Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center

As we wrap up National Apprenticeship Week, we're excited to shine the final spotlight on Nathan Hines, a talented plumbing apprentice at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center (JHHCMC). Nathan, part of the youth apprenticeship program, has been gaining valuable hands-on experience and building a strong foundation in the plumbing trade. He is guided by his mentor, Alexander Kokkolas, a skilled professional who has been sharing his extensive knowledge and expertise to help Nathan grow both technically and professionally. We’re proud of Nathan’s progress and excited for the bright future ahead! Learn more about the program: https://bit.ly/4986C7Q

National Apprenticeship Week is almost over! Our next spotlight is on Babu Varghese, chief engineer and stationary engineer mentor at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center (JHHCMC). With decades of experience, Babu is passionate about mentoring young talent and guiding them toward fulfilling careers. “I’ve mentored many young journeymen, encouraging them to learn, take their licensure tests and see the potential in roles like ours,” he shares. We’re also excited to feature Jonah Twenhafel, one of our stationary engineer apprentices, who has benefited from Babu’s mentorship. Jonah says, " The best part about being an apprentice here at JHHCMC is the ability to learn from very knowledgeable and helpful people such as our Chief Engineer and my mentor, Babu Varghese. The amount of experience and technical know-how that I have currently accrued in my short time here at the hospital still surprises me." Babu’s dedication to shaping eager apprentices reflects the supportive and growth-focused culture at JHHCMC. Learn more about the program: https://bit.ly/3ZjF6Re

Happy #NationalApprenticeshipWeek! Meet Robert Wright, head HVAC mechanic and mentor at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center (JHHCMC). Robert’s journey from apprentice to mentor is a testament to the power of these special programs. “I completed a 4-year apprenticeship and was in the first graduating class of the HCC/HACC program, and now I am a mentoring guide for future HVAC technicians in the same program. It's a gratifying feeling and it proves that the apprenticeship program works. JHHCMC is an excellent training and learning facility for new technicians to gain expertise in not just the HVAC field but the many other trades as well.” says Robert. We’re proud to have such dedicated mentors shaping our future workforce! Learn more about the program: https://bit.ly/3Oi7InQ

What an incredible day at the Howard Pickleball Cup! On Nov. 19, Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center came together with Howard Community College for an afternoon filled with fun, fitness and friendly competition. Together, our organizations raised funds to support nursing scholarships, helping us continue to educate and empower our current staff and future nurses. A huge thank you to our sponsors — Truist, CRGA Design, Havtech and Johns Hopkins Federal Credit Union — for making this event possible. Your support is helping us create a lasting impact in our community!

Meet Kevin Gardner, our exceptional electrician/mechanical technician and dedicated mentor who is being honored as this year’s Maryland Apprenticeship Mentor of the Year! As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we’re proud to highlight Kevin’s dedication to shaping the future workforce. His passion for mentorship shines through: “When the opportunity to train the next generation arises, it becomes a responsibility. Our future workforce is in our hands, and I take that responsibility to teach very seriously.” Kevin’s outstanding leadership in growing and advancing apprenticeship in Maryland will be recognized at the Maryland State House on Friday, Nov. 22. Congratulations, Kevin, on this well-deserved honor! Learn more about the apprenticeship program: https://bit.ly/3OlSiie

JHHCMC is proud to congratulate Psychiatry Nurse Manager Kristin Moore, R.N., who received the Maryland Organization of Nurse Leaders' (MONL) DAISY Nurse Leader of the Year award at a gala on Nov. 16. The award recognizes her compassion, dedication to quality care and outstanding nursing leadership. Kristin will soon oversee the new Emergency Department Behavioral Health Unit, opening in December. The MONL DAISY Nurse Leader Award was created for those who do not typically have direct patient care as part of their work and for those who create an environment where compassionate, skillful care thrives. Nominations for the award are typically received from staff who describe the impact leaders have on their ability to provide quality, compassionate care.

National Apprenticeship Week is here, and we’re excited to celebrate our HVAC apprentice, Yasir Portillo! “Working at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, I have learned a lot about HVAC. I’ve enjoyed my time working in the hospital and am very thankful for the experience and lessons I’ve learned and still am learning,” says Yasir. We’re proud to support apprentices as they develop critical skills and build a bright future! Learn more about the program: https://bit.ly/3ZdsI5s

We were honored to have Howard County Executive Calvin Ball visit our talented mentors and apprentices to celebrate the kickoff of National Apprenticeship Week yesterday. Apprenticeships play a vital role in building a skilled workforce, and we’re proud to showcase the dedication and hard work of our apprentices! Stay tuned this week as we highlight the incredible opportunities and successes apprentices bring to our community. #NationalApprenticeshipWeek

It’s National Apprenticeship Week, and we’re proud to celebrate our role in preparing the next generation for success in the workforce through Apprenticeship Maryland! Meet Luke Kenyon, an electrical apprentice here at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center (JHHCMC). Luke shares, “I’ve really enjoyed my time so far at JHHCMC. My mentor, Kevin, really took me under his wing and started teaching me right away. He goes the extra mile explaining every little thing making sure I understand it. He lets me be hands on as much as I can and always focuses on safety. Kevin also checks in with me and cares about what’s going on outside of work too. The past year has been more than great. We’re thrilled to support students like Luke as they build careers and develop valuable skills in health care. Learn more about the program: https://bit.ly/3Ogfr5O

Today, Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center proudly hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil our newly expanded Emergency Department Behavioral Health Unit (BHU). The event marked the completion of a transformative project, more than tripling the unit's space from 1,500 to 7,000 square feet and adding 18 much-needed beds. The new unit will officially open Dec. 2. We were honored to have Howard County Executive Calvin Ball join us to celebrate this significant step forward in meeting the growing behavioral health needs of our community. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this project and to those who joined us for this special occasion!