On the Mark: Dr. Mary Helen McSweeney

TU President Mark Ginsberg sits down with Dr. Mary Helen McSweeney, associate professor in Towson University’s College of Health Professions and a 2025–2026 Fulbright U.S. Scholar, to explore one of the most urgent and personal challenges facing families today: how we care for people across the lifespan.A trained health economist and licensed long-term care administrator, Dr. McSweeney unpacks the misconceptions surrounding long-term care, explaining why it extends far beyond nursing homes and older adults to include veterans, individuals with chronic conditions, and families navigating complex caregiving responsibilities. She discusses the financial realities of aging in America, the importance of planning, and the growing strain on caregivers—particularly “sandwich generation” families balancing careers and care.The conversation also examines workforce shortages in long-term care, the evolving role of administrators and clinicians, and how Towson University is preparing the next generation of health professionals to meet these demands.