BOARD OF HEALTH RECEIVES RAND CORPORATION BRIEFING ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES NEEDS ASSESSMENT STUDY; DISCUSSES “HEALTH IN ALL POLICIES” INITIATIVE
“Assessing Health and Human Services Needs to Support an Integrated Health in All Policies Plan for Prince George's County, Maryland” Addresses Health and Wellbeing of County Residents
The Prince George’s County Council, sitting as the Board of Health on Tuesday, September 29, 2020, received detailed briefing on the RAND Corporation report “Assessing Health and Human Services Needs to Support an Integrated Health in All Policies Plan for Prince George's County, Maryland,” a comprehensive study commissioned by the Council as it considers future policy and funding decisions related to the health and wellbeing of residents and communities.
RAND is a nonprofit institution that helps improve decision-making through research and analysis. In partnership with the Board of Health, RAND completed a health needs assessment for Prince George’s County focusing on health and healthcare-related issues and the full extent of human services that influence health outcomes.
Council Chair Todd M. Turner (D-District 4) notes the Board of Health briefing on the RAND Report comes as the County works to effectively address the short and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health of its residents.
“COVID-19 has transformed how we address healthcare in our communities, and the effects of this pandemic extend beyond its physical health impact. As the Council considers future policies, plans, funding and resources to improve health outcomes, we need a fuller understanding of the current and future health and human service needs of our communities.” Chair Turner adds, “The RAND report offers opportunities for immediate Council action and more community engagement, and we look forward to implementing its findings to improve quality of life for our residents.”
RAND’s Vice President and Director for Social and Economic Well-Being, Anita Chandra, Dr. P.H., says COVID-19 will change how counties address healthcare.
“The devastation of COVID-19, as well as related calls to dismantle systemic racism, continue to reveal how much our health is influenced by factors outside of medical care alone. With this report, the Prince George’s County Council has taken a significant step toward a comprehensive approach to building a healthier future for its residents and forging a path for others to follow.”
The RAND study reflects the "Health-in-All-Policies “approach embraced by the Board of Health, examining more closely what effect such factors as education, the economy, transportation, environment, social service delivery and even chronic stress have on the health and wellbeing of County residents and communities, in an initiative to achieve more positive health outcomes.
To view the briefing and RAND report “Assessing Health and Human Services Needs to Support an Integrated Health in All Policies Plan for Prince George's County, Maryland,” click HERE.
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