Read more about the article SNAP Participation Declines as States Prepare for New Costs
Health and Human Services / NACo and Federal Issues / State Budget and Fiscal Issues
SNAP Participation Declines as States Prepare for New Costs

SNAP participation continues to decline nationwide as states prepare for new financial responsibilities under recent federal changes, while Congress considers delaying some of the costs set to shift to states. According to a Stateline article, more than 5 million Americans have lost access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) since federal changes enacted last year, while Congress considers delaying some of the law’s new financial requirements for states. From the Stateline article: New data…

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September 24, 2026
Read more about the article Howard Youth Data Shows Declines in Substance Use, Growing Mental Health Concerns
Education / Health and Human Services / News You Can Use
Howard Youth Data Shows Declines in Substance Use, Growing Mental Health Concerns

New survey data spanning more than a decade shows significant declines in substance use among Howard County youth, while rising reports of sadness and hopelessness underscore continued mental health challenges. The Howard County Health Department (HCHD) recently released new trend findings from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), offering a look at more than a decade of health and behavioral trends among the County’s middle and high school students. The data, covering trends from 2013…

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September 24, 2026
Read more about the article MD Awards $1.36M to Support Gun Violence Prevention Efforts
County News / Health and Human Services / Public Safety and Corrections
MD Awards $1.36M to Support Gun Violence Prevention Efforts

Communities across Maryland are receiving new resources to address gun violence through prevention, intervention, firearm safety, and support services.  In a press release, the Maryland Department of Health's Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention awarded $1.36 million in grants to 17 organizations working to prevent and reduce gun violence statewide. The grants support a range of community-based efforts involving local health departments, community organizations, and law enforcement agencies. Funded projects will focus on firearm…

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September 17, 2026
Read more about the article St. Mary’s County Health Department Receives $3.5 M for Connected Care Initiative
County News / Health and Human Services
St. Mary’s County Health Department Receives $3.5 M for Connected Care Initiative

A new $3.5 million investment is helping St. Mary’s County rethink how residents connect to care, bringing health, behavioral health, wellness, and community services into a more connected system. St. Mary’s County is using $3.5 million in Maryland Rural Health Transformation Program funding to launch St. Mary’s 360: Connected Care Everywhere, a countywide initiative designed to make it easier for residents to access health care, behavioral health services, oral health care, wellness programs, and other…

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September 10, 2026
Read more about the article Frederick County Health Department Earns National Model Practice Award
County News / Health and Human Services
Frederick County Health Department Earns National Model Practice Award

A Frederick County approach to bringing health and social services directly into the community has earned one of the nation’s highest recognitions for local public health innovation. The Frederick County Health Department’s Golden Mile Office has received a 2026 Model Practice Award from the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), recognizing its innovative, community-centered approach to improving access to health and social services. The Golden Mile neighborhood spans approximately two square miles…

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September 3, 2026
Read more about the article New Medicaid Reentry Program for Locally Incarcerated Young Adults
Health and Human Services / Public Safety and Corrections
New Medicaid Reentry Program for Locally Incarcerated Young Adults

A new Medicaid program adopted by the Maryland Department of Health could help local detentions centers get the cost of care covered for some returning citizens in local custody.  Maryland is giving local detention centers a new opportunity to recover some of the costs associated with helping incarcerated individuals transition back into the community through the state’s Medicaid Reentry Program for Children and Young Adults. The program allows eligible local jails to bill Medicaid for…

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September 1, 2026
Read more about the article Meta Settlement Could Bring New Resources to Local Youth Mental Health Efforts
Courts / Health and Human Services
Meta Settlement Could Bring New Resources to Local Youth Mental Health Efforts

The Maryland Office of the Attorney General finalized an agreement with Meta, sending $327M in settlement funds to Maryland for deliberately designing products to be addictive to children and teenagers, while misleading parents and the public about the risks.  Maryland is set to receive up to $327 million from a multi-state settlement with Meta over allegations that Instagram and Facebook were designed with addictive features that harmed children and exposed young users to serious mental…

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August 31, 2026
Read more about the article Montgomery County Award Winning Innovations Connect Communities and Build Resilience
Environment / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / NACo Achievement Awards / Transportation and Public Works
Montgomery County Award Winning Innovations Connect Communities and Build Resilience

Montgomery County earned national recognition for initiatives that improve how residents move through their communities, prepare critical infrastructure for disruptions, and help residents make informed decisions about their health and safety. Transportation is a major part of that work. In June 2025, Montgomery County implemented its Ride On Zero Fare Policy, eliminating passenger fares across Ride On, Ride On extRa, Ride On Flex, and Flash buses. The policy aims to remove financial barriers for riders,…

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August 27, 2026
Read more about the article Measles Outbreak in Three Counties
County News / Health and Human Services
Measles Outbreak in Three Counties

Maryland health officials are responding to a growing number of measles cases, with outbreaks now declared in three counties and local health departments working to limit further spread and expand access to vaccination. The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) has declared a measles outbreak in St. Mary’s, Carroll, and Cecil counties after confirming 14 new cases among Maryland residents. The Department reports that no public exposures have been identified and that there is currently no…

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August 27, 2026
Read more about the article Montgomery Takes Top Honors for Programs Expanding Opportunity and Connection
Economic Development / Education / Health and Human Services / NACo Achievement Awards
Montgomery Takes Top Honors for Programs Expanding Opportunity and Connection

Montgomery County earned national recognition for programs expanding access to child care, recreation, education, and community support for residents across generations. Leading the County’s 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards is the EquiCare Grant Program, which earned Best in Category in Children and Youth. EquiCare was created to address a gap facing families who need high-quality early childhood education but are ineligible for traditional subsidies. The program funds dedicated seats for infants and…

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August 27, 2026
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