On April 10, 2025, Mayor Muriel Bowser delivered on a pivotal promise made during her first year in office by officially opening the Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center GW Health. This $434.4 million, state-of-the-art facility marks the first full-service hospital built in the District in 25 years, transforming healthcare access for residents in Wards 7 and 8. Joined by a host of healthcare leaders, project partners, and community members, Mayor Bowser cut the ribbon on this much-anticipated hospital located on the historic St. Elizabeths East campus in Ward 8.
“In my first year as Mayor, I made a promise to bring a full-service hospital East of the River. Today, I am proud to deliver on that promise with the beautiful Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center GW Health,” said Mayor Bowser during the ceremony. “Cedar Hill will change the trajectory of health care in our community. Families will now have access to critical services right in their community—from prenatal care to trauma services. This hospital represents a brighter, healthier future for the District.”
A New Standard for Healthcare in Wards 7 and 8
Opening its doors to patients on April 15 at 12:01 am, Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center GW Health is a 406,000 square-foot, full-service facility offering advanced medical services. The hospital boasts 136 inpatient beds (expandable to 184), a 54-bay emergency department (split between adult and pediatric care), and five operating rooms, with the capability to expand to seven. Additional features include a Level II NICU, a six-bed well-baby nursery, maternal health services, and outpatient specialty services such as dialysis, cardiac rehab, and physical therapy.
Dr. Anthony Coleman, CEO of Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center, emphasized the hospital’s significance, saying, “Today begins a new direction of prioritizing the health and wellbeing of DC residents who live east of the river. Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center GW Health was most needed in Wards 7 and 8, and I’m proud to lead an organization that will improve the health status of our community.”
A Transformative Public-Private Partnership
The hospital is the crown jewel of a public-private partnership between the District government, George Washington University Hospital, and Universal Health Services (UHS), which committed $75 million to improving local healthcare infrastructure. Cedar Hill will integrate with two new health centers in Wards 7 and 8 and existing GW Hospital services to create an interconnected medical network for residents.
The expertise of Children’s National Hospital will enhance Cedar Hill’s pediatric care, operating its 24-bay pediatric emergency department and NICU. “Expanding access to pediatric emergency and neonatal care for families East of the River aligns perfectly with our mission to ensure all children thrive,” said Michelle Riley-Brown, president and CEO of Children’s National Hospital.
Impact on the Local Community
Beyond healthcare, Cedar Hill has also brought economic opportunities to Wards 5, 7, and 8. Over 500 District residents contributed to the construction, including 321 new hires from these wards. The project also exceeded its Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) participation goal, channeling $123 million in construction spending to CBEs, including $42 million directly benefiting businesses in Wards 5, 7, and 8.
“This is a monumental day for Universal Health Services, DC Government, and, most importantly, the residents of this community,” said Marc D. Miller, CEO of UHS. “Today’s opening shows what’s possible when partnerships and vision come together to meet the needs of underserved communities.”
A Celebration for the Community
To commemorate the grand opening, the District is hosting a community block party on Saturday, April 12, from 11 am to 2 pm, welcoming residents to celebrate this new chapter in healthcare for Wards 7 and 8.
With its completion, Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center GW Health represents a major milestone in Mayor Bowser’s broader vision of equitable development and access. It isn’t just a hospital; it’s a beacon of hope and progress for Washington, DC.
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