Leonardtown, MD (January 28, 2025) – Last Thursday, Dr. Boris Lushniak convened the Maryland Commission on Public Health for its first meeting of 2025. In his opening remarks as presiding chair, he noted the full meeting agenda was a testament to the task that lay before the Commission this year: analyzing assessment results and developing recommendations for the final report due October 1.
The Commission continued its tradition of hosting expert speakers to add depth and perspective to the deliberations. Kathleen Hoke from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law and the Network for Public Health Law (NPHL) provided an overview of recent legislative initiatives affecting public health agencies and programs. Later, NPHL affiliates Stephen Murphy, Andy Baker-White, and Katy Elis Hilts shared emerging practices in data sharing and information technology, funding and governance, and workforce development, respectively.
Several Commissioners noted that current topics in the legislature are relevant to the Commission’s work, such as deliberations on the AHEAD model and Population Health Trust. Commissioners Fran Phillips and Chris Brandt both suggested the Commission identify a position statement regarding the Population Health Trust and organizing it in a way that is nimble enough to measurably improve public health outcomes in Maryland. After discussion, the motion tasking the co-chairs to draft the position statement was made; the motion carried with all present in favor.
Commission staff noted several key developments since the last meeting, namely an updated timeline for activities and the recommendation submission framework for the workgroups. Additional virtual meetings on Tuesday, April 15 and May 20 were added to ensure sufficient time to review recommendations before they must be publicly posted for comment. The Commissioners also heard updates on assessment activities and reviewed draft mission, vision, and values statements.
The next Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 20, 2025, with Dr. Boris Lushniak as presiding Co-Chair. The session will be accessible online and recorded for public review at the Commission’s new website – health.maryland.gov/coph – 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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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 health.maryland.gov/coph.