Frederick County brought home three honors in the 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards, earning national recognition for programs addressing overdose prevention, agricultural innovation, and building energy performance.

Overdose Prevention Efforts Earn Best in Category

Frederick County earned Best in Category in Human Services for its “Narcan Deployment and Training Across Frederick County Significantly Reduces Overdose Rates” initiative.

With overdose deaths in Frederick County decreasing each year since 2022, the County has taken a collaborative approach to overdose prevention and recovery. On National Save a Life Day in 2025, Transit Services of Frederick County partnered with the Division of Fire and Rescue Services to equip more than 50 Transit buses with Narcan (naloxone).

The effort is part of broader work across County agencies to reduce avoidable 911 calls, connect individuals with long-term services, and expand access to treatment and support. The initiative brings together Fire and Rescue Services, Transit Services, the Frederick County Health Department, Communications and Public Engagement, and Aging and Independence to share resources and strengthen existing efforts.

Investing in Frederick County Agriculture

The Frederick County Agricultural Innovation Grant Program earned an Achievement Award in Community and Economic Development for its work supporting the growth and long-term sustainability of the County’s agricultural sector.

Launched in 2021, the program provides funding to help local agricultural producers expand, diversify, and modernize their operations. Grants can support new equipment, value-added production, research, facility improvements, and other projects designed to strengthen agricultural businesses.

Across ten grant cycles, Frederick County has awarded $1.86 million to 82 farms. Those investments have helped create 172 full-time and 229 part-time jobs, while supporting farm expansion and innovation throughout the County.

Getting Ahead on Building Energy Standards

Frederick County also earned recognition in NACo’s County Resiliency: Infrastructure, Energy, and Sustainability category for its work implementing Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS).

Maryland established BEPS requirements in 2022 for buildings of 35,000 square feet or larger, with the goal of reducing onsite energy use and greenhouse gas emissions over time and reaching net-zero emissions by 2040.

Frederick County took a proactive approach, working not only to exceed the standards within its own facilities but also to support local private entities affected by the requirements. Through interagency collaboration, data tracking and verification, energy-efficiency initiatives, and grant funding, the County evaluated and adjusted building performance to meet state compliance requirements ahead of the deadline.

The work also created a framework for continued energy management while demonstrating how BEPS compliance can support both environmental and operational goals.

These honors are part of 165 NACo Achievement Awards earned by Maryland counties this year, showcasing innovative programs and services across local government.