Published on March 23, 2010

New Acute Psychiatry Unit For Senior Adults In Montgomery County

Rockville, MD - Adventist Behavioral Health today announced the completion of its new Magnolia Unit - an acute inpatient psychiatry unit for senior adults 60 years and older. The Magnolia Unit is the only one of its kind in Montgomery County dedicated to serving the unique needs of senior adults. Located at Adventist Behavioral Health's Rockville campus, the Magnolia Unit will provide critical intervention to senior adults experiencing symptoms of acute mental illness.

"Senior adults age 65 years and older have the highest rate of suicide in the United States," said Sako Maki, President, Adventist Behavioral Health. "This population often struggles to cope with depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses as a result of sudden life changes such as the loss of a loved one, poor health and financial challenges. Adventist Behavioral Health's Magnolia Unit will offer senior adults who are accustomed to living independently the acute treatment and stabilization needed to return safely to their homes and communities."

The unit features 10 private patient rooms, fully accessible bathrooms, a dedicated psychiatric treatment and dietary team, individual and group therapies, and amenities such as a kitchenette and private courtyard.

The new unit was unveiled during a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 22. Among the event's attendees were Senator Jennie Forehand (D-Md), Montgomery County Councilman George Leventhal, representatives from the Offices of Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md) and Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-Md), and Renata Henry, Deputy Secretary of Behavioral Health and Disabilities for the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

About Adventist Behavioral Health

Adventist Behavioral Health is a comprehensive behavioral health provider with locations in Anne Arundel, Dorchester and Montgomery counties, including Washington Adventist Hospital's Behavioral Health Unit and the Reginald S. Lourie Center for Infants and Young Children. The organization offers a broad range of behavioral health programs and services for young children, adolescents, adults and senior citizens including therapeutic nursery programs, acute inpatient care, outpatient/dual diagnosis chemical dependency programs, residential treatment, special education and community-based residential services. Adventist Behavioral Health is part of Rockville-based Adventist HealthCare, an integrated health-care delivery system that is one of the largest employers in the State of Maryland.