LEONARDTOWN, MD (September 10, 2024) – The Maryland Commission on Public Health held its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, September 5, with Dr. Boris Lushniak as presiding co-chair. Continuing their analysis of the public health system and opportunities for improving the health of Marylanders, Commissioners heard from guest presenter Chad Perman, who serves as Executive Director of the Maryland Primary Care Program at the Maryland Department of Health (MDH).
Mr. Perman noted that the advanced primary care program is in its sixth year of operation and is part of building a comprehensive, statewide primary care program to support population health that not only treats illness but also promotes long-term wellness. Despite the state’s relative size, the program is the largest of its kind in the nation and has implemented cutting-edge innovations to improve health outcomes for Marylanders, including targeted payments to providers to promote health equity initiatives and multi-payor alignment.
Looking ahead to the sustainability of the advanced primary care program and related to the Commission’s previous conversations on access to care, Mr. Perman remarked that his office is now working to develop long-term partnerships with local organizations and public health entities to support provider-led initiatives that improve access and improve community health outcomes.
Later, the Commission turned its attention to the topic of governance and delivery of foundational public health services by state and local health departments. The first of the five workgroups to present their research, the Governance and Organizational Capabilities workgroup shared their research and preliminary findings. The workgroup is co-chaired by former MDH Deputy Secretary Frances Phillips and Frederick County Health Officer Dr. Barbara Bookmyer who presented on behalf of the workgroup members. More details about their work and a copy of their presentation are available on the Commission’s website.
The Commission on Public Health’s next meeting is Thursday, October 3, and will be held at the Prince George’s County Government Building in Upper Marlboro, MD, with Dr. Oluwatosin Olateju as the presiding co-chair. The Communications and Public Engagement Workgroup will present their initial findings and plans for a public survey to understand how Marylanders consume health information. The meeting will be accessible online and recorded. For more information about the monthly meetings or other opportunities to provide input to the Commission about public health topics, 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.