County health officer outlines measles surveillance, rabies clinic, Narcan distribution and plans for strategic plan

Queen Anne’s County Health Officer Bryce Strang gave a departmental update to commissioners Tuesday, summarizing current public-health priorities and upcoming programs.

Strang told commissioners the department will work this year on a refreshed multi-year strategic plan informed by needs assessments and the state health improvement plan. He said the department recently completed assessments and meetings with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) about a delegation agreement for delegated environmental health responsibilities tied to county sewer and water oversight; he described those talks as productive and said staff expect a final draft "in the next couple of weeks." (Transcript: Strang)

On immunizations and clinics, Strang announced a rabies vaccination clinic scheduled April 16 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the main health department location in Centreville; the clinic fee is $5 per animal. He also said the health department provides MMR and other vaccines and encouraged residents to check the state immunization registry via the myirmobile portal.

Strang described current measles surveillance: nationally the U.S. case count was 378 as of Friday of his presentation, with 64 hospitalizations; locally Maryland had three confirmed cases tied to international travel. He emphasized measles’ high contagion, noting the virus can persist in the air for up to two hours after an infectious person leaves a room, and recommended residents confirm MMR vaccination status with their health care provider. Strang said adults vaccinated with early vaccines in 1963–1967 may have less reliable immunity and should check with providers.

The health department reported substance‑use and behavioral‑health work: Strang said the county distributed 1,382 doses of naloxone (Narcan) since July 1 of the previous year through peer-support and outreach programs and that peer-support teams estimated contacts with roughly 3,000 individuals in outreach activities. He described a regional reentry simulation in development with the detention center and partner agencies to identify service gaps for people leaving detention.

Strang also discussed efforts related to cannabis use surveillance funded by the Maryland Center for Tobacco and Control, a recently awarded grant for firearm storage and violence-prevention work from the Maryland Department of Health’s new Center for Firearm Violence Prevention, and plans to assemble a small work group to advise use of Opioid Response Funds (ORF) including a potential reengagement with the Whitsett Center for services.

On other programs, Strang noted the MYC (likely a care-coordination program) reported 79 visits over the prior six months and declines in hospital readmissions at 1, 3 and 6 months post‑enrollment; staff reported success with a diabetes prevention program at the Active Aging Center.

Strang answered commissioners’ questions about vaccine availability, insurance acceptance, Narcan dose counts and coordination with regional partners. The board did not take any formal action on health items at the meeting.

Ending: Strang said more details will follow as the health department finalizes plans and grant work; commissioners thanked him for the update and asked to be kept apprised of the department’s planning and grant commitments.