In his inaugural address, our new, history-making governor, Wes Moore, outlined his vision to make Maryland the safest and healthiest state in the nation. This is a goal we all share and one that our fieldwide advocacy agenda will help us reach. The beginning of the Moore administration has been marked by enthusiasm and a fresh energy that many of you experienced at the celebrations surrounding Gov. Moore’s swearing-in.

During the General Assembly’s 445th legislative session, which kicked off January 11, lawmakers will consider serious issues that affect your health systems, your patients, and your communities. MHA and your hospital leaders also have been key to incoming Gov. Wes Moore’s transition planning on health care policy, and we look forward to building on that strong foundation after he is sworn in on January 18.

Omicron put nearly 3,500 Marylanders in your hospital beds on one day—January 11, 2022. Around that time, 15 Maryland hospitals made the extraordinary decision to adopt crisis standards of care.

With the holiday season upon us, we should take the time to reflect on the year now ending. It’s striking how many challenges Maryland hospitals and health systems faced and what you’ve accomplished. Your dedicated, mission-driven teams have been nimble and creative to maintain high standards of care amid workforce shortages, financial stresses, waves of COVID-19, and now an unprecedented flu and RSV season.