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.
Vision
A healthy and thriving Maryland where every community flourishes with equitable access to comprehensive public health services, empowering everyone to achieve well-being and improved health outcomes.
Mission
Through collaborative learning and listening, inclusive decision-making, and strategic recommendations, the Commission helps create sustainable improvements to public health systems that benefit everyone who lives, learns, and works in our state.
Values
The values that influence the Commission’s decision-making and approach to this work are: communication, equity, inclusion, and innovation.
Communication: Open, transparent, clear, data-informed, and consistent communication fosters trust and collaboration. We strive to make our work accessible and understandable, ensuring that our messages resonate with and are relevant to all Marylanders.
Health equity: We value the role that equity plays in public health. We believe that public health systems should lead with health equity values and acknowledge that communities are diminished when individuals are left behind.
Inclusion: Diverse voices strengthen our efforts. We must prioritize representation from the breadth of Maryland’s communities and demographics, ensuring that those we serve have a meaningful role in shaping and implementing health programs. We believe that inclusion must be reflected in governance through clear lines of authority that lead to effective policies and programs at state and local levels.
Innovation: We embrace creative solutions and continuously seek out emerging, scientifically sound practices to enhance public health. By fostering a culture of innovation, we aim to position Maryland as a leader in effective and forward-thinking health strategies that achieved improved outcomes.
