Maryland Department of Health issued the following announcement on Aug. 7.
Secretary Robert Neall today announced the appointment of Dr. Howard Haft as the new executive director for the Maryland Primary Care Program (MDPCP) and Fran Phillips as the new deputy secretary for Public Health Services.
“Dr. Haft’s leadership as deputy secretary for Public Health Services has been integral to the success of the Department,” said Secretary Neall. “His demonstrated insight and leadership will be equally important to the success of the new Maryland Primary Care Program, and I want to thank him for his continued support and dedication.”
Dr. Haft has served as deputy secretary since 2015, focusing on improving the health and wellness of all Marylanders through the many programs offered by Public Health Services. He will now oversee the day to day operations of the MDPCP, which will officially launch on Jan. 1, 2019. Dr. Haft will assume his new role on Tuesday, Aug. 28.
“It was a great honor and privilege to serve the Governor and the residents of Maryland during my time as the deputy secretary for Public Health Services,” said Dr. Haft. “I am now equally honored to lead the efforts of the Maryland Primary Care Program in strengthening the delivery of primary care and population health across our great state.”
MDPCP is a voluntary primary care delivery and payment redesign initiative within the Maryland Total Cost of Care Model (Maryland Model). The MDPCP builds on the progress achieved under the Maryland Model, investing resources and technical assistance to strengthen primary care and improve the health of Marylanders.
Fran Phillips, current acting Anne Arundel County health officer since 2017, has been appointed as the new deputy secretary for Public Health Services. She returns to the Maryland Department of Health, having previously served as deputy secretary for Public Health Services from 2008 to 2013. Prior to her first appointment in 2008, Ms. Phillips was the health officer for Anne Arundel County from 1993 to 2008, including a term in 2004 when she served as interim county fire chief.
“Fran will return to a role she is quite familiar with,” said Secretary Neall. “I’m thrilled to welcome her back and to see the great work she will do in leading public health efforts throughout Maryland.”
In her new role, Phillips will play a key role in the state’s efforts in the fight against the heroin and opioid epidemic, provide management oversight for the state’s rural health plan, and lead other state initiatives for programs including asthma, lead poisoning, smoking cessation, and more. She will assume her new role on Wednesday, Aug. 29.
Original source can be found here.
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