LEONARDTOWN, Md. — St. Mary’s County Health Officer Dr. Meena Brewster won reelection to the National Association of County and City Health Officials board of directors, securing another three-year term to represent local health departments in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. The NACCHO update came on August 6, 2025, building on her initial 2022 election, with the new term starting July 1, 2025. This role positions her to shape national public health approaches while drawing from experiences in Southern Maryland.
Since 2012, Dr. Brewster has led the St. Mary’s County Health Department, managing efforts in chronic disease prevention, infectious disease tracking, behavioral health services, environmental inspections, emergency planning, health care coordination, and direct patient care. Her board service highlights a focus on integrating regional insights into wider policy debates.
“I am honored to continue to represent the local health departments of our region on the NACCHO Board,” said Dr. Brewster. “NACCHO is the premier organization representing the interests of local communities and the frontline health departments that serve them. It is critical that local perspectives are prioritized in national conversations about promoting a healthy America. Public health starts locally, with each individual and each community.”
The association advocates for almost 3,000 local health departments across the country, governed by a 22-member board of elected officials and one ex-officio partner. Responsibilities for the board include defining strategies, setting legislative priorities, endorsing policies, monitoring goals, and handling finances, while acting as a liaison for partnerships in health practices. The 2024-2025 board lineup features Dr. Brewster in the Region 3 slot, with figures such as Michael Kilkenny from West Virginia as president and Damon Chaplin from Minnesota as president-elect. Board elections require nominations and votes from peers, with the 2025 process starting nominations in March and concluding voting in May.
Dr. Brewster’s position includes prior work as medical director for Indiana’s Health and Human Services Commission and as the state’s chronic disease director. She taught at Indiana University School of Medicine, delivering care to diverse patient groups. With degrees in bachelor’s studies, public health, and medicine from the University of Miami, she specializes in family and sports medicine. In Maryland, she held leadership in the state’s NACCHO chapter as president and vice president. The reelection extends her influence, as seen in her 2022 entry emphasizing advocacy for underserved areas.
In July 2025, the department teamed with Charles County to introduce a mobile crisis response unit, sending specialists to address mental health calls and reduce hospital visits. June 2025 brought a new health clinic in Lexington Park through a partnership with Greater Baden Medical Services, targeting gaps in primary care for rural residents. Leadership grew with a deputy health officer appointment in January 2024, and staff engaged in national training in December 2024 to strengthen administrative capabilities.
Notable recognitions during her tenure encompass national committee selections for department personnel in August 2023 on issues like vaccinations and rural wellness. The Gold Star Program recognizes food establishments for safety standards, with award events promoting best practices. Dr. Brewster earned a Health Care Hero Award in 2020 for crisis management and the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award in 2018 for preparedness collaborations.
The reelection reflects evolving public health leadership, where figures like her inform federal guidelines on topics from immunization campaigns to climate-related health risks. NACCHO’s 2025-2026 board, led by incoming president Damon Chaplin, prioritizes equity and resilience. For Southern Maryland, this means amplifying concerns such as bay water quality effects on community health or transportation barriers in accessing services.
Looking ahead, the department hosts a Community Health and Wellness Fair on October 10, 2025, at the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland, featuring free screenings and educational booths. Dr. Brewster’s sustained involvement reinforces St. Mary’s role in advancing policies that support local needs amid national challenges.
