HealthCare Access Maryland’s (HCAM) 2022-2023 Speaker Series kicked off on Wednesday, November 9th. This year’s Speaker Series brings a focus to “Making Maryland Healthier.” In this three-part series, Maryland leaders and decision-makers will join HCAM’s CEO, Traci Kodeck, for one-on-one conversations about what makes a community healthy, and the strategies and solutions being implemented to improve the well-being of every Marylander.

HCAM was honored to have Baltimore City State’s Attorney-Elect, Ivan Bates, join us for a conversation about the health and public safety issues impacting our communities. Bates, who is set to take office as City State’s Attorney in January 2023, defined the role of the State’s Attorney and his approach to achieving accountability and justice. Bates described a healthy community as one where people’s physical, mental, and spiritual needs are met, and where members of the community feel safe and supported.

The conversation addressed efforts and evidence-based practices for ensuring that individuals involved in the criminal justice system are able to access the health care they need, especially related to mental health and substance use treatment. Bates also discussed supports for victims and witnesses and the importance of addressing their emotional wellbeing. Finally, Bates spoke about the importance of partnerships between the State’s Attorney’s office and businesses to provide workforce development opportunities to both youth and returning citizens.

The Speaker Series event was recorded, and can be viewed here:

Thank You to Our Speaker Series Sponsors

The Making Maryland Healthier Speaker Series is generously supported by our partners TriBridge Partners and Window Nation. We thank them for supporting our work to make Maryland healthier.

This is the first installment in a three-part “Making Maryland Healthier” Speaker Series. Learn more about the Series.