Meagan Donophan Honored as 2024 Wicomico County Outstanding Public Health Leader

MEAGAN DONOPHAN HONORED AS 2024 OUTSTANDING PUBLIC HEALTH LEADER

(April 10,2025 Salisbury, Maryland) The Wicomico County Health Department recognized Meagan Donophan from the Help and Outreach Point of Entry (HOPE Inc) as the 2024 Outstanding Public Health Leader for Wicomico County during the award ceremony held on April 8th at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center. The 28th annual award ceremony was held in recognition of National Public Health Week (April 7-13, 2025).

Meagan Donophan is a dedicated Program Coordinator and Community Health Worker at HOPE Inc, where she has been instrumental in expanding access to oral healthcare for Wicomico County’s most vulnerable residents. Her part in HOPE’s dental program significantly improved services for individuals experiencing homelessness and financial hardship. Recognizing the essential link between oral health and overall well-being, Meagan worked diligently to strengthen partnerships with local dental providers, ensuring that those in need receive critical care. She streamlined the referral process, eliminated barriers such as cost and transportation, and successfully advocated for increased funding to expand the program’s reach. As a result, more individuals now receive preventive and restorative dental care, addressing pain, infection, and long-term health risks.

As a Community Health Worker, Meagan goes beyond coordination—she actively engages with clients, ensuring they understand their treatment options and feel empowered in their healthcare decisions. She collaborates with healthcare providers and social service organizations to offer support, recognizing that oral health plays a vital role in overall stability and quality of life. Meagan’s expertise in integrating oral health into community health work was recently recognized when she was invited as a guest speaker for the Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center’s newest Community Health Worker cohort. She shared valuable insights on implementing oral health initiatives within community health programs, further solidifying her role as a leader in public health. Through her dedication, advocacy, and innovative approach, Meagan has helped to transform HOPE’s dental program into a model for community-based healthcare solutions.

Thank you, Julie Giordano, County Executive, Andy Kitzrow, representative from the City of Salisbury Mayor’s office, D’Shawn Doughty, City of Salisbury City Council President, Jeff Merritt, Vice President Wicomico Co. Council and Carol Parker Rose, representative from MD Senator Mary Beth Carozza’s office for attending our 28th Annual Outstanding Public Health Leader Ceremony!

In addition to the Outstanding Public Health Leader award, the Wicomico County Health Department also recognized Kelly Johanson from the Environmental Health program as Employee of the Year and La Verne Dennis-Cropper was recognized for having 45 years of state service. Thank you for your commitment to public health.