Leonardtown, MD (January 21, 2025) – The Commission on Public Health recently released its 2024 Interim Report, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to enhance public health in Maryland. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth review of the Commission’s work this past year as it launched an assessment of foundational public health service delivery across the state. The report also provides an overview of the five Commission workgroups and their efforts to understand the strengths and opportunities that exist to improve core aspects of our state and local public health systems. The Commission’s three co-chairs each offered their gratitude for all involved in issuing the report with strong direction about the work that lies ahead.
“We are excited to share the tremendous progress outlined in our Interim Report,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, co-chair of the Commission and St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “The report describes the groundwork already completed as the Commission now transitions to making recommendations for improving public health services for Marylanders. Our future success relies on advancing health equity, improving system efficiency, and addressing the unique needs of our local communities.”
Dr. Boris Lushniak, co-chair of the Commission and Dean of the University of Maryland School of Public Health, noted: “Our goal is to ensure that the backbone of public health in our great state can meet the urgent needs ahead so that all Maryland citizens can access the tools and services they need to be healthy.” Specifically noting the support of many volunteers and staff, he added: “The work of the Commission and our five workgroups, our academic partners and support team, has enabled us to comprehensively assess material and perspectives from around the state and beyond. At this midpoint, we are well-positioned to move toward completing the ambitious goals the state has set to ensure Maryland has a strong foundation for public health.”
Dr. Oluwatosin Olateju, co-chair of the Commission and Assistant Professor of Nursing at Coppin State University, highlighted the importance of public engagement and visibility in the Commission’s work and meetings. “Highlighting public engagement, site visits, and evidence-based system assessments steered by our state academic institutions, this report outlines significant progress and upcoming actions to enhance foundational public health services and health equity statewide, advancing Maryland’s public health infrastructure. We are especially thrilled about the release of a comprehensive set of recommendations in our final report due in October,” she noted.
Over the next several months, the Commission will be drafting recommendations informed by the assessment findings. Draft recommendations will be presented for public review and comment by July 2025, which underscores the Commission’s commitment to incorporating diverse perspectives and representation in shaping the future of public health in Maryland. The Commission’s final report with recommendations is due to the Governor and Maryland General Assembly by October 1, 2025.
The Commission meets next on Thursday, January 23, 2025. The session will be accessible online and recorded for public review. 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.
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“We are excited to share the tremendous progress outlined in our Interim Report,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, co-chair of the Commission and St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “The report describes the groundwork already completed as the Commission now transitions to making recommendations for improving public health services for Marylanders. Our future success relies on advancing health equity, improving system efficiency, and addressing the unique needs of our local communities.”
Dr. Boris Lushniak, co-chair of the Commission and Dean of the University of Maryland School of Public Health, noted: “Our goal is to ensure that the backbone of public health in our great state can meet the urgent needs ahead so that all Maryland citizens can access the tools and services they need to be healthy.” Specifically noting the support of many volunteers and staff, he added: “The work of the Commission and our five workgroups, our academic partners and support team, has enabled us to comprehensively assess material and perspectives from around the state and beyond. At this midpoint, we are well-positioned to move toward completing the ambitious goals the state has set to ensure Maryland has a strong foundation for public health.”
Dr. Oluwatosin Olateju, co-chair of the Commission and Assistant Professor of Nursing at Coppin State University, highlighted the importance of public engagement and visibility in the Commission’s work and meetings. “Highlighting public engagement, site visits, and evidence-based system assessments steered by our state academic institutions, this report outlines significant progress and upcoming actions to enhance foundational public health services and health equity statewide, advancing Maryland’s public health infrastructure. We are especially thrilled about the release of a comprehensive set of recommendations in our final report due in October,” she noted.
Over the next several months, the Commission will be drafting recommendations informed by the assessment findings. Draft recommendations will be presented for public review and comment by July 2025, which underscores the Commission’s commitment to incorporating diverse perspectives and representation in shaping the future of public health in Maryland. The Commission’s final report with recommendations is due to the Governor and Maryland General Assembly by October 1, 2025.
The Commission meets next on Thursday, January 23, 2025. The session will be accessible online and recorded for public review. 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.
The post Maryland Commission on Public Health Releases 2024 Interim Report, Sets Stage for Final Recommendations appeared first on St. Mary's County Health Department.