LEONARDTOWN, MD (January 22, 2026) – Advanced training completed by two St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) leaders will contribute to the agency’s data modernization efforts.

Lisa Nelson, SMCHD’s Clinical Services Division Director and Director of Nursing, and Michelle Pottinger, Director of the Violence, Injury, and Trauma Unit, have graduated from Bowie State University’s Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Public Health Informatics program. The program prepares public health leaders to better use health data and technology to prevent disease, improve care, and respond more effectively to community needs.

Public health informatics focuses on turning information into action. For St. Mary’s County, this means improving how the Health Department tracks health trends, identifies emerging concerns, evaluates programs, and targets resources where they are needed most – whether that is managing chronic disease, strengthening behavioral health and recovery services, reducing injuries and violence, or responding to public health emergencies.

The training was offered through a partnership between the Maryland Department of Health and Bowie State University to strengthen the local public health workforce across the state. As part of the program, Ms. Nelson and Ms. Pottinger completed training and learned from experts about modernizing public health systems and protecting health data.

“This training strengthens how we use information to make decisions that affect real people,” said Lisa Nelson. “Having accurate, timely data helps us plan services, respond more quickly to emerging health concerns, and ensure our programs truly meet the needs of St. Mary’s County residents.”

Michelle Pottinger emphasized the connection between data and community safety. “Public health informatics helps us better understand patterns related to injury, violence, and trauma so we can focus prevention efforts where they will have the greatest impact,” she said. “It also reinforces the importance of strong data practices and security as we work to contribute to community safety efforts.

“When our leaders strengthen their skills, our community benefits,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “This advanced training will support better service and smarter use of resources – helping us protect health, improve outcomes, and plan for the future of public health in St. Mary’s County.”

For more information about Bowie State University’s Public Health Informatics Certificate Program, visit bowiestate.edu.

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