Fort Washington Medical Center’s Earns Second “A” Grade in Patient Safety

By PRESS OFFICER
Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation

Largo, Md. (Nov. 17, 2025)—Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) proudly celebrates Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington
 
Medical Center (FWMC) for earning its second consecutive “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group, a leading national nonprofit dedicated to healthcare quality and patient safety. FWMC’s receiving the patient safety top for a second time is a significant achievement.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade—an initiative of The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit designed to improve the quality and safety of American healthcare through transparency—is a letter grade for hospitals based on their record of patient safety. Grades are issued each spring and fall using transparent, evidence-based measures.

“Fort Washington Medical Center’s second consecutive ‘A’ grade is a win for patients and a win for Prince George’s County,” said Ebony Stocks, CEcD, Interim President & CEO of PGCEDC. “We congratulate the FWMC team for their continued dedication to patient safety and top-tier clinical care.”

Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center President Daffodil Baez expressed pride in her team’s accomplishment, pointing to both diligence and professionalism behind the hospital’s strong performance.

“Receiving a second consecutive ‘A’ Grade from The Leapfrog Group is a tremendous honor,” Baez said. “It reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering safe, high-quality care to every patient who entrusts us with their health. I am immensely proud of our staff for their expertise, compassion, and dedication.”

PGCEDC continues to champion healthcare innovation, business growth, and quality-of-life improvements across Prince George’s County.

Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC)’s mission is to cultivate and promote a strong local economy supporting entrepreneurs’ and businesses’ growth and prosperity. It is dedicated to strengthening communities through business development and job creation. For more information about PGCEDC’s services to local companies, visit www.pgcedc.com 

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Maryland Transit Administration Advances Southern Maryland Rapid Transit Study with Second Series of Public Open Houses
Community Input Vital as Planning Efforts Continue to Improve Travel Time Along MD 5 (Branch Avenue)/US 301 (Crain Highway) Corridor

By PRESS OFFICER
Maryland Transit Administration

BALTIMORE (Nov. 18, 2025)—The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration will host a second series of public open houses for the Southern Maryland Rapid Transit (SMRT) Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) Study. These meetings will present the latest technical project analysis, including projected ridership, cost, and environmental and economic impacts, and will help identify potential transit solutions for Southern Maryland. The SMRT project aims to provide an alternative travel option between Southern Maryland and the Washington, D.C. region.

“Public input is essential to ensure the SMRT project reflects the needs and priorities of the people who travel to and from Southern Maryland,” said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. “This project represents an investment in the region— supporting access for jobs, education and economic opportunity.”

The study is evaluating multiple modes of transit, including Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT), Hybrid Rail (YR) and other dedicated and mixed-traffic transit options, all focused on reducing congestion and providing access to employment centers, such as Joint Base Andrews and MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, along the MD 5/US 301 corridor. The corridor extends from the Capital Beltway (I-95/I-495) near the Branch Avenue Metro Station in Prince George’s County south to the Waldorf-White Plains area in Charles County.

Public Open House Schedule:

Prince George’s County
Thursday, December 4, 2025
6–8 p.m.
Pareik at Brandywine
16100 Cadillac Drive
Brandywine, MD 20613
Transit access via TheBus Route P84 (Branch Avenue – Brandywine), Brandywine Crossing Shopping Center stop

Charles County
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
6–8 p.m.
Hilton Garden Inn
10385 O’Donnell Place
Waldorf, MD 20603
Transit access via VanGo St. Charles A Route (Waldorf West Library stop) and Indian Head Route (St. Patrick’s Street & St. Phillips Drive / Highgate Place stop)

Virtual Open House
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Details available at: smrtmaryland.com.
Comments from the open houses, online comment form and engagement survey will be accepted through January 11, 2026. For questions, accessibility accommodations or more information contact SMRT@mdot.maryland.gov.

The Maryland Transit Administration is one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the United States, and operates local and commuter buses, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC Train Service, and a comprehensive Mobility paratransit system. The goal of the Maryland Transit Administration is to provide safe, efficient, and reliable transit across Maryland with world-class customer service. To learn more, visit mta.maryland.gov, check us out on Facebook or YouTube and follow us on Twitter/X and Bluesky Social.

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