LEONARDTOWN, MD (July 12, 2017) – Two St. Mary’s County Health Department programs were selected as model practices by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO). The health department’s asthma and mobile Amish immunization clinic programs have been chosen through stringent peer-evaluation for exemplary and replicable qualities in response to a public health need.
In an effort to reduce access barriers and expand outreach to underserved populations within the county, the health department developed a mobile, home-based clinic model to provide immunizations for infants, children and adults in the Amish community in a manner that is sensitive to the cultural identity of that community.
The health department’s asthma home-visiting program helps children in St. Mary’s County ages 2-18 to better control their asthma through family education and other resources, and to determine triggers that may induce asthma attacks. This intervention is proven to enhance quality of life, decrease asthma-related visits to the emergency department, and decrease missed days of school for children with asthma.
“These programs demonstrate that, through collaboration and innovation, the health department is committed to supporting the evolving needs of our community,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, health officer. “I’m proud of the commitment by our team members to provide these services, and their efforts deserve this national recognition.”
For more information about services provided at the St. Mary’s County Health Department, please visit their website at www.smchd.org.