Public Health Leadership: St. Mary’s County Health Officer Meena Brewster will leave Dec. 8 after 14 years. The department says it is planning for continuity while it seeks interim and permanent leadership. Insurance Access: Maryland’s 2027 health insurance open enrollment has begun, as concerns grow about coverage costs and residents losing insurance. Care Close to Home: Garrett County’s health department is expanding hours and access at its Grantsville office; UMMS has also broken ground on a new outpatient center in Towson. Maternal Health: A study involving University of Maryland researchers found that higher methadone or buprenorphine doses during pregnancy were not linked to more severe newborn withdrawal, supporting treatment decisions based on the mother’s stability. Community Care: Dozens of people waited overnight for free medical, dental and vision services at a pop-up clinic in Takoma Park, underscoring the difficulty some Marylanders face getting affordable care. Public Health Funding: Maryland won a court ruling against tobacco companies that state officials say protects millions of dollars in public-health funds.