“It’s been an honor and privilege to serve and learn from Marylanders these past 100 days as MDH Secretary. 

“In this time, we’ve made important strides to advance the physical and mental health of Marylanders. We issued a preliminary state prevention plan and the inaugural firearm violence data dashboard that will enable us to take data-driven steps to improve gun violence prevention efforts and reduce firearm violence. We expanded our behavioral health and community-based services for children and youth. And, we continue to do everything we can to interpret changes at the federal level to help ensure Marylanders maintain access to the health care services they need and deserve.

​“We’ve also been listening, actively engaging with individuals and groups to ensure many voices are heard as we tackle some of the state’s most pressing health challenges. In the coming weeks and months, it is my aim to visit every region of the state - to continue to see how our MDH facilities and local health departments are serving the community, to further engage with patients, providers and health care organizations to understand diverse health needs and to best collaborate with partners and advocates so that we can continuously improve the health care ecosystem for all Marylanders. 

​“There is much work to be done for all Marylanders to be able to achieve optimal health. That’s why, together with MDH leadership, I have refreshed our Department vision and mission, and established MDH priorities to guide our work and unwavering commitment to the people of this state. Understanding our current budgetary climate, it remains our goal to achieve operational excellence; reduce health disparities; improve health across the lifespan; and promote community-driven leadership and engagement as we advance the well-being of Marylanders across communities big and small.”