A Conversation with Dr. Kisha Davis
The MCMS Public Health Committee held a productive meeting with Dr. Davis, Montgomery County Chief Health Officer. Dr. Davis highlighted the department’s integration across five key service areas—children, youth and families; aging and disabilities; behavioral health; public health; and homelessness prevention—reflecting the County’s holistic approach to care.
She noted the County’s exceptional diversity, with no racial or ethnic majority, 37% foreign-born residents, and more than 129 languages spoken, as well as a rapidly aging population that will require thoughtful planning to meet future healthcare needs.
Despite being ranked the healthiest county in Maryland and among the healthiest in the nation, Montgomery County continues to face persistent health disparities. Dr. Davis shared data showing disproportionate firearm hospitalizations and HIV incidence among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic residents, rising late-stage prostate cancer rates among Hispanic men, increased diabetes, suicide mortality, and syphilis in Asian and Pacific Islander populations, and growing drug-induced mortality and falls among non-Hispanic Whites. To address these challenges, the County’s safety net programs—including Montgomery Cares and Care for Kids—provide essential primary care, behavioral health, and dental services to low-income uninsured residents.
Dr. Davis outlined several priority initiatives, including efforts to eliminate Black maternal health disparities through strong partnerships with local birthing hospitals, ongoing overdose prevention work that has successfully reduced youth fentanyl overdoses, and expanded youth safety initiatives focusing on mental health, substance use, and violence prevention. She also highlighted advancements in integrating behavioral health and primary care, such as a mobile health unit offering medical, dental, and behavioral health services in underserved areas. The department continues to manage key communicable disease programs with robust outreach and direct observed therapy.
She emphasized the vital role of physicians in expanding specialty care access, noting ongoing shortages of specialists able to accept Medicaid or provide pro bono care through the county’s safety net clinics.
We appreciate Dr. Davis’s time and willingness to connect with our committee, and we look forward to continued collaboration in advancing the health and well-being of our residents.