SECU Family House, a 40-bedroom hospital hospitality house for adult critical care patients and caregivers at UNC Hospitals, will open its doors to its first patients and families on March 31.

SECU Family House will provide housing to thousands of pre- and post-surgical patients from the transplant, oncology, burn, eating disorders and trauma units, making it possible for their family members and caregivers to stay nearby during lengthy stays that stretch a family’s budget and drain mental and emotional reserves. The facility, located at 123 Old Mason Farm Road, was funded with $8.1 million in cash and in-kind gifts.

A grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held in the Clark Courtyard of the house in early May.