The Charles County Department of Health launched its 2026-2031 Strategic Plan, outlining five key priorities to guide public health efforts over the next five years in Southern Maryland’s growing Charles County. Developed by the department’s Leadership Team, the plan aligns with core values of integrity, evidence-based decision-making, collaboration, health equity, and transparency to address evolving community needs and improve health outcomes.
The department, headquartered in White Plains, serves Charles County residents with a mission to protect, promote, and improve health, safety, and the environment, while pursuing a vision of a healthier Charles County. The strategic plan responds to shifting public health challenges, including population growth and emerging issues, by focusing on modernization and equity.
The five priorities include:
- Modernize Technology: Enhance efficiency, meet diverse community needs, and build resilience through innovative tools and systems.
- Internal & External Communications: Strengthen trust, transparency, and responsiveness to improve public connections and internal operations.
- Accessibility of Services: Remove barriers to increase equity, expand reach, and deliver greater impact for all residents.
- Workforce Development: Cultivate a skilled, values-aligned team supported by a positive culture to attract and retain talent.
- Service Delivery & Continuous Quality Improvement: Assess, refine, and enhance services to better address community needs and create lasting improvements.
These priorities build on the department’s foundational values, which shape its culture and daily operations.
Health Officer Dianna E. Abney, M.D., leads the agency, which maintains active programs in areas such as disease prevention, environmental health, and community resources. The plan emphasizes partnership with residents and stakeholders to drive collective progress.
The announcement invites community involvement, encouraging collaboration to achieve meaningful impact. The department positions the plan as a roadmap for adaptation in a changing landscape, ensuring services remain relevant and effective.
Details of the strategic plan appear on the official Charles County Department of Health website, which lists it among key resources alongside reports, services, and partnership links. Earlier efforts included a 2024 request for proposals for strategic planning consultants, indicating a structured development process leading to this release.
The launch, announced in late February 2026, coincides with ongoing county initiatives, including broader government goals for economic development, quality of life, and emergency preparedness. For Charles County, home to a mix of rural and suburban communities, the plan supports sustained public health amid regional growth pressures in Southern Maryland.