Greater Baden Medical Services Awarded Over $2.4 Million from Rural Health Transformation Fund to Expand Healthcare Access in Charles and St. Mary’s Counties
BRANDYWINE, MD — Greater Baden Medical Services, Inc. (GBMS), a leading Federally Qualified Health Center serving Southern Maryland, announced today that it has been awarded more than $2.4 million from the Rural Health Transformation Fund. With 10 health center locations across the region—including five dedicated sites across Charles and St. Mary’s counties—GBMS will use this transformative investment to eliminate healthcare barriers, expand clinical services, and integrate community-driven care coordination for rural residents facing provider shortages, transportation hurdles, and chronic disease burdens.
Critically, these grant resources will fortify Greater Baden’s ability to protect and sustain essential care for its patients amid looming Medicaid policy shifts and evolving eligibility landscapes, ensuring that vulnerable and low-income community members do not experience disruptions in coverage or access.
In Charles County, Greater Baden will broaden its rural footprint by beginning a comprehensive renovation of its Bryans Road health center in late 2026, paving the way for expanded behavioral health, women’s health, and pediatric care services in 2027. Additionally, GBMS will expand primary care capacity, enhance care coordination, deploy community health workers, and introduce innovative digital technology and mail-delivery options to significantly increase patient access to affordable, discounted medications.
In Charles County, Greater Baden will broaden its rural footprint by beginning a comprehensive renovation of its Bryans Road health center in late 2026, paving the way for expanded behavioral health, women’s health, and pediatric care services in 2027. Additionally, GBMS will expand primary care capacity, enhance care coordination, deploy community health workers, and introduce innovative digital technology and mail-delivery options to significantly increase patient access to affordable, discounted medications.
In St. Mary’s County, GBMS will serve as the clinical backbone of St. Mary’s 360: Connected Care Everywhere, translating public health and community referrals into completed clinical care, sustained follow-up, and measurable health improvements. As part of this county-led initiative, Greater Baden is partnering with St. Mary’s County and the brand-new Family YMCA in Lexington Park to deliver integrated primary care and dental services directly into the heart of the community. Through coordinated referral pathways, patients will also connect directly to YMCA wellness opportunities—including physical activity, nutrition education, and chronic disease self-management—bridging clinical treatment with long-term prevention.
“Greater Baden has served Charles and St. Mary’s counties for over 20 years, and our deep roots in these communities drive everything we do,” said Mrs. Vacheria Keys, JD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Greater Baden Medical Services. “As Charles County continues to grow, we are evolving right alongside our families to ensure that rapid growth is met with accessible, top-tier care. We are thrilled to welcome new healthcare providers and bring a truly integrated model of medicine to our patients. At the same time, launching an innovative cross-sector partnership with St. Mary’s County and the new Lexington Park YMCA allows us to redefine rural health delivery by uniting medical, dental, and community wellness under one vision.” “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are deeply grateful for this vital investment in the health and vitality of Southern Maryland,” said Roxann Cooper, Chairperson of the GBMS Board of Directors. “Our mission has always been anchored in responding directly to the evolving needs of our communities. Expanding our clinical capacity in Charles County and forging impactful partnerships in St. Mary’s County reflects our continued commitment to building healthier, more resilient rural communities.”
With these expanded resources, GBMS will continue offering sliding-fee discount programs, ensuring that underinsured and uninsured residents have equitable access to top-tier preventive, primary, and specialized health services.
Greater Baden Medical Services (GBMS) is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare across Southern Maryland. With 10 clinical sites across Prince George’s, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties, we serve over 18,000 patients each year. We provide fully integrated care, including primary care, pediatrics, women’s health, Title X family planning, dental care, behavioral health, WIC, pharmacy services, and the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program. Our patient population is primarily Medicaid- and uninsured individuals. We are deeply proud to deliver these vital services to everyone in our community, regardless of their ability to pay, making Greater Baden an incredibly rewarding place to grow your career while making a tangible, life-changing impact every day.
For more information about Greater Baden Medical Services, appointment availability, or upcoming community health programs, please visit www.gbms.org or email Openline2CEO@gbms.org.
Greater Baden Medical Services, Inc. (GBMS) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that provides primary and preventive care services for both insured and uninsured patients.
GBMS is proud to be recognized by NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home. “NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition raises the bar in defining high-quality care by emphasizing access, health information technology and coordinated care focused on patients,” said NCQA President Margaret E. O’Kane. “Recognition shows that Greater Baden Medical Services has the tools, systems and resources to provide its patients with the right care, at the right time.”
The American Heart Association (AHA) would like to congratulate Greater Baden Medical Services for earning Participant level recognition as part of the 2023 Target: Type 2 Diabetes℠ Recognition Program! The data your organization submitted showed a commitment to improving quality of care through awareness, detection and management of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors.
