The Dorchester County Health Department recently celebrated the grand opening of its new facility at 627 Race Street in Cambridge with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event, hosted by the Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce, brought together local and state officials, business leaders, and community members.
Attendees congratulated the Dorchester County Council and the health department on the new location, noting the extensive effort to secure the larger, more accessible building and its potential to revitalize downtown Cambridge. A health fair was held in the conference room, showcasing the department’s diverse programs and services.
Dr. Casey Scott, Dorchester County health officer, welcomed guests, emphasizing the benefits of the new, renovated building for both staff and the community.
“We now inhabit a once vacant building in a very valuable and important block of downtown Cambridge. This breathes economic vitality into our downtown and allows us to be accessible to clients without transportation,” Scott said.
She highlighted the three-story building offers three times the space of the previous Cedar Street location, enabling program growth and job opportunities. The facility boasts modernized IT infrastructure, numerous meeting spaces, and upgraded, private exam and interview rooms.
Roger Harrell, the county’s former health officer, acknowledged the long-standing support from county and state officials, praising the resilience and dedication of the health department staff, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed his pride in seeing the new building come to fruition.
County Council President Lenny Pfeffer described the new facility as “long overdue,” recalling the challenging conditions of the previous building. He emphasized the importance of providing a better environment for employees and the community.
“This was the whole community. This was the citizens coming together, all the stakeholders telling us of the problems,” Pfeffer said, thanking Harrell and Scott for their leadership.
Council Vice President Mike Detmer echoed sentiments about the dire conditions of the old building and commended the health department’s vital work in improving residents’ health and well-being. He also extended congratulations from Congressman Andy Harris.
Katherine A. Feldman, chief performance officer for the Maryland Department of Health, and state legislators Del. Tom Hutchinson, Sen. Johnny Mautz, and Del. Sheree Sample-Hughes offered their congratulations, recognizing the significance of the new facility for public health and downtown revitalization.
Economic Development Director Susan Banks and Sara Rich, president and CEO of Choptank Community Health System, also spoke, highlighting the health department’s crucial role in the community.
