Proud to celebrate the MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center Behavioral Health team for earning the 2025 Signet Health Excellence in Transformation Award for measurable improvements in patient care, operational performance and team engagement. Key outcomes include a 16% reduction in patient length of stay and a 42% decrease in emergency department crisis evaluation time. Patient safety initiatives led to a 32% reduction in seclusion and restraint occurrences and a 63% decrease in time spent in seclusion, with near-perfect documentation compliance. Clinical quality improvements include enhanced documentation through targeted training and real-time feedback, along with expanded therapeutic programming. New group offerings include Substance Use Disorder and Spiritual Care support. Operationally, the program achieved an 8% increase in census while controlling costs through streamlined labor management, reducing overtime and incentive hours. Additionally, the team culture fosters staff retention and engagement through ongoing training, mentorship and a supportive environment. A remarkably low turnover rate of 6.8% is a testament to this. Congratulations to all. Very well deserved!

Back left: Sheila Butler, Chief Engagement Officer (S); Karen Vergano, SVP, Clinical Services (S); Hixie Pilgrim, Nurse Manager; Valerie Stanfield, Director Social Work; Jill Danzillo, Executive Director BH; and Pat Scalfari, EVP, Clinical Services (S). Front left: Joy Figarsky, Signet President & CEO; Marianne Castillo, Manager, Talent Engagement; Dr. Maria Corey, Psychiatry Department Chair & Medical Director, Behavioral Health Unit; Melissa Colon, VP, Operations (S); Felicia Carter, Executive Coordinator.

From left sitting: Oluwatoyin O., RN; Tenesha W., LMSW; Teneisha W., LMSW; Paschaun W., Social Worker; and Tessa M., Recreational Therapist. From left standing: Jennifer L, NP; Lakshya N., NP; Antonio H., LMSW; Delonte G., ED Navigator; and Tyese M., UR Coordinator