Building the Future of Rural Health in Maryland at #MACoCon

Maryland’s rural communities are transforming healthcare through new partnerships, innovative care models, and federal investment.

Rural communities face persistent healthcare challenges, including provider shortages, longer travel distances for care, higher rates of chronic disease, and limited access to specialty services. These barriers can make it more difficult for residents to receive affordable care. Recognizing these challenges, federal, state, and local leaders are making significant investments to strengthen rural healthcare systems and improve long-term health outcomes. In Maryland, the Rural Health Transformation Program provides a unique opportunity to build on local strengths and support innovative approaches that better meet the needs of rural residents while ensuring communities have the healthcare infrastructure needed to thrive.

Description: New investments are reshaping how healthcare is delivered in rural communities. Through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), $50B is being invested nationwide to strengthen rural communities. In December 2025, Maryland secured $168M from the Center for Medicaid Services (CMS) to improve healthcare access, quality, and outcomes across Maryland’s 18 rural jurisdictions. Guided by the Maryland Department of Health and its State Office of Rural Health, the initiative focuses on three core priorities: strengthening the rural health workforce, expanding sustainable and innovative care models, and helping residents lead healthier lives through nutrition and prevention. This session will explore how Local Health Departments are turning that investment into action across Maryland’s 18 designated rural jurisdictions. From building and retaining a stronger rural health workforce to expanding innovative models of care and improving access to healthy food, panelists will highlight the strategies and partnerships taking shape in communities across the state.

Speakers:
  • Jennifer Hare, Health Officer, Garrett County
  • Brice Strang, Health Officer, Queen Anne’s County
  • Sara Seitz, Director, State Office of Rural Health, Maryland Department of Health
  • Evan Savopoulos, Practice Manager, Cornerstone Family Medicine
  • Jonathan Dayton, Executive Director, Maryland Rural Health Association

Moderator: The Honorable Jeff Ghrist, Maryland House of Delegates

Date/Time: Friday, August 14, 2026; 2:15 pm – 3:15 pm

MACo’s Summer Conference, “Build What’s Next,” takes place August 12–15, 2026, at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland. For more information, visit the conference website.

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: