Southern Maryland health officers outline services, funding needs as measles, opioid trends draw attention

Delegation meeting — Southern Maryland — March 21, 2025

Calvert County health officer Dr. Teneza Mora and her counterparts in Charles and St. Mary’s counties told the Southern Maryland delegation on March 21 that local health departments provide core population-health services, step in to deliver clinical care where provider shortages exist, and face funding and workforce pressures that could limit emergency response.

The county health officers said the departments focus first on population health — surveillance, education and prevention — but also provide clinical services in gaps such as primary care and behavioral health. "The main mission is to prevent illness and injury and it's really to promote health for our community," Dr. Teneza Mora said.

The presentation outlined routine and emergency public-health functions. Infectious-disease surveillance and response remain central: "As of today, there have been reports of 2 total of 3 cases of measles, 1 in Howard County and 2 in the Prince George's County area," Mora said, noting departments were preparing public messaging, advising providers on testing and facilitating access to post‑exposure prophylaxis as needed.

Public- and…