Leading Through Limits: Protecting Public Health at #MACoCon

As funding dwindles and public expectations remain high, health officials are being asked to meet evolving community needs with shrinking resources. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary federal funding allowed local health departments to expand their workforce, invest in digital infrastructure, and respond swiftly to community needs. But as those dollars phase out, counties are left to sustain expanded services with limited and uncertain resources. At the same time, recent state budget decisions are shifting more financial responsibility onto local governments, forcing tough choices about staffing, programming, and priorities. These pressures come at a time when communities are facing rising mental health concerns, chronic disease, and health disparities that demand long-term, preventive strategies, not just crisis response. With growing urgency, health leaders are calling for a funding model that reflects the full scope of modern public health and gives counties the tools to deliver for their communities.

Description: As local health departments (LHDs) shift from pandemic response back to core public health services, they face increasing pressure to do more with less. Temporary federal funds that supported workforce, IT, and infrastructure improvements are winding down, while state budget changes are shifting more financial responsibility to counties. Health Officers are forging partnerships, prioritizing investments, and focusing on high-impact strategies to maintain community health. This session will explore how LHDs are managing limited budgets, setting priorities, and making the case for modernizing Maryland’s local health funding formula to support long-term stability and outcomes.

Speakers:

  • Dr. Elizabeth Kromm, Interim Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services, Maryland Department of Health 
  • Matt Levy, Health Officer, Prince George’s County 
  • Gena Spear, Health Officer, Allegany County 
  • Larry Polsky, Medical Director, Calvert County 

Moderator: The Honorable Emily Shetty, MD House of Delegates

Date/Time: Thursday, August 14, 2025; 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm 

The 2025 MACo Summer Conference will be held at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, MD, on August 13-16. This year’s theme is “Funding the Future: The Evolving Role of Local Government.” More information can be found on our conference website.

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: