GBMC gets $6M gift to expand pediatric department

Listen to this article

Greater Baltimore Medical Center has received a $6 million leadership gift toward the expansion and renovation of the system’s Pediatric Emergency Department and Inpatient Department in Baltimore County, healthcare officials announced Wednesday. 

GBMC maintained Baltimore County’s only dedicated Pediatric Emergency Department, continuing its efforts to offer pediatric behavioral health services, child protection resources, trauma-informed care and more. 

The transformed space will expand capacity to meet growing pediatric behavioral health demands while building a modern, child-centered environment that aims to improve patient flow, overcrowding reduction and an enhanced experience for children, families and caregivers. 

Planned improvements include expanded pediatric emergency and inpatient treatment areas, dedicated behavioral health space for children in crisis and more.

“This transformational gift reflects a shared belief that children and families deserve access to exceptional pediatric care close to home,” GBMC HealthCare President and CEO Paari Gopalakrishnan said in a release.

“As pediatric emergency and behavioral health needs continue to rise throughout our region, this investment allows us to strengthen and expand a critical community resource while creating an environment specifically designed around the unique needs of children and families.”

According to GBMC, the pediatric department recorded an all-time high 12,668 emergency visits in fiscal year 2025. 

The renovation and expansion of the medical center’s Pediatric Emergency and Inpatient Department will be completed in phases over multiple years, according to a release, in an effort to minimize disruption to patient care. The monetary gift moves GBMC one step closer to its $20 million fundraising goal.

“This leadership gift comes at a pivotal moment for pediatric healthcare,” GBMC HealthCare executive Jenny Coldiron added.

“This extraordinary investment not only helps make this transformational project possible but also inspires the broader community to invest in the future of pediatric care at GBMC.”