St. Mary’s County Health Department is the local arm of the Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, a cabinet level department responsible directly to the Governor of Maryland.

The St. Mary’s County Health Department is dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of every St. Mary’s County resident. We place a high value on the health of our community.

In cooperation with state and county officials and other partners who care about community health, it is our vision to improve the quality of life in St. Mary’s County by

Informing, educating, and empowering all residents about health issues

Managing effective, open, and culturally sensitive programs to ensure adequate health services

Maintaining a safe and healthy environment

Monitoring the County's health status and developing policies to address health services and strengthening our community partnerships

Under the direction of the health officer, the health department is responsible for enforcing federal, state and county laws and regulations. It also provides mandated, delegated and locally-initiated public health services. The health department is supported by an active Board of Health that meets regularly to discuss current health topics and public health issues and to make recommendations about the direction of public health policy in the county.