Leonardtown, MD (August 26, 2025) – The Maryland Commission on Public Health convened its August 21 meeting at the Prince George’s County Government Building in Upper Marlboro, marking a significant milestone in its work to strengthen and modernize the state’s public health system.
Prior to the meeting, Commissioners received comments that were submitted during the open comment period. Substantive comments, per statute, will be addressed in the final report. The comments came from a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including local health departments, state agencies, advocacy organizations, and professional associations across Maryland. Collectively, the feedback generated changes to the draft recommendations, ensuring that the Commission’s work reflects the priorities, insights, and lived experiences of Marylanders.
Following robust discussion, the Commission voted to add five new recommendations to its draft slate of recommendations. These additions reflect feedback from the open comment period and the Commission’s continued work to understand the administrative and structural challenges to Maryland’s public health system. Together with the existing slate of draft recommendations, these new items are organized into themes and strategic objectives that match the findings from the Commission’s comprehensive assessment.
The Commission will meet virtually on September 11, 2025, to continue refining the final report ahead of its planned adoption at the final meeting on September 25, 2025. The final report will be submitted to the Maryland General Assembly and the Governor by October 1. Dr. Oluwatosin Olateju will be the presiding co-chair at the next meeting. The session will be accessible online and recorded for public review at the Commission’s website, with reminders and other important information also shared on social media through LinkedIn (@Maryland Commission on Public Health) and Instagram (@md.coph).
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Through collaborative learning and listening, inclusive decision-making, and strategic recommendations, the Maryland Commission on Public Health helps create sustainable improvements to public health systems that benefit everyone who lives, learns, and works in our state. The 16-member body was established in 2023 and is comprised of local health officers, academic partners, thought leaders, and legislators. The Maryland Department of Health is represented by officials from Public Health Administration, Behavioral Health Administration, and the Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities. Many additional leaders and professionals are contributing to the Commission’s five workgroups. Meetings are held monthly and streamed online. For more information, please visit health.maryland.gov/coph.