For years, a startling statistic has hung over Prince George’s County: despite being home to nearly one million residents, eight out of ten local women leave the county to deliver their babies. This “maternal exodus” is often born of necessity rather than choice, driven by a historical lack of local obstetrical care.

Luminis Health is working toward changing that narrative by opening a new Women’s Health Pavilion.

On April 22, Luminis Health hosted a landmark groundbreaking ceremony at Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC) in Lanham, signaling the start of construction on the massive, 67,000-square-foot Women’s Health Pavilion. The event brought together state and local officials, healthcare leaders, and community advocates to celebrate a project that is as much about social equity as it is about medicine.

More Than Just a Building

The new three-story, state-of-the-art pavilion is the centerpiece of a broader campus modernization. Designed to be a “one-stop hub” for women’s health, the facility will provide comprehensive services that span the entire journey of womanhood—not just the delivery room.

“The Women’s Health Pavilion is more than a building; it is a promise to deliver compassionate, high-quality, and equitable care for women and families across our region,” said Tori Bayless, CEO of Luminis Health. “We are proud to invest in a future where every woman has access to the care she deserves, close to home.”

Bridging the Care Gap

The need for this facility is underscored by sobering health disparities. In Prince George’s County, Black women face maternal mortality rates approximately 50% higher than the national average. By providing high-quality care within the community, Luminis Health aims to dismantle the barriers that contribute to these outcomes.

“Delivery is just one part of a much larger journey. The Women’s Health Pavilion reflects our commitment to a coordinated approach to maternal care, supporting women before pregnancy, guiding them through high-quality prenatal care, and ensuring that support continues during the critical postpartum period,” says Deneen Richmond, president of LHDCMC.

What to Expect: A First Look at the Pavilion

When the doors open in late 2028, the facility will be equipped to handle approximately 2,000 births per year. The state-of-the-art design includes:

• Private labor and delivery rooms and dedicated C-section operating suites.
• Midwife-supported birthing suites for those seeking a more natural birthing experience.
• Level II Special Care Nursery for newborns needing extra medical attention.
• A rooftop helipad with direct access to the Emergency Department for critical transfers.
• Postpartum and nursery units designed for family bonding and comfort.

Modernizing the Whole Campus

While the pavilion is the star of the show, the entire LHDCMC campus is getting a facelift. The “Maternal Health and Campus Modernization Initiative” includes major upgrades to the hospital’s core infrastructure, including a redesigned Emergency Department, modernized operating rooms, and expanded laboratory services.

Beyond healthcare, the project is a win for the local economy. The construction phase is expected to create numerous jobs and drive economic activity by supporting local businesses throughout the process.

As the ceremonial shovels hit the dirt in Lanham, the message to Prince George’s County women was clear: You no longer have to leave home to receive world-class care. 

For more information on the project and the future of healthcare in our county, visit the Luminis Health website.