MARY J. LEVY

University of Maryland Charles Regional
Medical Center

Mary J. Levy’s goal as community outreach manager at University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center has always been to listen to people’s needs and create programs that support them. Directing community health for the hospital, she addresses some of the most urgent needs in the community — preventive care, access to care, access to healthy food and basic necessities for its youngest members. In fiscal year 2025, the hospital’s community benefits totaled $18,553,901, spanning charity care, health professions education, mission-driven services, donations and community-building activities.

Under Levy’s direction, the hospital has supported blood pressure and glucose screenings, breast and cervical cancer screenings, colorectal cancer screenings, and stroke risk reduction education. It has offered health education on heart-healthy eating, diabetes, cancer and tobacco cessation, and support groups for stroke, cardiac and diabetes patients. Mobile Integrated Health, which the hospital has contributed to financially for five years, continues to improve access and wrap-around care for community members facing barriers.

Two initiatives move beyond traditional healthcare by addressing the social factors that influence health. The Baby Closet provides families with diapers, wipes, car seats, pack-and-plays and other essential supplies, easing financial stress while helping infants get a safe, healthy start. Made possible through grant funding and donations from community members and hospital staff, the program began with a handful of families and served more than 450 in 2025. The Food is Medicine program, which Levy developed, supports hospitalized patients identified as food-insecure during Social Determinants of Health screening who also live with chronic disease. Qualifying patients receive two packages of fresh fruits and vegetables and a healthy snack package twice a month for four months, bridging clinical care and everyday nutrition.

What makes the work unique is its proactive approach — addressing food insecurity and family needs before they become larger health problems. Launched in September 2025 as a grant-funded pilot to serve 90 people, Food is Medicine has enrolled 67 community members. Of the first 14 participants, only three were readmitted during the four-month period, a measure Levy considers a positive sign for the hospital.