Rural Maryland Council Seeks Input on Community Needs and Priorities

The Rural Maryland Council (RMC) invites residents, business owners, community leaders, and other stakeholders to participate in a survey to help shape future investments and policy priorities for rural communities across the state. The survey, which takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, will help inform RMC's legislative advocacy efforts, program priorities, and future funding decisions. Feedback will also support planning for the Rural Maryland Capacity Building Fund and two key grant programs: the Maryland Agricultural…

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Worcester County Budget Maintains Tax Rates, Boosts School, and Public Safety Funding

Worcester County has approved its Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget, maintaining both its property tax and local income tax rates while increasing investments in education, public safety, employee compensation, and county reserves. The approved $300.2 million spending plan keeps the County's property tax rate at 81.5 cents per $100 of assessed value and maintains its local income tax rate at 2.25%, which County officials note remains among the lowest in Maryland. County leaders described the…

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St. Mary’s County Releases 2026 Health Status Report

A newly released health report from the St. Mary's County Health Department provides a comprehensive look at the factors shaping health outcomes across the county. The St. Mary's County Health Department has released its 2026 Health Status Report, providing an overview of community health trends and challenges across the county. The report compiles the latest available data on a wide range of health indicators, including population demographics, social drivers of health, behavioral health, maternal and…

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Prince George’s County Opens Free Grocery Store Inside Library

Food access remains a challenge in many communities, particularly for older adults and residents living in areas with limited grocery options. A new initiative in Prince George’s County seeks to address both challenges through a free grocery store located inside a public library. In a recent WTOP article, Prince George’s County has launched an innovative new approach to addressing food insecurity by opening a free grocery store inside the Fairmount Heights Branch Library. The initiative,…

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Howard Launches Task Force on Disability Inclusion and Crisis Response

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has announced a new cross-agency task force to evaluate how local government responds to crises involving people with disabilities and neurodivergences. Established through Executive Order 2026-08, the Task Force on Disability Inclusion, Safety, and Crisis Response will review current policies, procedures, and coordination efforts related to behavioral health emergencies, emergency communications, and frontline response systems. The effort reflects growing nationwide conversations about how local governments train and equip emergency responders…

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Frederick County Expands Accessible Transit Options

Frederick County is expanding mobility options for older adults and residents with disabilities through a new same-day assisted rideshare partnership designed to supplement traditional paratransit services. Since May 26, eligible riders enrolled in the County’s Taxi Access Program (TAP) are able to request “Companion Rides,” an assisted transportation service operated through a partnership between Transit Services of Frederick County, MJM Transportation, and rideshare provider Onward. The program introduces same-day ride scheduling for eligible residents and provides…

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Baltimore County Social Services Department Earns National Reaccreditation

The Baltimore County Department of Social Services (DSS) has achieved reaccreditation through the Council on Accreditation (COA), reaffirming the department’s compliance with nationally recognized standards for service delivery, organizational management, and accountability. Baltimore County DSS has maintained continuous accreditation since first earning the designation in 1976. The reaccreditation process takes place every four years and includes an extensive review of administration, operations, workforce practices, and service delivery standards. Notably, Baltimore County DSS is one of…

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MD Launches Opioid Settlement Dashboard to Track Use of Restitution Funds

Maryland's Office of Overdose Response (MOOR) launched a new public dashboard designed to track how opioid settlement dollars are being distributed and used across the state. This dashboard offers residents a clearer view into one of the state’s most significant ongoing public health investments. The online dashboard allows users to see how settlement dollars from opioid manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies are flowing to state and local governments and supporting overdose prevention and substance use disorder…

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MD Sets Payment Limits on Ozempic Amid Rising Prescription Costs

Maryland’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board has taken another step to rein in prescription costs. The Board voted to cap payments for Ozempic in state and local government health plans, a move projected to save public employers millions each year. Maryland’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) determined Ozempic is unaffordable for people living in the state. The Board voted to place upper payment limits on the diabetes and weight-loss drug for state and local government health…

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State Grant Program Supports Buprenorphine Training for County EMS Personnel

Maryland counties may be eligible for up to $10,000 in state grant funding to support paramedic training on buprenorphine administration, as state and local officials continue to expand overdose response and treatment efforts statewide. The funding opportunity, offered through Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response (MOOR), is part of the state’s ongoing strategy to strengthen local overdose response systems and improve access to treatment for opioid use disorder. For counties, the grant represents another example of…

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