To those of us in health care, and to the policymakers who have a stake in health care, the impressive transformation of Maryland's care delivery system over the past two-and-a-half years has been nothing short of impressive: readmissions rates are decreasing faster than the national rate; hospital-acquired conditions are down by more than one-third; and avoidable hospital visits are down more than 17 percent.

For the most part, the programs and policies that have led to these results were conceived and implemented by hospital staff and leaders. While the initiatives have generated strong results, consumers have been largely unaware of these seismic changes, or what they mean for navigating the rapidly changing world of health care.

MHA's A Breath of Fresh Care public engagement campaign laid the foundation to change that and empower the public to be more actively involved in their health care, with hospitals as their partners.

Starting next month, in partnership with the Maryland Citizens' Health Initiative, a series of public forums will build on the momentum of A Breath of Fresh Care by bringing the campaign's messages directly to the public through interactive sessions designed to inform Marylanders about the new ways hospitals, doctors, and communities are working together to give them the right care, at the right time, in the right setting. Along with the Maryland Citizens' Health Initiative and MHA, the forums are sponsored by AARP Maryland, NAACP, Maryland State Conference of NAACP Branches, Young Invincibles, and 1199 SEIU Health Workers East.

For all the positive work you've been doing to change your organization's culture and practices so that care extends beyond your four walls, the results will only be sustainable with the help of patients and communities. I hope each of your organizations is making use of the 1-minute Breath of Fresh Care video, and printed materials in patient areas. Care delivery transformation cannot rely solely on offering different programs to patients; communities must take advantage of them as well, and they will need to be proactive in making lifestyle changes that can help them avoid unnecessary hospital visits. Both of those require that individuals be not only informed, but empowered as the focal point of their own health care.