3 Seats Remain Open On Howard County Board Of Health

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Two health professionals and one member of the general public with health training is being sought to serve on the Howard County’s board of health. Board members serve 5-year terms and are responsible for the health and sanitary interests of the people of Howard County.

"Our Howard County Board of Health is an essential body that helps improve public health for our residents and community," said Howard County Executive Ball in a statement. "Amid a global pandemic, it is especially clear how public health impacts our daily lives and the quality of life in our community. Now more than ever, we need thoughtful leaders to support our department of health and its efforts. Please consider joining the board to collaborate on health initiatives and set goals so that all of our residents can be healthy and thriving."

Comprised of 11 members, the board must include one environmental health professional; three health professionals, one which may be a veterinarian; and seven members from the general public. Those representing the general public must meet one of the following qualifications provided that not more than three meet the same qualification:
· at least two may not have professional or administrative training in the health occupations;

• at least two may have had professional or administrative training in the health occupations, but have not worked as a health professional in the past five years;

· at least one shall have professional experience in mental health; and
· at least one shall have professional experience in substance use disorders.

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must be Howard County residents, 18 years of age or older, have an interest in public health and be able to attend the board’s meetings. Except for December, July and August, board meetings are currently being held virtually on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.

Applicants should send a resume and a brief letter explaining why they want to serve on the Commission to: Howard County Government, Office of the County Executive, Attn: Kim Pruim, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. The names of eligible applicants will be submitted to the County Executive for approval and the nominee will be submitted to the County Council for confirmation. The deadline to apply is Sept. 11, 2020.