LEONARDTOWN, MD (May 30, 2024) – Members of the Maryland Commission on Public Health met with the Washington County Health Department on May 23, 2024, as part of the Commission’s effort to study local public health capabilities across the state. Washington County Health Officer Earl Stoner and staff shared unique insights, successful programs, and persistent challenges. After the site visit, the Commission held its second regional public listening session. The first regional site visit was held in Southern Maryland in April.
Individuals testifying at the listening session highlighted the importance of strong public health capabilities to advance oral health, connect community members to substance use recovery resources, and tailor public health efforts to meet local community needs. Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer and co-chair of the Commission, facilitated the listening session. Dr. Oluwatosin Olateju, co-chair, and Commissioner Allen Twigg also attended the regional listening session on behalf of the Commission. All four Health Officers representing the Western Maryland counties of Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Frederick were present for the listening session.
“The Commission on Public Health is listening intently to Marylanders’ input. We need to better understand how the current public health system is working and what could be done to make it better. These regional public listening sessions as well as the online and telephone comment options are important ways for community members to provide their thoughts,” remarked Dr. Brewster after the meeting.
Similarly, Dr. Olateju highlighted the importance of identifying disparities within communities to focus improvement efforts. She noted, “We know that Marylanders don’t all have the same health outcomes. Time and again we hear – and the data show – that your ZIP code is a larger determinant of your health than almost anything else. We have to make sure we are reaching those vulnerable populations and helping uplift them to attain their best possible health.”
The regional public listening sessions are one of several ways the Commission will receive input from Marylanders about the public health system. A public comment form will remain available through September 2024. Voice messages can also be left in English or Spanish by calling (240) 654-1301. Members of the public will also have a chance to review and offer comments on a draft of the Commission’s final report next summer.
The next two regional listening sessions will be held in central Maryland on the following dates. Details are being finalized for the final stops in the state’s Eastern Shore and Baltimore City. Additional information will be published once details are confirmed.
- June 13, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
- Location: Howard County Health Department located at 8930 Stanford Blvd, Columbia, MD
- Registration is required before 5:00 p.m.
- July 30, 2024 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
- Location: Montgomery County Council Office Building located at 100 Maryland Ave, Rockville, MD
For more information on the Maryland Commission on Public Health, please visit smchd.org/coph.
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The Maryland Commission on Public Health was established in 2023 to study and make recommendations to improve Maryland’s public health system. The 16-member body is comprised of local health officers, academic partners, thought leaders, and legislators. The Maryland Department of Health is represented by the Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services, the Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health, and the Director of the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities. Many additional leaders and professionals are contributing to the Commission’s five workgroups. The Commission’s goal is to ensure the public health system is designed to help all Marylanders achieve their best health and a lifetime of wellness. Meetings are held monthly and streamed online. For more information, please visit smchd.org/coph.