LEONARDTOWN, MD (August 22, 2024) – The Maryland Commission on Public Health wrapped up a flurry of activity after continuing its busy summer schedule of regular monthly meetings, hearing from local communities, and visiting health departments.
On July 30, the Commission met with Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) leadership in Silver Spring. County Executive Marc Elrich welcomed the Commission and shared remarks on his vision for advancing health equity by improving access to health care and tightly integrating health and human services. DHHS Director Dr. James C. Bridgers, Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Kisha N. Davis, and Chief of Public Health Services Dr. Nina Ashford hosted the event. After the site visit, the Commission held its second central region public listening session in Rockville.
Days later, Dr. Meena Brewster, Commission co-chair and St. Mary’s County Health Officer, presided at the August 1 meeting of the Commission on Public Health. The Commission welcomed Dr. Georges C. Benjamin, president of the American Public Health Association and former Maryland Secretary of Health, to share his perspective on Maryland’s public health capabilities and opportunity for transformation. The Commission also heard from academic partners at the University of Maryland and Morgan State University. These partners, along with the CDC Foundation, are supporting the Commission in conducting the statutorily required assessment of Maryland’s state and local public health system. The August 1 Commission meeting recording is available at smchd.org/coph.
On August 7th, the Commission visited the Talbot County Health Department’s (TCHD) new offices in Easton, representing the Commission’s fifth site visit to a local health department. Talbot County Health Officer Dr. Maria Maguire and TCHD team members highlighted several unique efforts of the health department, including special initiatives to support health and wellness for seniors. All nine local health officers representing Maryland’s Eastern Shore jurisdictions contributed to the discussion of the region’s public health challenges, sharing their respective insights on rural health needs. Significant challenges remain with ensuring access to direct clinical services in more remote areas of the state and recruiting workforce.
The final public listening session will be hosted by the Baltimore City Health Department in October 2024. Details will be posted at smchd.org/coph when finalized.
The Commission on Public Health’s next meeting is September 5th and will be held at the Prince George’s County Government Building in Upper Marlboro. The meeting will be accessible online and recorded. For more information about scheduled meetings or to provide input to the Commission, please visit the Commission’s website at 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.