Environmental and Public Health Update: Navigating PFAS, Global Pathogens, and Local Action

First, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Medical Society for honoring me with the Public Health Advocacy Award at the annual meeting. This recognition truly reflects our shared commitment to safeguarding the health of all Montgomery County residents, and I am deeply grateful for your ongoing partnership.

On June 15, 2026 I issued a localized public health advisory for a specific portion of the Muddy Branch stream watershed and surrounding ponds. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) detected elevated levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water samples. While public drinking water remains completely safe, we at DHHS are partnering with the Department of Environmental Protection and the state to monitor the area, offer free private well testing, and reduce public exposure.

Understanding Clinical Risks and PFAS Guidance

PFAS, commonly referred to as "forever chemicals," are synthetic substances used since the 1940s in many consumer and industrial products. These chemicals are highly persistent and do not break down easily in the environment.

When patients ask about PFAS, clinicians should emphasize that the risk is tied to chronic, long-term ingestion. Long-term exposure is associated with increased cholesterol, changes in liver enzymes, preeclampsia, decreased infant birth weights, lower pediatric vaccine antibody responses, and kidney and testicular cancers.

To support your practice and view localized data maps, please visit the Montgomery County PFAS Portal. For detailed patient counseling protocols, review the CDC’s ATSDR Clinical Overview of PFAS and download the PFAS Information for Clinicians Guide.

Broader Public Health & Legislative Initiatives

Beyond environmental health, our teams are actively working on several critical priorities:

• Medicaid Transitions: We are actively preparing for upcoming changes to Medicaid driven by federal legislation under H.R.1. Stay tuned for an upcoming educational symposium on August 21st to prepare for these shifts.
• Infectious Disease Readiness: We are continuing our active partnership with the state to reinforce protocols and monitoring for highly consequential pathogens, specifically Ebola and Hantavirus.

For a comprehensive breakdown of these initiatives and local health trends, please review my latest Montgomery County Health Officer Reports.