The LRC conducted a needs assessment of 24 local health departments in Maryland, and uses this information to provide targeted legal resources and assistance throughout the State. Some of the resources provided include 50-state surveys, issue briefs, fact sheets, and research memoranda. Our staff is also happy to discuss avenues for policy change in the areas stated in our mission, though we are not permitted to lobby or provide legal advice or representation. The LRC remains current on state and national public health issues through its charter membership in the Tobacco Control Legal Consortium and the Institute for Healthiest Maryland, based at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
Common LRC projects include:
- Drafting and reviewing model laws and policies for state, local and national public health stakeholders
- Providing legal guidance on public health issues including tobacco regulation, injury prevention and reduction of obesity and hypertension
- Researching, evaluating and clearly explaining complex public health issues in easy-to-understand terms
- Assisting local health departments and governments in Maryland develop and implement ordinances and policies that promote public health
- Advising individuals or groups about their rights with respect to secondhand smoke in the workplace or in an apartment or condominium setting.
- Presenting and providing educational materials on a wide-range of legal issues related to public health