Glenn Schneider is the Chief Program Officer for the Horizon Foundation. He’s also one of the people making Howard County smoke-free. His work in public health resulted in more than 35 new state and local laws and regulations nationwide that increased access to health care, protected the public’s health, and helped cut tobacco use. I sat with the man who helped slash teen smoking rates to learn more about public health, local initiatives, and the continued fight to make Howard County smoke-free.

Schneider studied microbiology and public health policy at the University of Pittsburgh. Eventually, he and his wife journeyed to Howard County, MD, where they settled and raised their family. At the Howard County Health Department, Schneider spearheaded the “Healthy Howard Health Plan,” among other beneficial programs. 

In the early 2000s, smoking was more culturally accepted, so turning Howard County smoke-free wasn’t easy. They had to change laws and policies that had been in place for years. “Smoke-Free Howard County” helped create smoke-free public spaces, raise tobacco prices, and cut youth access to tobacco. The hard work paid off. According to a 2021 Howard County Health Assessment, 88% of people aged 18-24 have never smoked. “I’m so proud of that work,” he says. “Now, we have one of the lowest smoking rates in the state.”

Public health encompasses income, race, access to healthcare, housing, and other environmental factors. At the Horizon Foundation, Schneider is working with his colleagues and other nonprofits to tackle health initiatives that impact Howard County residents. “It is about having access to high-quality, healthy foods and the quality of your education. Safe neighborhoods, streets, and affordable affordable housing can greatly improve your health. And by working together, we can make Howard County healthier.” 

Here are just a few of the initiatives the Horizon Foundation is working on right now:

1.     Equity:  Racism is a serious threat to public health. This initiative aims to reduce health disparities and achieve racial equity for all Howard County residents.

2.     Mental Health Matters: Helps to increase access to mental health care for students and adults. It ensures that counselors are available to students during the day at school.

3.     Streets for All in Howard County: This coalition helps to improve physical activity and neighborhood safety by adding protected sidewalks and accessible bike lanes.

4.     Howard County Unsweetened: Aims to protect Maryland children from Type 2 diabetes and other conditions by promoting breastfeeding and healthier food and drink options. Due to this campaign, sugary drink sales have declined by 30 percent in Howard County.

Being a warrior and advocate for public health is a lifelong passion for Schneider. “I've been in to be able to work in public health in ways that I hope have a greater impact. My choice to be in this field has paid off. Knowing that people in my community have a healthier place to live means so much to me.”