Issuu

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL

SUMMER 2026

A New Day of Care: Meet the Horizon Tower Page 4

NEWS BRIEFS

ORTHOPEDICS AT SHADY GROVE MAKES U.S. TOP 100 LIST FOR STRONG OUTCOMES

Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center entered 2026 with national recognition for its orthopedic program, earning multiple Specialty Excellence Awards from Healthgrades. Shady Grove was named one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery and received Five-Star ratings for Hip Fracture Treatment and Total Hip Replacement. Ranking in the Top 3 in Maryland for Orthopedic Surgery, it is the only hospital in the state to achieve all three distinctions this year. “Safe, superior joint surgeries require utmost sterility, skill, patience and thorough patient preparation,” said Neil Roy, MD, chief medical officer. “These honors in orthopedics speak to the expertise and dedication of our entire joint replacement surgery team.”

To explore orthopedic surgery options at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center, visit AHCYOU.com/S26Ortho.

NEW PROGRAM RETHINKS PRENATAL CARE, CONNECTING MOMS FOR ADDED SUPPORT

Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center’s Maternal Care Center is offering a new way to support expectant moms, though a program called CenteringPregnancy. Instead of shorter one-on-one appointments, moms with similar due dates meet in a group for longer visits that include time with their care team, helpful education and conversation with other women going through a similar experience. This simple idea gives moms more time, more support and a stronger sense of connection throughout pregnancy. Early response is very positive, with every participant who tried the program continuing with it after the first session. A study published in 2025 in the journal Healthcare found compelling evidence that CenteringPregnancy can lead to significantly improved maternal and infant health outcomes.

Read more about how CenteringPregnancy is creating a more connected prenatal experience at AHCYou.com/S26Centering. Learn more about the Maternal Care Center at Shady Grove Medical Center at AHCYou.com/S26MCC.

12 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Turning Struggles Into Strength: One Student’s Path to Purpose

A New Day of Care

An Unexpected Turn

8 9 10

Painting a Lasting Legacy

Spotting Depression in Young People Living Healthy How Thousands of Decisions Earned Shady Grove Medical Center Its First Leapfrog ‘A’

2 SUMMER 2026

SHADY GROVE’S PEDIATRIC INPATIENT UNIT EARNS NURSING EXCELLENCE AWARD

Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center’s Inpatient Pediatric Unit received a national honor recognizing strong, child-focused nursing care. The unit earned the 2026 Pediatric Nursing Excellence Award at the Platinum level from the Society of Pediatric Nurses. The award evaluates how pediatric unit nurses support children and families, deliver care, grow professionally and continue improving over time. For families, it’s a meaningful sign that their care team demonstrates compassion, teamwork and a deep commitment to quality, said Joan Vincent, RN, chief nursing officer and vice president of Patient Care Services. Shady Grove’s exceptional nursing care on the Pediatric Inpatient Unit is complemented by physicians from Children’s National, ensuring children and families can access compassionate, expert hospital care close to home.

See the breadth of medical services for children at Shady Grove Medical Center at ACHYou.com/S26Peds.

SUPPORT & RESOURCES

The Lourie Center’s mental health services on prevention, early intervention, education, research and training through four programs: Early Head Start, a therapeutic nursery, The Lourie Center School and a clinic that is part of the Parent-Child Clinical Services Program.

TURNING STRUGGLES INTO STRENGTH: One Student’s Path to Purpose

For Jason Sussman, attending The Lourie Center School became a turning point in his young life.

BEFORE JASON TURNED 2, his outbursts were so intense that no preschool would accept him. Issues continued during Jason’s first years in mainstream elementary school. He faced isolation and didn’t get the support he needed to help manage his emotions. Behavioral contracts that didn’t include other students only increased his loneliness. “We didn’t know where to turn,” his mother Jen recalled. Jason’s parents searched tirelessly for the right support and found Adventist HealthCare’s The Lourie Center for Children’s Social & Emotional Wellness, a groundbreaking organization whose mission is improving the social and emotional health of young children and their families. Entering The Lourie Center in second grade changed everything. “I wasn’t alone,” Jason said. “It was flexible, fun and supportive.” There, he discovered chess, a game that taught him structure, strategy and a sense of control. History became his escape, a place where stories had meaning and people overcame odds.

varsity starting spot his sophomore year, a triumphant moment he equates with graduating from The Lourie Center. Also, Jason’s passion for inclusion blossomed. He served as president of Damascus High School’s chapter of Best Buddies International, doubling membership and organizing impactful events for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Jason’s leadership earned statewide and international recognition.

LOOKING AHEAD

MAKING AN IMPACT

Now, Jason is in college and continuing his work with the organization. He’s also studying special education, hoping to become the kind of teacher who once helped him. He plans to return to The Lourie Center one day, as a teacher. Jason already has experience being in front of the school’s students. In May 2025, he addressed its graduating class. He says his time at The Lourie Center shaped not just who he is but who he hopes to become. “I want to leave an impact,” Jason said. “Even if it’s just one kid, that’s something. But I’m aiming higher, I want to help change lives.”

After graduating from The Lourie Center School in 2018, Jason’s growth continued in mainstream middle and high school. He faced bullying and setbacks, including being cut from the baseball team, but he persevered. He trained relentlessly and earned a junior

If your child is facing emotional or behavioral challenges, The Lourie Center is here to support you. Learn more about its programs at AHCYou.com/S26Lourie. AHCYOU.COM/S26

NEW BEGINNINGS

A NEW DAY OF CARE SHADY GROVE MEDICAL CENTER OPENS ITS STATE-OF-THE-ART HORIZON TOWER EARLY ON JUNE 14, Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center welcomed the first patients into its new Horizon Tower. The enhanced emergency and critical care spaces at the Rockville hospital are an investment years in the making and a powerful symbol of modern, compassionate and community-centered healthcare for Montgomery County. At a ribbon-cutting on June 5, hospital leaders, physicians, nurses, community partners and donors gathered to dedicate the long-anticipated six-story building, designed to elevate both the patient and caregiver experience. The ribbon-cutting event celebrated not only the completion of major enhancements to the hospital campus, but also the realization of a vision: to deliver nextlevel care in spaces shaped by evidence, innovation and the voices of those who give and receive care every day. More than an architectural addition, the new tower represents a shift in how care is delivered. It brings advanced medical services

4 SUMMER 2026

closer together in a setting designed to reduce stress, support healing and foster connection. Every major design decision, from private rooms to gardens and light-filled corridors, reflects a century-long hallmark of the Adventist HealthCare system: Patients and caregivers do better in spaces that care for the whole person.

DESIGNED FOR PRIVACY, COMFORT AND HEALING One of the most noticeable features of the new tower is its emphasis on privacy and quiet. Unlike older hospital designs that relied on shared patient rooms and curtained bays, the tower features all private, single-occupancy inpatient rooms, enhancing dignity, rest and infection control. Even in high-acuity areas like the Robert V. Aschenbach Emergency Department (ED) and Ron and Joy Paul Family Intensive Care Unit (ICU), doors and thoughtful sound-reducing materials help minimize noise while allowing caregivers to stay closely connected to patients. Research shows that excessive sound and lack of privacy can

A NEW ERA FOR EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE At the heart of the tower is a modernized ED, the first significant renovation to emergency services at Shady Grove Medical Center in more than two decades. With more spacious treatment rooms, walls replacing curtains and dedicated areas for mental health emergencies, the new ED is designed to improve both patient outcomes and caregiver efficiency. Critical care services such as cardiac catheterization labs, interventional radiology and the ICU have been relocated into the tower, creating closer connections between emergency and inpatient care. That proximity allows patients to receive faster, more seamless treatment when every second matters, particularly for conditions like heart attacks and strokes. Shady Grove’s specialized services also benefit from the tower’s enhanced privacy features. That includes Montgomery County’s only forensic medical unit, which serves people impacted by abuse, neglect and human trafficking. For patients who are especially vulnerable, the Horizon Tower’s design offers a safer, more discreet environment for care and recovery.

NATURE AS MEDICINE Throughout the tower, nature plays a critical role and supports the healing process. Expansive windows bring in natural light and offer views of carefully preserved trees and landscaped surroundings. Inside, high-resolution nature imagery and calming color palettes reflect the restorative power of the outdoors. A 20,000-square-foot green roof adds another layer of serenity, helping manage stormwater while offering a soothing visual backdrop for patients, including new parents in the hospital’s Birth Center. Outdoor spaces also include a unique ICU family garden that gives loved ones a place to step outside, breathe and regroup without leaving the care environment. For families facing long, stressful hours waiting, the garden and the Horizon Tower’s other green spaces provide an opportunity to rest, reflect and find comfort. The design acknowledges the emotional toll of critical illness and how every sense can help support families through some of the hardest moments of their lives, noted Todd Cohen, Adventist HealthCare’s vice president of Facilities and Real Estate. “Access to nature, even for a few moments, can have a powerful impact on mental and physical well-being,” he said.

INNOVATION ROOTED IN PURPOSE

One of the tower’s most visible features is its illuminated light column, a striking architectural element that blends modern design with historic touches from earlier buildings on the Shady Grove Medical Center campus. Inside, thousands of adjustable LED lights will change colors for holidays and health recognition events.

NEW BEGINNINGS

disrupt sleep and slow healing. The new tower addresses those challenges head-on, creating an atmosphere that feels calmer and more personal, even during medical emergencies. For patients and families, that environment can make a difficult experience feel more humane and manageable.

The tower also includes an expanded ambulance bay for improved emergency access, a rooftop helipad to support rapid transport for critically ill patients and infrastructure that can adapt to future healthcare challenges, including infectious disease response.

“Across Adventist HealthCare, our goal is to ensure our hospitals and care sites continue to grow alongside the communities we serve. The Horizon Tower reﬂects our commitment to invest in modern spaces, advanced technology and environments that support both our patients and caregivers.” – John Sackett, Adventist HealthCare CEO

LISTENING TO CAREGIVERS The tower is also a testament to the voices of nurses, physicians and other team members who helped shape its design. The building is one of the first hospital spaces in the U.S. designed with learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, much of the building’s planning took place virtually, during the height of the pandemic. Caregivers shared their experiences with designers, highlighting what was needed most to provide safe, high-quality care. “As we planned a new ICU for Shady Grove Medical Center, we asked: What did the pandemic teach us about how to care for patients, families and each other? The answer shaped many of our decisions,” said Safy John, MD, medical director of the ICU at Adventist AHCYOU.COM/S26

NEW BEGINNINGS

HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center. Caregiver input led to light-filled break spaces, many with views of gardens or the surrounding campus, offering respite during long shifts. Larger patient rooms, improved lines of sight and dedicated storage for personal protective equipment reflect lessons from the pandemic and a commitment to supporting the well-being of care teams. By prioritizing caregiver wellness, the tower recognizes a fundamental truth of healthcare: When care teams feel supported, patients receive better care.

A COMMUNITY INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE As the ribbon-cutting ceremony concluded, attendees toured the tower, taking in the sweeping views, thoughtful details and advanced technology that define the space. For many guests, especially Shady Grove’s caregivers and former patients, seeing the

completed tower was a powerful reminder that healthcare is not just about medicine. It is about people, relationships and environments that foster trust and healing. The opening of the Horizon Tower marks a milestone for Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center and the community it serves. Leaders see the tower as symbolic of the hospital’s years-long journey of enhanced quality and patient safety, which helped Shady Grove earn Grade A recognition from The Leapfrog Group in spring. In mid-June, as patients entered rooms and caregivers brought the building to life, the true measure of the Horizon Tower’s success could start to be counted, in the first of many restful nights and lives changed for the better.

Explore more of features of the Horizon Tower and hear from care teams about its significance. Visit AHCYou.com/S26Horizon.

“Behind us is more than steel and glass. The Horizon Tower represents years of planning, partnership and dedication, all centered around one goal: caring for this community for generations to come.” – Dan Cochran, president of Shady Grove Medical Center, at the Horizon Tower ribbon cutting ceremony

6 SUMMER 2026

PATIENT CARE

“From the lady at the front desk to the nurses in the operating room, every single person was extraordinary.” – Paul Martineau, patient at Shady Grove Medical Center

An Unexpected Turn A round of golf led to a lifesaving cardiac discovery at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center.

“YOU DON’T LOOK VERY GOOD,” Paul Martineau’s friend said after a team golf tournament at Bretton Woods Recreation Center in Germantown. Paul went into the clubhouse to escape the blazing sun and 100-degree heat, concerned about severe dehydration. What he learned about his health on that Friday in July 2025 changed his life forever. Paul, a husband, father and avid golfer, lived an active lifestyle. He had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2022, which required yearly checkups with a cardiologist. Paul always left his doctor’s office with a clean bill of health, feeling good about how he was managing his disease. That’s why what happened after his summer round of golf came as such a surprise. His friend called an ambulance, thinking Paul was suffering from heat stroke. After two abnormal electrocardiograms, first responders rushed Paul to Shady Grove Medical Center’s Emergency Department. Within an hour of arriving at the hospital, Paul recalled, he was transferred to the cardiac care team. “I had a 100% blockage on the right side of my heart and 90% blockage on the left side,” Paul said. “I had no fear, but I felt exasperation because my previous medical providers did not identify the potential for a problem.” FAST, EXCEPTIONAL CARE

Interventional cardiologist Aloke Finn, MD, placed a stent to open the blockage in Paul’s left artery. While the right artery was found to be small and twisted, Dr. Finn determined it was not causing any harm to his heart. After the procedure Paul then settled into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to recover while waiting for his wife to arrive. Reflecting on the experience, Paul shared that the team

members were “amazingly fast, and the care was exceptional.” He will never forget the ICU nurse who went downstairs to help Paul’s frightened wife park her car and find her way to his room. “Kudos to the HR department,” he said, “because how did they find such friendly, caring and outgoing people?” Paul said he immediately recognized the quality of the service he received. He has worked for more than 40 years in customer-centric industries, from food retailers to lifecare services for people with disabilities. Because of this, he said, he understands how essential it is to be heard, taken seriously and provided with exceptional care, no matter the circumstances. He said the Shady Grove care team checked all those boxes. Paul also valued how the hospital saw input from both him and his wife as essential parts of his healing. “Every staff member and medical professional took the time to listen to me and my wife before they acted,” Paul said. “I felt that my participation was wanted and necessary.”

MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE Paul already lived an active life. However, with his diagnosis of coronary artery disease and his Type 2 diabetes, he is much more aware of what foods and drinks enter his mouth. “Nutrition and moderation have become my catchwords,” he said. You can still find Paul golfing, walking his two playful golden doodles and enjoying his wife’s delicious cooking in moderation.

Hear critical care and cardiac physicians explain how the Horizon Tower enhances their work and lifesaving patient care at Shady Grove Medical Center at AHCYou.com/S26Care.

AHCYOU.COM/S26

EXPRESSING GRATITUDE

PAINTING A Lasting Legacy Rockville resident Bill Schmidt brought joy to others through his paintings. Now, one of his pieces has a home in a place that brought Bill happiness and healing: the Center for Fitness & Health at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center.

SEVENTEEN YEARS AGO, Bill went for a routine checkup with

cardiologist Michael Chen, MD. A week later, Dr. Chen inserted a stent into Bill’s heart to remove an arterial blockage. To ensure his recovery, Dr. Chen prescribed Bill a six-week cardiac rehabilitation program at the Center for Fitness & Health. However, Bill’s relationship with the center continued for decades. On April 6, 2025, Bill died at age 93. A few weeks later, his wife, Dottie Schmidt, delivered one of his paintings to the Center with a note expressing gratitude for Bill’s care. “He not only looked forward to the exercises but also to chatting with the staff whom he liked and respected immensely,” she wrote. “For him, rehab was necessary work yet fun.”

CARE SUPPORTS CREATIVITY About halfway through his life, Bill left engineering and became a full-time painter, turning a passionate hobby into his profession. He specialized in plein air painting, creating his art outdoors from the perspectives around him. Regardless of the weather or season, Bill would set up his easel, always wearing his signature bucket hat. While he enjoyed traveling to paint in places like Maine, Massachusetts and Bermuda, he loved painting in Maryland. The artwork Dottie gifted to the hospital, “Bay View,” depicts a peaceful harbor in Deale, Maryland. Dottie explained that with cardiac rehab treatments, Bill could maintain his artistry. He would go to the Center twice a week for two-hour sessions.

8 SUMMER 2026

“He could’ve gotten to a gym, but he didn’t want to do that,” Dottie said. “He liked being there, with the medical professionals. And he developed rapport with the people. They all knew him, and it was very nice.”

THE HEARTS BILL TOUCHED Susan McCoy remembers Bill greeting her as “Buttercup” when he checked in at the front desk. Ilene McDonough, RN, admired his commitment to exercise: on steppers, bikes and resistance machines. His bucket hat became a familiar sight, and his tenacity inspired other patients. Along with his Center for Fitness & Health workouts, Bill took balance classes at Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation in Rockville. Dottie believes rehabilitation extended his life. When Bill could no longer exercise, his caregivers called “just to see how he was doing, because he had been coming for so long. They missed him,” Dottie explained. Last fall, with Dottie and his children present, the Center unveiled Bill’s painting in its lobby. “To me it was a way of saying thank you to the people who had taken such good care of him,” Dottie said. “And also, to let his memory live on.”

Adventist HealthCare’s award-winning cardiac program delivers heart care with a personal touch. Learn more or find a cardiologist at AHCYou.com/S26Heart.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

SPOTTING DEPRESSION

IN YOUNG PEOPLE Noticing early signs and knowing when to reach out matters, said Frough Safavi, MD, a psychiatrist with Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Services.

WHAT ARE EARLY SIGNS OF DEPRESSION IN YOUNG PEOPLE? Some of the first signs are subtle. A teen might seem down or irritated most of the time, feel tired for no clear reason, or start pulling away from friends. Changes in sleep and appetite may also occur, either increasing or decreasing noticeably. You might also notice trouble focusing, losing interest in hobbies or being unusually hard on themselves. For some, unhealthy coping behaviors can show up as well. The key thing to look for is how long these changes last and how much they affect daily life. When they stick around for weeks and start getting in the way of school or relationships, it’s worth paying attention.

HOW IS DEPRESSION DIFFERENT FROM NORMAL STRESS OR SADNESS? Everyone feels stressed or sad sometimes – that’s part of being human. Usually, those feelings are tied to something specific and fade with time, rest or support. Depression is different. It sticks around. It affects mood, motivation and even how someone thinks. When everyday tasks start feeling heavy or impossible for two weeks or more, it’s time to check in with a professional.

WHAT RISK FACTORS MAKE DEPRESSION MORE LIKELY TODAY? There’s no single cause. But some things raise the risk, like: • Feeling lonely or unsupported • A family history of • Going through something mood disorders stressful or traumatic • Bullying or conflict with peers • Constant negative self-talk

WHAT SHOULD SOMEONE DO IF THEY THINK THEY MIGHT BE DEPRESSED? Talking with a parent, school counselor or healthcare provider is a strong first step. Keeping a routine, staying connected to supportive people and doing calming activities can help while waiting for professional guidance. Reaching out early is important; no one has to figure this out alone.

HOW CAN PARENTS OR CAREGIVERS SUPPORT A YOUNG PERSON WITH DEPRESSION? Listen without judgment and create a safe space to talk. Encouraging healthy routines, lowering unnecessary pressure and staying involved in treatment can make the path to recovery smoother.

WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU SHARE WITH YOUNG PEOPLE WHO FEEL ALONE? Depression can feel incredibly isolating, but it’s also very treatable. Many young people face similar struggles, even if it doesn’t look that way from the outside. Asking for help is a sign of strength. With the right support, things can get better – and they often do.

Is it sadness or something more serious? It may be time to talk with a mental health pro. Take our free online depression risk assessment at AHCYou.com/S26Mind.

AHCYOU.COM/S26

CLASSES NOW OFFERED ONLINE

LIVING HEALTHY Adventist HealthCare offers a variety of classes, events and activities to support a healthy body, mind and spirit. For the most up-to-date information about our classes, visit AHCYou.com/S26Calendar. PRENATAL, FAMILY AND WOMEN’S HEALTH Prenatal Classes Adventist HealthCare offers pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding classes so that you can prepare for the arrival of your baby. To check out all available classes, visit AHCYou.com/S26Family or call 800-542-5096. Birth Center Tour at Shady Grove Medical Center When: Tours offered weekly. Preregistration required. Info: Visit AHCYou.com/S26Tour for more details. Childbirth & Baby Care When: Four-week series offered in person and online. Cost: $150 Info: Visit AHCYou.com/S26Childbirth for more details.

Gestational Diabetes Class When: Two-hour online class offered bimonthly. Cost: Free. Preregistration required. Info: Visit AHCYou.com/S26Gestational for more details. One-on-one diabetes education and support is available for Spanish speakers. To learn more please reach out to DiabetesEducation@ AdventistHealthCare.com. Prenatal Yoga When: Two-week online series. Preregistration required. Cost: $60 Info: Visit AHCYou.com/S26Yoga for more details.

Support Groups Adventist HealthCare offers several support groups for parents and caregivers.

To learn more, visit AHCYou.com/S26Calendar or call 800-542-5096. BEST: Breastfeeding Education, Support and Togetherness When: Weekly one-hour group. Free and offered in-person and at Shady Grove Aquilino Cancer Center. Preregistration required. Info: Visit AHCYou.com/S26Best for more details. Discovering Motherhood: Adjusting to Your New Role When: Weekly one-hour group. Free and offered in-person and at Shady Grove Aquilino Cancer Center. Preregistration required. Info: Visit AHCYou.com/S26Moms for more details. Pregnancy and Early Infant Loss When: Six-week online series. Preregistration required. Info: Visit AHCYou.com/S26Pregnancy for more details.

LEARN MORE OR REGISTER AT AHCYou.com/S26Calendar.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUPS Virtual support groups are available and open to patients, families and community members. Visit AHCYou.com/ S26Support for more information.

CPR CLASSES Adventist HealthCare Life Support partners with the American Heart Association (AHA) to provide convenient CPR and first-aid courses. Visit AHCYou.com/ S26CPR for course schedules, locations and registration.

COMMUNITY HEALTH Adventist HealthCare offers programs for diabetes, healthy eating, stroke and more. For information on available programs, visit AHCYou.com/ S26Calendar.

REHAB SUPPORT GROUPS Adventist HealthCare offers support groups for those with brain injuries, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and more. For information on available programs, visit AHCYou.com/S26Rehab.

Aphasia Group When: Meets every Tuesday from 1–2 p.m. via Zoom

Cost: $15/session (first session is free) Info: Visit AHCYou.com/S26Aphasia.

Brain Injury Support Group When: Meets every second Thursday of the month at Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation Hospital in Rockville and online. Info: Visit AHCYou.com/S26Brain.

Grupo de apoyo de daño cerebral en español Le invitamos al grupo de apoyo en español para personas que han tenido un derrame cerebral. Cuándo: Nos reunimos el tercer martes de cada mes a las 6:30 p.m. via Zoom y también en persona. Donde: Nos reunimos en la clínica Adventista en el White Oak Medical Pavilion, tercer piso 11886 Healing Way en Silver Spring, Maryland. Para obtener información: Comuníquese con Amelie Bail: ABail@ AdventistHealthCare.com. Familiares y amistades que brindan apoyo también quedan invitados.

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group Connect in-person or virtually with others facing similar challenges in a safe, comfortable and supportive environment. This virtual group is facilitated by a physical therapist and speech-language pathologist.

When: Meets every second Thursday of the month at White Oak Medical Center from noon to 1 p.m. Info: Visit AHCYou.com/S26Parkinson.

Limb Loss Support Group Join us in person or virtually and connect with others living with limb loss in a supportive environment. RSVP is required for virtual attendees. When: Monthly Cost: Free Info: Visit AHCYou.com/S26Limb for more details.

Stroke Support Group When: Meets the fourth Wednesday of every month from 4–5 p.m. at White Oak Medical Center. Info: Visit AHCYou.com/S26Stroke.

CANCER SUPPORT At our Shady Grove Aquilino and White Oak cancer centers, we believe healing is more than medicine. Our wellness services support your mind, body and spirit to enhance recovery, reduce side effects and improve quality of life. Each program is thoughtfully designed to complement medical treatment. To register for upcoming classes, visit AHCYou.com/S26Cancer.

LEARN MORE OR REGISTER AT AHCYou.com/S26Calendar.

ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE, INC. 820 W. DIAMOND AVE, SUITE 600 GAITHERSBURG, MD 20878

Adventist HealthCare complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. For more information, see link on our homepage at AdventistHealthCare.com. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 301-315-3127. 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 301-315-3127。

This publication does not serve as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines.

AWARD-WINNING CARE

HOW THOUSANDS OF DECISIONS EARNED SHADY GROVE MEDICAL CENTER ITS FIRST LEAPFROG ‘A’ In Spring 2026, Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center received its first Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade “A,” a milestone that reflects years of commitment to patient safety.

THE LEAPFROG GROUP, a national nonprofit, assigns grades to hospitals, evaluating how well they prevent errors, injuries and infections. An “A” reflects top-tier performance. For our community, this recognition underscores our dedication to minimizing risks and prioritizing patient safety at every step of care. This achievement makes Shady Grove the latest Adventist HealthCare hospital to earn an “A,” making Adventist HealthCare the only health system in Maryland with an “A” Safety Grade at all of its acute care hospitals and reflecting the organization’s shared commitment to patient safety.

WHAT THE LEAPFROG ‘A’ MEASURES Leapfrog grades are based on publicly reported data, focusing on how hospitals prevent harm. Criteria include infection prevention, medication safety, surgical protocols and error prevention systems. It is not a satisfaction survey but a data-driven measure of safety.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES Shady Grove’s “A” is a testament to the diligence of its care teams, who follow strict protocols to protect patients daily. These include double-checking medications, ensuring thorough hand hygiene, pausing to confirm procedural details and maintaining rigorous

cleaning standards. For families in the region, this recognition represents care grounded in continuous improvement. For instance, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit has gone more than seven years without a centralline bloodstream infection, and the Intensive Care Unit eliminated hospitalacquired pressure injuries in 2024 and 2025. “This recognition reflects our team’s dedication to patient safety,” said Cheri Hahn, director of Quality Services. “Every role contributes to protecting our patients.” Safety is not a one-time accomplishment – it’s ongoing. Behind every safety measure is a parent, a neighbor, a child. And protecting them is work that never stops.

Learn more about the award at AHCYou.com/S26Quality.