- Provider116038441Undergraduate - University of Maryland, Graduate - George Washington UniversityEnglishLicensed Clinical Professional Counselor0
- Provider96066Graduate - Towson UniversityEnglishLicensed Clinical Professional Counselor0
- Provider280881Graduate - Bowie State UniversityEnglishLicensed Clinical Professional Counselor0
- News & Press Releases, CommunityGeneral Page Tier 3BlogIt was an extraordinary year for Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center (LHDCMC). In 2024, we celebrated five years since joining Luminis Health, during which more than $140 million has been invested to enhance services and ensuring exceptional care remains accessible in our neighborhoods. As we reflect on our achievements, we look forward to exciting growth opportunities in 2025, particularly the 50th Anniversary of our hospital in Lanham. Our team is dedicated to improving the health of Prince George’s County residents by expanding services, addressing health disparities, and advancing health equity. As president of a non-profit hospital, I am extremely proud of our commitment to tackling the maternal health crisis. Over the past year, we launched CenteringPregnancy® in Greenbelt, a nationally recognized program that offers group sessions for expectant mothers and personalized consultations with trusted Ob-Gyns or midwives. We also finalized design plans and began the permit process to add inpatient obstetric services, labor, delivery, and postpartum care with rooms designed for a family-centered birth experience. These additional women’s health services are scheduled to launch in 2028, and once fully operational, we look forward to delivering 2,000 babies each year. Since 80 percent of babies are born outside the county, this major initiative will help address a health disparity by providing quality care close to home and reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in Prince George’s County. In September, we celebrated another significant achievement: the second anniversary of our Behavioral Health Pavilion on our campus. To date, we have facilitated approximately 8,000 visits through our behavioral health walk-in urgent care, outpatient mental health therapy, a psychiatric day program, and an adult inpatient psychiatric unit. To meet the growing demand for mental health services among young people, Luminis Health received a state grant to provide comprehensive mental health support services at several high schools in the County. Building on this commitment to enhancing the health of the people and communities we serve, we launched a Virtual Nursing Program. By installing cameras in select rooms, patients can opt to receive both-in person and virtual nursing support. This combination of technology and personal touch has already benefited more than 5,000 patients; reducing hospital readmission and boosting patient satisfaction. Plans are underway to install cameras in every patient room to further enhance the patient experience. Our commitment to nursing has earned us the prestigious Pathway to Excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. This honor contributes to higher job satisfaction, reduced turnover, improved safety, and the quality of care we provide to our patients. Research from Prince George’s County shows residents seek 42 percent of their healthcare outside the county. To tackle this disparity, we’ve hired additional breast, vascular, bariatric, Ob-Gyn, and orthopedic surgeons. We also opened a new primary care practice in District Heights and another in Greenbelt, which currently offers primary care and Endocrinology services.To improve access, our Community Health Team regularly visits underserved communities to provide free health screenings, education, and vaccines. In the last fiscal year, we screened 662 residents in Prince George’s County, many of whom lack a primary physician or the financial resources for care. Thanks to several state grants, Luminis Health provides no cost breast cancer and colon cancer screenings to county residents. As a colon cancer survivor, I encourage everyone aged 45 and older, or those with a family history, to get screened. As we gear up to celebrate our 50th Anniversary, LHDCMC is excited to host a series of events throughout the year, culminating in a Gala in April dedicated to Black Maternal Health. This milestone not only honors our legacy of service but also highlights our commitment to the future of healthcare in our community. In conjunction with our anniversary celebrations, we are launching a major fundraising campaign aimed at supporting our maternal health initiatives, ensuring that we continue to provide vital care and resources for expectant mothers and their families. Join us in celebrating this momentous occasion as we work together to shape a healthier future for Prince George’s County!Deneen Richmond is the president of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center.0
- Behavioral Health, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogAs the days grow shorter and colder, it’s natural to feel a shift in your energy. But for some, that seasonal slowdown is more than a passing mood. It’s seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression that affects about 10 million Americans each year. Since SAD is often brushed off as the “winter blues,” it’s important to know it’s a real mental health condition, and it’s treatable. Recognizing the signs early so you can get the help you need, regardless of the season, is a great first step. Defining SAD SAD is a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, most often beginning in late fall or early winter and subsiding in spring. It’s more than feeling “off” when the seasons change. It’s a recurring type of depression linked to reduced sunlight. Less sunlight can disrupt your body’s internal clock and lower levels of serotonin and melatonin; chemicals that help regulate mood and sleep. SAD comes in two main forms: Winter-pattern SAD – This is the most common form of SAD. Summer-pattern SAD – This form of SAD is less common. It usually begins in late spring or early summer and begins improving in the fall. You may be more likely to experience SAD if you: Already live with depression or anxiety Have a family history of depression or bipolar disorder Live in regions where daylight hours are shorter Spend most of your time indoors with little exposure to natural light While researchers don’t fully understand SAD’s exact cause, we believe genetics, brain chemistry and environmental factors all play a role. Even something as simple as your daily routine, like commuting to work before sunrise and returning home after sunset, can contribute to the symptoms. How to recognize SAD Symptoms of SAD mirror those of depression, but they appear during a specific time of year and typically last four to five months. Signs may include: Craving carbohydrates or gaining weight Difficulty concentrating or making decisions Low energy or fatigue Oversleeping or difficulty waking up Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness Withdrawing from friends or social activities How to treat SAD SAD is a medical condition, not a personal weakness. Your doctor can help you determine the best course of treatment based on your symptoms and lifestyle. Some common SAD treatments include: Antidepressant medications Light therapy Psychotherapy (also called talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy) Vitamin D supplements You can also support your mental well-being with lifestyle changes, including: Eating nourishing foods, such as fruits, vegetables and lean protein Exercising regularly Getting outside during daylight hours, even for a brief walk Maintaining social connections, even when you feel like hibernating When to seek help If you think you may have SAD, or if self-care strategies aren’t helping, talk to your doctor. They can recommend an evaluation and guide you toward treatment that fits your needs. Taking proactive steps early in the season can also help. If you know shorter days tend to affect you, start light therapy or talk with your doctor before symptoms appear. Preparing ahead of time can make it easier to prevent a full downturn in mood. In addition, you can schedule an appointment with our behavioral health team. If you need immediate help, consider going to our Behavioral Health Urgent Care, which is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Lanham. With the right support, you can manage SAD and feel brighter through every season. Authors Dr. Datrell Ward is a psychiatrist at the Luminis Health Behavioral Health Clinic in Lanham.0
How can we help?
Common Searches
Common Searches
Log in with MyChart
Access personalized site features & view your health records.
Learn more about MyChartDon’t have a MyChart account?
Your Account
View your Dashboard
Messages
Billing Summary
Find Care
Schedule Appointment
My Care Team
My Record
Appointments
Medications
Insurance Summary
Log in with MyChart
Access personalized site features & view your health records.
Learn more about MyChartDon’t have a MyChart account?