Survey Launched To Shape Safer, Healthier Schools in Calvert

The Calvert County Student Safety and Well-Being Advisory Committee (SSWAC) invites families, staff, students, and community members to participate in a newly launched survey designed to gather input on student safety, resources, and communication.  The survey seeks insight from a broad cross-section of the community including students, parents, teachers, support staff, volunteers, administrators and residents. By participating, individuals can share their thoughts on critical issues affecting student life, from school safety and mental health services…

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A One-Stop Shop for Access to Food, Cash, and Health Benefits

Maryland has launched a major upgrade to its public benefits system, aiming to make it easier and faster for residents to access vital support like food assistance, cash aid, and health coverage. As reported in the Baltimore Banner, the revamped application portal, now branded as Maryland Benefits, consolidates multiple application processes into a single, user-friendly platform. Residents can now submit their information once and be matched with all the programs they qualify for, including SNAP…

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Free July 28 Webinar: Prescription Drug Costs & County Impacts

The National Association of Counties, through its Public Promise Insurance program, is hosting an informational webinar on prescription drugs and county healthcare costs. Register here for this July 28 online meeting. Webinar: Legislative Landscape: Prescription Drug Costs & County Impacts Wednesday, July 23, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET There is significant legislative activity at both the federal and state levels focused on prescription drug costs. These developments have important implications for employer-sponsored…

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Find Out What Fed Medicaid Changes Mean for MD at #MACoCon

Federal changes to Medicaid are expected to bring significant coverage losses and added strain to state and local health systems. Nearly 12 million people nationwide could lose coverage over the next decade, including thousands in Maryland. The recently signed federal budget reconciliation bill, formally known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” makes sweeping changes to Medicaid that could have serious implications for Maryland. The new law aims to reduce $1 trillion in federal Medicaid…

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New Policies Under New Leadership at Dept of Juvenile Services

The new Acting Secretary of Maryland’s Department of Juvenile Services seeks to ensure the department is compliant with statutory framework, bolstering community based services, and enhancing the effectiveness of electronic monitoring.  Betsy Fox Tolentino has been in the new role of Acting Secretary of the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) for a little over a month and already has ideas about ways to reform the agency and increase public safety. According to a recent…

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Baltimore City Releases Preliminary Overdose Response Plan

With opioid settlement dollars continuing to flow, Baltimore City is laying out a strategic plan to guide its local response. The City’s approach reflects a broader effort across Maryland to invest these resources in ways that meet local needs and priorities. Baltimore City has taken a significant step forward in addressing the opioid crisis, releasing its Preliminary Overdose Response Strategic Plan for 2025–2027. This plan outlines how the City will use opioid restitution funds secured…

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State Agencies Highlight Need to Support Counties for Incarcerated Individual Success

The Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy and the Maryland Judiciary once again highlight the need for state and local collaboration to improve health care delivery and outcomes for returning citizens. While these recommendations are nothing new, General Assembly and Administration support for these vulnerable populations has waned significantly over the last decade. State agencies routinely call for more state action in assisting locals with the care of incarcerated individuals, and this year is…

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Carroll County Extends Care to Caregivers

Carroll County Bureau of Aging & Disabilities’ Family Caregiver Support Program, in partnership with Carroll Community College, will host a training entitled “Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others” as part of the “Increasing Your Capacity for Excellent Care” series. The class will be held Saturday, July 12th from 9 am-12 pm at Carroll Community College, 1601 Washington Rd., Westminster MD, room K132. This course emphasizes the importance of self-care to avoid “compassion fatigue” and…

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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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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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