What is the greatest health care challenge facing Maryland today, and how do you plan to address it?
Not enough beds, especially mental health/psych, also not enough culturally competent and trauma trained doctors, psychiatrists and therapists. As the demographics of the state change do the training needs within hospital staff. Also, DEI representation at all levels and within these hospitals matters. We must also look to control charge makers lists costs to allow for increased affordability.
Maryland’s hospitals operate under a unique contract with the federal government that promotes community, equity, and value. It also contributes significantly to Maryland's economy. How do you plan to support the continued success of the Maryland Model?
I need to learn more about this. I followed these issues closely when the ACA conversation was being had during President Obama's first term. Other than the ACA requirements, I am not as aware of state specific changes. However, I am sensitive to the fact that my county is in great need of new and expanded hospital space and I receive calls daily of my constituents mental health needs.
Maryland is experiencing a shortage of health care practitioners, especially nurses, that we project will worsen in the years ahead. How do you plan to address the immediate crisis and what will you do to make sure we have a robust and sustainable health care workforce pipeline?
I am committed to helping fund scholarships to promote more Latino and immigrant doctors and nurses. We are already creating a pipeline through community colleges. However, we must attract them to serve within Prince George's County. We must also recruit practitioners from other highly diverse areas, and create a regional mutual aid agreement to share staff across West Virginia, Virginia, DC, Maryland, and Delaware.
How would you increase availability of and access to health care for Marylanders?
We must construct more hospitals or expand the hospitals already constructed. Prince George's pushed for the construction of UMMC Regional Hospital and from the day it opened it was at 97% capacity. This shows us that the two stories literally stolen from the original proposal were highly needed. Furthermore, we still need to increase the number of psychiatric beds in the county and long term psychiatric facilities. Jails cannot continue to be the solution for the mentally ill.
What policies will you pursue to improve health for all Marylanders? Please also consider the social determinants of health?
I would like to increase sex positive programming to decrease the percentage of Latina teen pregnancy. The county and the state must pursue a universal primary care for all program that is run through the Federally Qualified Health Centers for the un-and under-insured, with specialty programs through contributing hospitals. I have been able to get all the count's FQHC to agree on pricing and with $10 million we are able to fully fund annually those with the greatest need to obtain preliminary preventive care, prenatal and other basic services.
How do you plan to address consumers' growing exposure to health care costs, such as high deductible health plans and rising prescription drug prices in Maryland?
This is a question that must be truly handled at the federal level but if we must negotiate internationally for generics then let it be so.
Maryland’s worsening medical liability climate, as noted in a recent independent report, threatens access to, and affordability of, health care services in Maryland. Plaintiffs’ attorneys typically take 40% of a medical malpractice judgment. Do you support limiting attorneys’ fees so that the affected individuals can receive more of their settlement or judgment? What additional reforms would you support that balance supporting individuals and families harmed by medical malpractice with ensuring continued access to services in a community?
I would consider looking into capping attorney fees especially for class action lawsuits so that more of the funds can be returned to those affected. However, since this is not my area of expertise I would need to learn more about the issues faced by stakeholders from all sides of the issue. I am willing to sit with everyone with an open ear and mind.
What are your priorities should you be elected, not confined to health care?
To complete the work I started, particularly finish funding the construction of the 9 schools in phase I in my district, 5 in district schools in phase 2, Purple Line construction, 1 district library construction, supporting small minority business especially along the Purple Line, and redesign of MD-193 and MD-212 as part of a Business Improvement District that I wish to establish in my councilmanic district.