25th Anniversary Celebrated By UM Upper Chesapeake Health

BEL AIR, MD — Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air will celebrate its 25th anniversary this week.

The first patient was admitted to the newly constructed hospital on Oct. 30, 2000, as the 120-bed, acute-care hospital replaced Fallston General Hospital and offered inpatient care, surgery, an emergency department, intensive care unit, family birthplace, specialized care and support services.

The very next day, the hospital welcomed its first baby delivered there.

“Over the past 25 years, our growth has been truly remarkable,” said Aaron Rabinowitz, president of UM Upper Chesapeake Health, a member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System. “I am deeply proud of the incredible team we’ve built and the countless patients and families we’ve had the privilege to serve. Most importantly, compassionate care continues to be at the core of all we do.”

Upper Chesapeake Health merged with the University of Maryland Medical System in 2013 to become the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health, with the Bel Air location called University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center Bel Air. UM UCMC Bel Air was founded to bring advanced medical care and clinical expertise to Harford County and northeastern Maryland.

“The journey that I’ve been on in the past 25 years, I don’t think I would change a thing. I feel so appreciated and loved by the people around me that I can't even think about going anywhere. I like the people I work with and the community here," Kathy Lynch, nurse manager of the ICU.

Since opening in 2000, the Bel Air hospital has undergone many changes including:

• An expansion that began in 2006 saw the opening of Pavilion II, including space for physician practices, outpatient services and the parking garage.
• The opening of the Kaufman Cancer Center, affiliated with the University of Maryland Marlene & Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, in fall of 2013. Accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, it offers the most advanced cancer treatments, including surgery, radiation, infusion and enhanced supportive services in one location, along with access to national experts, promising clinical trials and genetic counseling.
• Ongoing improvements and expansion including a state-of-the-art and updated emergency department and an enhanced cafeteria for team members and visitors.
• In 2024, the three-story, 75,000-square-foot Danny and Gail Jones Patient Bed Tower opened above the Kaufman Cancer Center with an additional 72 inpatient beds and shell space for future growth.
• In February of 2024, UM UCH celebrated the grand opening of University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center Aberdeen, a 130,000-square-foot campus featuring a full-service emergency department, behavioral health pavilion and a health and wellness center - all designed to increase the community’s access to important health care services.

• During the 25th anniversary year this year, UM UCH has seen the 60,000-square-foot Pavilion III fully opened, which includes an outpatient surgery center and orthopedic, spine, hand and plastics specialty practices in addition to rehabilitation and physical therapy services.

The Jones shared Tuesday that their $20 million gift to UM UCH made in 2024 marked the single largest contribution in the medical center's history. Not only did it assist in the construction of the three-story, 75,000-square-foot Danny and Gail Jones Patient Bed Tower, but will help with multi-year rebranding and the expansion of seven primary care centers.

UM UCH anticipates the expansion will allow for more than 100,000 additional patient visits each year and create dozens of new healthcare jobs in the community.

“Jones Junction was founded on the belief that our success only matters if we lift up the community around us,” said Danny Jones, CEO of Jones Junction. “This gift reflects the values passed down from my grandfather and continued through every generation of our family leadership—we are here for Harford County. Just as our dealerships have grown alongside this community for more than a century, we must invest in its future health.”

“Danny and Gail have created a business model that proves community investment and business growth go hand in hand,” added Bryan Kilby, president of Jones Junction. “Our employees take pride in knowing they work for a company that reinvests its success in two ways that truly matter. This transformational support for healthcare access will make a generational difference for families across Harford County and beyond.”

“Because of the Jones family’s extraordinary generosity, Upper Chesapeake Health will be able to rebrand and expand primary care centers across Harford County, ensuring that residents can access care when and where they need it most,” Rabinowitz added. “This $20 million investment is more than a donation—it is a commitment to healthier families, stronger businesses and a more vibrant community.”