily strain on patients, families, and the clinical teams who care for them.
This renovation ensures we can continue to provide high quality emergency care for the communities we serve.
What your support makes possible
With philanthropic support, Holy Cross is reimagining its Emergency Department to better serve patients, families and caregivers at critical moments.
Donor support will help deliver:
A better experience for patients and families
- 65 modern, private treatment spaces designed to improve flow and reduce wait times
- A calmer, more welcoming waiting environment
- Enhanced technology and equipment to support rapid diagnosis and treatment, including expanding capabilities for treating specialty pathogens
- Clear, intuitive wayfinding and improved navigation throughout the ED, helping patients and families understand where to go and how to move through care with less stress and confusion
Dedicated behavioral health care
- A secure behavioral health area designed for privacy and therapeutic care
- Increased safety for all patients, visitors and colleagues
Stronger support for care teams
- Improved visibility and communication across care areas
- More efficient workflows that allow clinicians to focus on patient care
- Updated spaces that support staff wellbeing
Community Impact
The Emergency Department is central to our ability to care for the community. Nearly 90 percent of medical inpatients and 40 percent of surgical inpatients begin their care through the ED, making it a critical access point for hospital services.
As a Catholic, not-for-profit hospital, Holy Cross also serves as an essential resource. The ED is often where individuals and families turn when they face barriers to care, including limited insurance coverage, behavioral health needs, or challenges accessing primary or specialty services. Strengthening this space ensures that all patients receive timely, compassionate care, regardless of circumstance.
For the community, this renovation means:
- Faster access to emergency care close to home
- Reduced crowding and a more comfortable experience for patients and families
- A modern, trusted hospital equipped to meet future needs
Support Our Renovation
Investing in Holy Cross Health's new Emergency Department is an investment in the health and stability of Montgomery County and surrounding communities.
Make a Donation
Building the future together
Construction is underway and carefully phased to ensure uninterrupted care at Holy Cross Hospital. When completed in 2028, the renovated Emergency Department will reflect a deep commitment to excellence and compassion.
Philanthropy is essential to this transformation. Every gift helps create a space where fear is met with comfort, crisis is met with expertise, and every patient is treated with dignity.
This renovation is possible because of people like you. Together, we are building a stronger Emergency Department and a healthier future for our community.