News Releases
University of Maryland School of Nursing's McLaine Receives Baltimore City Health Equity Award
June 22, 2017
McLaine has served as a tireless health advocate for Baltimore families.
Baltimore, Md. – Pat McLaine, DrPH, MPH, RN, assistant professor and director, Community/Public Health Nursing master’s specialty, University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON), recently received a Baltimore City Health Equity Award at the Healthy Baltimore 2020 Community Conversation.
Health Equity Award recipients have made a significant impact on the health and welfare of Baltimore residents through outstanding dedication, exceptional performance, and excellent service. McLaine, whose efforts to prevent childhood lead poisoning prevention are nationally respected, was recognized for her tireless advocacy and her commitment and dedication to combating health disparities in Baltimore. She has been diligent in stressing the importance of healthy environments for families and for improving quality of life for the city’s children.
“We are extremely proud that Dr. McLaine’s longstanding efforts on behalf of children in our community have been recognized by this Baltimore City Health Equity Award,” said UMSON Dean Jane M. Kirschling, PhD, RN, FAAN. “Dr. McLaine’s many contributions demonstrate the role that nurses in community/public health play in addressing fundamental issues of population health. She is an outstanding leader and role model for what expertise and persistence can accomplish on behalf of vulnerable populations. We congratulate her on this well-deserved honor.”
As chair of the Maryland Lead Poisoning Prevention Commission, McLaine has maintained a steady focus on improving prevention strategies and evaluating data to reduce the risks of lead poisoning facing Maryland’s youngest residents and their families. Additionally, her work with the Reducing Asthma Disparities Program has helped shape Baltimore’s home visit program for children with asthma.
“It is truly an honor to be nominated for the Baltimore City Health Equity Leadership Award and to have the opportunity to work in partnership with the Baltimore City Health Department to protect young children from exposure to lead hazards in their homes and communities,” McLaine said. “Although we have made progress, lead exposure continues to adversely impact the health and promise of too many young children in Baltimore. More needs to be done to address the disparities associated with poverty and deteriorated, vacant, abandoned housing.”
Healthy Baltimore 2020 is a strategic blueprint that aims to significantly reduce health disparities in Baltimore.
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The University of Maryland School of Nursing, founded in 1889, is one of the oldest and largest nursing schools in the nation and is ranked among the top 10 nursing schools in the United States. Enrolling more than 1,800 students in its baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs, the School develops leaders who shape the profession of nursing and impact the health care environment.