Board of Health Meets
Health Officer Updates on Federal Impacts
The St. Mary’s County Board of Health (BOH) met on December 16th, where the county’s health officer, Dr. Meena Brewster, reviewed data on local initiatives and provided insight on impacts of policy changes at the federal level. The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County are required to meet with the county’s health officer together, as the BOH, at least twice a year.
from SMCHD presentation
School-based health centers, located at Margaret Brent and Spring Ridge Middle Schools, are “thriving,” with nearly 3,900 total encounters since August 2022. The centers are available for students during school hours, and the public outside of those hours. Care received at the centers has contributed to an 87% return to class rate for students, helping improve attendance. Patients can find services like immediate and preventative care, testing and vaccinations, injury and chronic condition management, and specialty and sports services.
from SMCHD presentation
Likewise, the county’s Health Hub on Great Mills Road is doing well with over 10,000 patient encounters. Many patients come from the immediate area, but the hub sees usage from residents in every corner of the county Brewster said. Many visits are for care coordination where an individual is being assessed at the hub, then referred to a provider in the community across a variety of health disciplines. Workshops for financial literacy, legal services and, soon, housing services are available as well.
Healthcare impacts are being felt locally as federal guidance and practices have changed under the Trump Administration. “Our local health department for decades has received significant funding and technical assistance from the federal government,” Dr. Brewster reported. Grant funding and staff availability is limited now given the Trump Administration’s downsizing of federal programs and workforce. For example, federal funding to treat tuberculosis in those uninsured or underinsured is no longer available. That leaves local and state governments to pick up the tab if the service remains.
from SMCHD presentation
The recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act made significant changes to Medicaid funding and eligibility. More than 23,000 people in St. Mary’s County received Medicaid in 2024, and some can expect to lose coverage under new guidelines. Additionally, the health department will see increased administrative burdens because eligibility redeterminations are now required every six months rather than annually.
from SMCHD presentation
More than 3,400 St. Mary’s County residents are at risk of higher health or dental insurance premiums as a result of Affordable Care Act subsidies expiring in December 2025. Congress still has not extended the subsidies, or agreed on a viable alternative. Lost coverage leaves more people uninsured which strains the local health care system, especially urgent care and emergency facilities, Brewster explained.
Regions of St. Mary’s are already identified as healthcare provider shortage areas (HPSA) for things like primary care, but Brewster said there are changes under consideration to expand that to cover the entire county. Mental health providers are also in short supply, and it’s possible the county is designated as a high-needs mental health HPSA. Recent retirements in the local healthcare workforce, combined with a lack of mental health providers specifically for children and seniors, have contributed to the potential reclassifications.
The role of St. Mary’s County Health Department is to “assess the continuum of healthcare services in the area and work with providers to fill identified gaps,” among providing other services to the community. The department was recognized by the Maryland Association of Counties with the 2025 County Innovation Award, and by the Maryland Public Health Association with the Outstanding Public Health Program Award.
___________
Informed St. Mary’s remains paywall free for everyone with your support. Donate here to support this important work.
