Washington, DC, August 18, 2026 — The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), the voice of the over 3,300 local health departments across the country, named Meenakshi (Meena) Brewster, MD, MPH, of the St. Mary’s County Health Department in Maryland, as the 2026 National Champion of Local Governmental Public Health awardee at the 2026 NACCHO360 Annual Conference in Louisville, KY. The “National Champion of Local Governmental Public Health Award” gives recognition to significant and innovative activities and accomplishments by an individual, agency or affiliate organization that has consistently and/or, in an extraordinary way, promoted the visibility, resources for, importance of, and recognition of local governmental health departments or NACCHO on a national basis.
“This recognition is truly a reflection of the extraordinary people I have the privilege of serving alongside every day,” said Dr. Brewster. “I am deeply grateful to the dedicated team at the St. Mary’s County Health Department, our many community partners, and my colleagues across Maryland. Together, they show what is possible when people unite around a shared vision. Local public health changes lives every day. When we invest in people, build strong partnerships, and lead with purpose, communities thrive.”
The selection committee highlighted Dr. Brewster’s steadfast commitment to championing policies and initiatives that improve the health and well-being of communities in Maryland and across the nation. In her role at the St. Mary’s County Health Department, Dr. Brewster has worked collaboratively with local, state, and national partners to advocate for evidence-based public health policies, strengthen community health systems, and ensure decision-makers understand the needs of the communities they serve. Through her leadership, advocacy efforts, and engagement with policymakers, she has helped elevate the critical role that local health departments play in addressing emerging public health challenges and advancing health for all. Her efforts exemplify the impact that public health advocacy can have in creating healthier, safer, and more resilient communities.
“We are honored to present Meena Brewster with the National Champion of Local Governmental Public Health Award,” said Lori Tremmel Freeman, NACCHO’s Chief Executive Officer. “Her commitment to advancing public health priorities and amplifying the voice of local health departments serves as an example for public health leaders across the country. Whether it is Dr. Brewster’s ability to raise the relevance and impact of local public health within her community, the strength of her contributions to Maryland’s state public health transformation efforts, or the tremendous energy she brings to the NACCHO Board and leadership, her commitment to public health shined bright above all others this past year.”
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About NACCHO
The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) represents the over 3,300 local governmental health departments across the country. These city, county, metropolitan, district, and tribal departments work every day to protect and promote health and well-being for all people in their communities. For more information about NACCHO, please visit www.naccho.org.
