LEONARDTOWN, Md. – June 18. 2021: On June 3, 2021, the Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM) Class of 2021 participated in the eighth of nine educational sessions for the 2020-21 LSM Executive Program – Healthcare.

Sponsored by The Chesapeake-Potomac Healthcare Alliance, this one-day event began with a panel discussion on healthcare issues and challenges in Southern Maryland, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis.  The panel included representatives from CalvertHealth System, University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center, and MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital. 

Following the panel, the class participated in a mental health first aid exercise then met with the health officers from the tri-county area to learn more about public health challenges and programs in the region.  Sagepoint Senior Living Services was also on-hand to elaborate on the memory care services they offer to seniors.  They provided the class with the unique opportunity to participate in a dementia exercise that demonstrated the challenges faced by those coping with memory loss and sensory issues. 

The afternoon portion of the day spotlighted the COVID-19 response in Southern Maryland and how leaders across multiple industries including public safety, healthcare, and education have worked together to navigate obstacles presented by the pandemic. The healthcare session also included presentations on chronic disease prevention and the Charles County Mobile Integrated Health initiative as well as an overview of services offered through Maryland Coalition of Families by family peer support specialist Amy Young.