Read more about the article Deep Dive: Unpacking Assisted Outpatient Treatment in Maryland
County News / Health and Human Services / Policy Deep Dive
Deep Dive: Unpacking Assisted Outpatient Treatment in Maryland

As Maryland looks to stand up court-ordered treatment for individuals with serious mental illness, counties, and the State are navigating implementation questions, legal gray areas, and funding shortfalls. What is AOT? Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) is a court-ordered process for compelling outpatient mental health treatment for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness who are unable to voluntarily comply with their treatment plans. These individuals often cycle through hospitalizations, incarceration, or homelessness due to untreated…

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July 10, 2025
Read more about the article Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Programs and Policy Discussions Continue Across Maryland  
Government Liability and Courts / Health and Human Services / Human Resources / Summer Conference
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Programs and Policy Discussions Continue Across Maryland  

US Supreme Court cases, executive orders, and new federal policies have increasingly been putting more pressure on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts within state and local jurisdictions, sparking meaningful conversations within governments and communities.  The last decade has seen a massive shift both toward and away from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. In multiple years, DEI leaders and programs were the fastest growing new role and component of many businesses and organizations. While…

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July 8, 2025
Read more about the article Opioid-Related Legislation That Went Into Effect July 1
County News / Health and Human Services / News You Can Use
Opioid-Related Legislation That Went Into Effect July 1

Maryland’s fight against the opioid crisis continues with several new laws now in effect, shaping how resources are used and programs are delivered. MACo carefully reviewed each proposal to assess the effects on counties, which play a central role in local response, recovery, and prevention efforts. The Department of Legislative Services published a 96-page document sharing legislation that passed during the 2025 legislative session that took effect on July 1, 2025. During the 2025 legislative…

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July 2, 2025
Read more about the article The DEI Divide: Navigating Public Service in an Increasingly Divisive World
Courts / Employee Benefits and Relations / Health and Human Services / Public Safety and Corrections / Summer Conference
The DEI Divide: Navigating Public Service in an Increasingly Divisive World

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) professionals and policies have been the subject of recent court challenges and executive orders. In some cases the existence of a DEI program or policy has been cited as potential cause for repealing federal, state, and local funding. These potential roll backs of policies and practices come at a time when ideology driven attacks on government officials have been increasing, some even sparking new legislation in Maryland to extend protections…

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July 1, 2025
Read more about the article Federal Funding for Senior Workforce Training and Wages in Jeopardy
Health and Human Services / Labor / Summer Conference
Federal Funding for Senior Workforce Training and Wages in Jeopardy

Federal budget cuts could have an impact on State and local programs that fund workforce training and wages for unemployed, low-income seniors in Maryland.  A federal program that funds workforce training and wages for older, resource-scare residents might be shutting down due to federal budget cuts. According to reports in a number of other states, the US Department of Labor has put state and local funding recipients on notice that funding for the programs would…

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July 1, 2025
Read more about the article Leading Through Limits: Protecting Public Health at #MACoCon
County News / Health and Human Services / Summer Conference
Leading Through Limits: Protecting Public Health at #MACoCon

As funding dwindles and public expectations remain high, health officials are being asked to meet evolving community needs with shrinking resources.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary federal funding allowed local health departments to expand their workforce, invest in digital infrastructure, and respond swiftly to community needs. But as those dollars phase out, counties are left to sustain expanded services with limited and uncertain resources. At the same time, recent state budget decisions are shifting more…

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June 30, 2025
Read more about the article On the Front Lines of Food Safety: Why Local Inspections Matter
Health and Human Services / Summer Conference
On the Front Lines of Food Safety: Why Local Inspections Matter

MACo's 2025 Summer Conference is coming up August 13-16, 2025. The theme is "Funding the Future: The Evolving Role of Local Government," where counties will explore the challenges of the current fiscal climate. There is something for everyone at this event - from PFAS to food safety to cyberattacks and everything in between! Public health and food safety are some of the most critical services county governments provide. With federal support for such programs being…

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June 30, 2025
Read more about the article AHORA Means “Now,” And It’s Making a Big Difference in Frederick
County News / Health and Human Services
AHORA Means “Now,” And It’s Making a Big Difference in Frederick

Frederick County's innovative AHORA Stroke Smart Campaign has earned two national awards: a NACo Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties and a Crown Communities Award from American City & County. The awards recognize the campaign for taking a culturally relevant approach to a public health issue. From the county press release: "We are incredibly proud of the AHORA campaign and the positive impact it has had on our community," County Executive Jessica Fitzwater…

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June 26, 2025
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