About

This workgroup focuses on reducing preventable emergency department utilization and hospital readmissions among individuals receiving inpatient or emergency care. Its scope includes evaluating the root causes of frequent emergency department use, assessing hospital-to-community coordination processes, reviewing mobile health initiatives, and examining the effectiveness of discharge planning. Based on this analysis, the workgroup will develop evidence-based recommendations for the Howard County Executive to reduce unnecessary acute care utilization and improve care transitions.

Workgroup Information

Title

Responsibilities

Content

This workgroup examines patterns and drivers of preventable emergency department use and hospital readmissions. Members assess care transition processes, discharge planning effectiveness, and community-based alternatives to acute care, and develop recommendations to improve coordination and reduce unnecessary hospital utilization.

Title

Members

Content
  • Matthew Castner, Population Health Director, JHHCMC
  • Deb Poquette, Healthcare Senior Project Manager, Howard County Government
  • Dr. Arvinder (Daisy) Uppal, Radiologist, Imaging Center Owner
  • Dr. Matthew Levy, EMS Medical Director and CMO for Public Safety, Howard County
  • Dr. Nico Risko, Interim President of Professional Staff, Howard County Medical Center
  • Kayla Britt, Clinical Program Manager, Chase Brexton Population Health Department
  • Pintung Chen, Student, Johns Hopkins (Practicum placement)

Meeting Agendas & Minutes

Title

2025 + 2026

Content
Date Agenda Minutes
09/26/2025 Agenda Minutes
10/28/2025 Agenda Minutes

 

Stay Connected!

Sign up for the County Executive's weekly newsletter and stay up to date on everything Howard County.
 

Zip Code