Thanksgiving is, of course, a time to reflect on what we all are thankful for – family, friends, our health, meaningful work, and more. This year, as I gathered with my family, I was mindful – and thankful – that there are so many hard working doctors, nurses, and other caregivers in our hospitals and medical centers day and night – including holidays – to ensure that every Marylander who needs care can get it.

Caring for the most vulnerable among us is at the heart of our mission each day in Maryland’s hospitals. The federal 340B drug pricing program supports that mission by allowing about half of our hospitals to purchase outpatient drugs at discounted rates. Hospitals can reinvest savings to reduce avoidable utilization and improve outcomes for our patients.

Last Tuesday’s midterm elections have shaken up the political landscape – both nationally and here in Maryland. At the federal level, Democrats regained control of the United States House of Representatives for the first time in almost a decade, with health care at the top of the Democratic congressional campaign platform this year.

For the Jewish doctors and nurses at Allegheny General Hospital, the fact that their patient was accused of mass murder at a nearby Pittsburgh synagogue did not alter their treatment. That he continued to spew anti-Semitic vitriol did not change the care they rendered. Neither did the fact that among his victims were their family, friends, or neighbors.

It’s no secret that health care, particularly hospital care, is ripe for disruption. Why else would giants like Amazon, Google, and CVS be diving into clinical practices with both feet?

Entering into the new model contract, Maryland’s hospitals and health systems are doubling down on the effort to improve health outcomes. Recent reports show where some of the key opportunities lie: maternal health; health care-associated infections; and opioid mortality.​