About
This workgroup focuses on improving how Howard County residents access and navigate health services, with a particular emphasis on reducing barriers and expanding access to primary and preventive care. The population served includes all Howard County residents. The scope of the effort includes evaluating system-level gaps in access, referral and follow-up protocols, and the connections between clinical providers and non-clinical partners such as transportation services and case management. Based on these findings, recommendations will be developed for the Howard County Executive to strengthen access pathways and reduce barriers to care across the county.
Workgroup Information
Responsibilities
This workgroup identifies system-level barriers that affect residents’ ability to access and navigate health care services. Members review referral pathways, follow-up processes, and coordination between clinical providers and community-based supports, and propose actionable improvements to strengthen access to primary and preventive care.
Members
- Matthew Castner, Population Health Director, JHHCMC
- Deb Poquette, Senior Healthcare Project Manager, Howard County Government
- Delegate Pam Guzzone, Maryland House of Delegates, Health and Government Operations Committee
- Dr. Arvind Narasimhan, Director of Acute Care Services, FirstCall Urgent Care & Centennial Medical Group
- Lisa deHernandez, Director of Communications and Public Information, Howard County Health Department
- Cynthia Baur, Director, Horowitz Center for Health Literacy, University of Maryland School of Public Health
- Kelsey Gould, Planning Department, MedStar Health
- Amanda Toohey, Senior Project Manager for Population Health, Howard County Medical Center
- Eve Lauer, MPH Student, Johns Hopkins University
- Megan Cullen, Nurse Practitioner, Icon Health (Home-Based Primary Care)