The Erickson School and the Department of Sociology and Anthropology were featured in a recent Baltimore Sun article about the opening of senior emergency departments at St. Agnes and Holy Cross hospitals. Both hospitals turned to The Erickson School for assistance and consultation in developing the programs.

Erickson School Dean Judah Ronch was quoted in the article and shared insight into the growing demand for senior emergency departments. He also discussed how the new facilities are calmer, safer, and targeted to geriatric conditions. “The pediatric emergency room was really the genesis for senior emergency rooms,” said Ronch. “The need was pretty evident, and places that saw success with that said OK what is the next opportunity.”

John Schumacher, an associate professor of sociology and anthropology, was also quoted in the article and said that there are 85 emergency departments across the country doing some type of senior-focused emergency medicine, less than 2 percent of hospitals nationwide. He added that implementation varies, with about 30 percent of departments having a separate space for seniors, while the rest designate beds within the existing emergency room.

The Erickson School’s work with St. Agnes was also recently featured in the Baltimore Business Journal.