Howard University Hospital Revitalization Takes a Big Step Forward – The Dig

Howard University is entering into an unprecedented period of growth. In addition to funding for the hospital, Dr. Frederick has announced $785 million in campus construction initiatives at the University, which includes three new multidisciplinary academic facilities and other major renovations.

The HUH revitalization plan will also include an all-new Medical Office Building, which will house a new Howard University Cancer Center facility. As reflected in the 2020 CCMP, the new hospital will be located where the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (Annex I/II) was previously housed, between Bryant Street and W Street NW. The Medical Office Building will be developed on University property proximate to the new HUH.

In fiscal year 2014, HUH reported a $60.4 million loss, and there were widespread fears that the hospital might close. Dr. Fredericks administration led a major turnaround effort, which involved several moves to improve management and the financial condition of the institution. Since early 2020, HUH has been run by Adventist Healthcare through a management services agreement.

Howard University Hospital has an unrivaled history of serving the under-resourced communities in our nations capital. But to ensure this treasured institution could survive required a new vision for how the hospital would operate. This critical revitalization effort will honor the legacy and mission of the hospital while empowering it to once again become a leading health care institution dedicated to eradicating health inequities and serving the most vulnerable individuals, said Dr. Frederick.

The rich tradition of leadership and service at Howard University Hospital dates back to 1862 and the founding of its predecessor, Freedmen's Hospital, which catered to the needs of thousands of African Americans who fled to Washington during the Civil War, seeking their freedom. Freedmens was housed in converted army barracks and was the first hospital of its kind one with a mission devoted to providing medical treatment for former slaves. In 1863, it was placed under the charge of Dr. Alexander Augusta, the first African American to head a hospital.

In the late 1860s, after the Civil War, Freedmens formed a partnership with the Howard University College of Medicine to train African American medical professionals. In 1975, the historic Freedmens Hospital closed after 112 years as Howard University College of Medicines primary teaching hospital. The existing building, facing Georgia Avenue NW, opened that same year.

HUH offers medical students and other academic health care learners a superior learning environment and opportunities to observe or participate in groundbreaking clinical and research work with professionals who are changing the face of health care. Health teams are engaged weekly in activities and services in the local community, providing medical presentations, free health screenings and educational workshops.

About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 14 schools and colleges. Students pursue more than 140 programs of study leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. Howard also produces more on-campus African American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visitwww.howard.edu.

For media inquiries, contact Sholnn Freeman; sholnn.freeman@howard.edu

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Howard University Hospital Revitalization Takes a Big Step Forward - The Dig