ANNAPOLIS, MD—Dr. Meena Seshamani, an accomplished strategic leader with a deep understanding of health care policy and operations, has been appointed as the next Maryland Department of Health secretary. Governor Wes Moore announced the appointment this week and Dr. Seshamani is expected to begin her new role April 8, pending Maryland Senate confirmation. “Dr. Meena Seshamani is among the nation’s […]
ANNAPOLIS, MD—Maryland Governor Wes Moore this week announced a significant 38% decrease in fatal overdoses for the year 2024, marking a historic reduction from the previous year’s figures. The state reported 1,553 fatal overdoses last year, down from 2,511 in 2023. Moore attributed the decline to increased investments in behavioral health and substance use care, emphasizing the state’s commitment to […]
ANNAPOLIS, MD—Maryland has launched a new mobile-friendly tool to help residents see if they qualify for benefits such as Medicaid, food stamps, and energy assistance. Governor Wes Moore announced the launch of Maryland’s Unified Benefits Screener on December 13, 2024. It’s a joint initiative between the Maryland Departments of Human Services, Health, and Information Technology. Marylanders can quickly check their […]
TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski and Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Laura Herrera Scott on Wednesday announced that Dr. Lucy Wilson has been named the county’s new Health Officer and Director of the Department of Health and Human Services. Wilson, who has served in a number of high-profile public health roles in Maryland, including most recently as the […]
BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Health has released new training resources for educators to help prevent suicide in students. The state’s new action plan aims to equip K-12 public and private schools with the necessary tools to effectively prevent, intervene and respond to suicide in schools. The Maryland Action Plan to Prevent Suicide in Schools was developed in collaboration with […]
BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Health this week announced its selection to participate in The Link Center’s newly launched State Policy Academy alongside five other states. The State Policy Academy, led by the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services, will provide training and peer learning opportunities to state departments of behavioral health and developmental disabilities services. The […]
BALTIMORE, MD— In honor of National Public Health Week, the Maryland Department of Health is celebrating Maryland’s public health workers and how their hard work in Maryland communities promotes wellbeing. Public health work is essential to ensuring that everyone has access to essential health services and resources. The Maryland Department of Health has partnered with numerous organizations to develop and […]
ANNAPOLIS, MD—The state of Maryland is launching the Maryland Council on Innovation and Impact as part of a broader plan to increase innovation, talent, and resources across sectors of the state’s economy. The council, established by executive order (PDF) in May 2023, will be responsible for identifying and strengthening cross-sector partnerships, and will work with philanthropic and social sector leaders […]