Health and Human Services Archives

MD’s Overdose Death Rate Drops Nearly 30%

After years of grim headlines, Maryland is seeing a fundamental shift: overdose deaths are falling, and local strategies are making a measurable difference. As reported by Maryland Matters, Maryland saw a nearly 30% drop in overdose deaths in 2024 compared to the year before, outpacing a national decline of about 25%, according to new data from the CDC. The state recorded 746 fewer deaths, with fentanyl still involved in the vast majority of cases. This…

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May 21, 2025

MD Immigration Debate Culminates in HB 1222 – Here’s What It Does

There was no shortage of Maryland bills, arising from both sides of the aisle, attempting to address concerns around immigration enforcement, but HB 1222 took up the majority of the debate and is the only major provision to pass on that topic. Here we unpack what the bill was originally proposing to do, how the discussion went, and what are the county implications from the final law that goes into effect on June 1. After…

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May 21, 2025

County News / Health and Human Services / NACo and Federal Issues

Tackling Overdose Rates Takes Time and Sustained Action

As counties work to reduce overdose deaths, experts warn that continued progress depends on long-term, flexible investment, not short-term solutions. At a recent National Association of Counties (NACo) event, Dr. Joshua Sharfstein of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health highlighted the growing threat of polysubstance use, where fentanyl is mixed with drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine. These cases are harder to treat, as no approved medications exist for stimulant use. One promising strategy is…

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May 14, 2025

County News / Health and Human Services / Transportation and Public Works

Washington County Transit Enhances Paratransit Services

Washington County Transit (WCT) has announced an upgrade to its Paratransit services through a new partnership with Ecolane, a leading provider of transit technology solutions. According to the county press release, this collaboration introduces cutting-edge demand-response scheduling software designed to increase accessibility and efficiency for riders, particularly the elderly and individuals with disabilities. As part of WCT’s ongoing commitment to delivering safe, affordable, and reliable transportation, the Ecolane system brings real-time scheduling and vehicle tracking…

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May 14, 2025

County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Health and Human Services / Human Resources / Labor

Workplace Heat Protections Aim to Prevent Tragedies in Maryland’s Hottest Months

After a deadly 2024 heat season, Maryland is heading into summer with new heat safety protections designed to prevent on-the-job illnesses and fatalities due to extreme heat. As reported by Maryland Matters, last year, 27 Marylanders died from heat-related illnesses. In response, the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) division finalized new regulations last fall that require employers to take proactive steps when temperatures climb. Maryland's Heat Illness Prevention Standards require employers to protect workers…

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May 14, 2025

Health and Human Services / NACo and Federal Issues / State Budget and Fiscal Issues

Medicaid Reform Calling: What’s on the Line for Maryland?

Under the still-developing federal fiscal plan, which congressional leaders are targeting for final passage by July, Medicaid and related health care programs are expected to face reductions. Here, we assess ways that these budget cuts could affect Maryland's State budget and its vulnerable residents. Medicaid is a broad program that ensures low-income residents receive health care through a nationwide network, with costs split between the federal and state governments. Maryland's Medicaid budget for the coming…

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May 14, 2025

Economic Development / Education / Health and Human Services / MACo Events / Public Safety and Corrections

MACo Diversity Caucus Symposium Recap – Workforce, Youth Investment, and Health Disparities

The MACo Diversity Caucus - chaired by Howard County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball - hosted a first-time virtual symposium. Seven panelists covering workforce, youth investment, and health disparities discussed challenges facing women and communities of color across the state, as well as what local and state governments can do to support new and existing efforts. Yesterday morning the MACo Diversity Caucus presented a two hour virtual symposium for MACo members. This educational session, hosted by…

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May 13, 2025

Health and Human Services / News You Can Use / Public Safety and Corrections

Carroll Rolls Out Lifesaving Whole Blood Program for EMS

Carroll County’s Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services (CCDFEMS) has launched its prehospital Low-Titer O Positive (LTO+) Whole Blood Program, positioning the County as the fifth EMS agency in Maryland and the 270th nationwide to deploy whole blood in emergency medical care. This program builds on a practice proven effective in military medicine and is now increasingly embraced by civilian EMS systems. Deploying whole blood in the field significantly improves survival rates for patients…

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May 12, 2025

County Budgets / County News / Health and Human Services

Conduit Street Podcast: Lowering Prescription Drug Costs in Maryland

In this episode, Karrington Anderson is joined by longtime public health advocate Vinny DeMarco to discuss prescription drug affordability and Maryland’s groundbreaking efforts to address it. Tune in to the Conduit Street Podcast weekly, wherever you get your podcasts! Subscribe to the Conduit Street Blog and stay in the know!

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May 9, 2025

Business Affairs / County News / Economic Development / Health and Human Services

California County Finds Success Supporting Home-Based Child Care Startups

A program in Stanislaus County, California, is helping residents open licensed home-based child care businesses and creating hundreds of new child care slots. In an article from NACo, Stanislaus County partnered with Nurture, a nonprofit that helps launch home child-care businesses to develop a new project. The In-Home Child Care Expansion Project is a 12-week training program developed by the county where participants learn core business skills, like budgeting, recordkeeping, marketing, and parent communication. Additionally,…

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May 8, 2025