New St. Mary's County health officer introduced as health department says no additional county funding requested

The St. Mary's County Board of County Commissioners heard an update from the Department of Health on March 11 and met the county's new health officer, Mina Brewster. "I'm recently here in Saint Mary's County for about 3 months in the new role as, of health officer here," Brewster told the commission, thanking staff and saying she looks forward to working with the county to "protect and promote the health of residents and visitors."

County CFO Elaine Kramer told commissioners the Health Department is not asking for additional county funding in FY14, noting increased state funding and grants have offset local needs. Kramer summarized the health budget materials and said the department planned staffing realignments to take advantage of core funding increases. Kramer also said the FY14 summary includes effects of turnover and revised fringe benefit rates.

Brewster said the health department is absorbing increased clinical demand tied to Affordable Care Act-related Medicaid enrollments and expects more residents to seek services; she advised commissioners this could affect space needs at county facilities. "We're going to be seeing in the next few years... a greater demand on the clinical services provided by the health department," Brewster said.

What happens next: The department will proceed with internal realignment, and county staff will continue coordinating with Health Department leadership as enrollment and space needs evolve.