BALTIMORE, MD (October 1, 2008) – Maryland’s Lieutenant Governor, along with the Speaker of the House and two cabinet secretaries today led a discussion on how health disparities impact the cost and quality of health care.  The one-day event in Annapolis was attended by elected officials; leaders from the business community; state and federal government officials; representatives from academic institutions; and health care providers. 

“The O’Malley administration is determined to narrow the health disparities that have affected Marylanders for far too long,” said Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown.  “This coming together of government and business leaders along with elected officials is a necessary connection to ensure quality health care is available to all.” 

The summit, titled Health Disparities: Impact on Business and Economics, looked at the economic impact of health disparities on all Marylanders.  It provided participants with examples of how the costs of health disparities impact business productivity; city, state, and federal budgets; health care delivery systems; minority populations; and the entire population.   

“It is critical that we optimize the use of public health funds, especially in these more challenging financial times,” said Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Secretary John M. Colmers.  “Top officials walked away from this summit with a better understanding of how to craft health policy and fund health programs that reduce health disparities in Maryland.” 

Secretary Colmers joined Licensing, Labor and Regulations secretary Thomas E. Perez and others in a panel discussion on government and its role and responsibilities.  Other discussions focused on the role of business; health advocates and providers; and work force diversity and major payers. 

“It was extremely important to have business leaders at the table with us today,” Secretary Perez said.  “They now have a better understanding of problems caused by health disparities and can take positive steps by selecting health care packages that offer the best opportunities for all of their workers, including minorities.” 

Approximately 150 individuals attended the summit, sponsored by the Maryland General Assembly; the Health and Government Operations Committee Minority Health Disparities Subcommittee; and Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities. 

House Speaker Michael E. Busch was joined by summit co-chairs Senator Joan Carter Conway, Delegate Peter A. Hammen and Delegate Shirley Nathan-Pulliam. 

Additional support was provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield.