Two St. Marys County Health Department leaders completed advanced training in public health informatics, enhancing the agencys ability to modernize data systems for improved disease prevention, program evaluation, and resource allocation across the county.
Lisa Nelson, director of Clinical Services and Director of Nursing, and Michelle Pottinger, director of the Violence, Injury, and Trauma Unit, graduated from Bowie State Universitys Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Public Health Informatics. The program, delivered through a partnership with the Maryland Department of Health, equips public health professionals with skills to leverage data and technology for better community health outcomes.
Public health informatics involves collecting, analyzing, and applying health information to inform decisions and actions. In St. Marys County, this training supports tracking disease trends, identifying emerging issues, assessing program effectiveness, and directing resources toward priorities such as chronic disease management, behavioral health and recovery services, injury and violence prevention, and emergency response.
“This training strengthens how we use information to make decisions that affect real people,” said Lisa Nelson. “Having accurate, timely data helps us plan services, respond more quickly to emerging health concerns, and ensure our programs truly meet the needs of St. Mary’s County residents.”
Michelle Pottinger highlighted applications in her unit. “Public health informatics helps us better understand patterns related to injury, violence, and trauma so we can focus prevention efforts where they will have the greatest impact,” she said. “It also reinforces the importance of strong data practices and security as we work to contribute to community safety efforts.”
Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Marys County Health Officer, noted the broader community impact. “When our leaders strengthen their skills, our community benefits,” Brewster said. “This advanced training will support better service and smarter use of resources – helping us protect health, improve outcomes, and plan for the future of public health in St. Mary’s County.”
St. Marys County Health Department operates under the Maryland Department of Health framework and serves a population exceeding 113,000 residents in one of Southern Marylands fastest-growing counties. The department manages services including clinical care, environmental health, behavioral health, emergency preparedness, and injury prevention. Data modernization aligns with statewide efforts to enhance local public health infrastructure amid challenges such as opioid use, mental health needs, chronic conditions, and disaster readiness in a region bordered by the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay.
The Bowie State University certificate program focuses on system modernization, data protection, and informatics applications tailored to public health. Participants gain expertise in turning raw data into actionable insights, a capability increasingly vital as health departments integrate electronic records, surveillance systems, and analytics tools. The Maryland Department of Health partnership aims to build capacity across jurisdictions, ensuring rural and suburban counties like St. Marys can address local needs effectively.
In Southern Maryland, health departments in Calvert, Charles, and St. Marys counties collaborate on regional issues through shared initiatives, including data-driven approaches to behavioral health and injury prevention. Accurate, secure data practices enable faster identification of trends, such as rising overdose rates or injury patterns tied to recreational water activities, allowing targeted interventions that improve resident outcomes.
The graduations mark a step forward in workforce development for SMCHD, positioning the agency to respond more nimbly to public health demands. Enhanced informatics capabilities support evidence-based planning and contribute to healthier communities in a county where population growth continues to strain existing resources.
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