Health and Human Services Archives

Health and Human Services / Winter Conference

Maryland Commission on Public Health Finalizes Report

The Maryland Commission on Public Health released its final report this fall, outlining a comprehensive roadmap to modernize the state's public health infrastructure and strengthen coordination across state and local agencies. Created in 2023, the Commission was charged with evaluating Maryland’s foundational public health capabilities and developing strategic, actionable recommendations to improve the delivery of services at the state and local levels. Its work included collaboration with universities, public health experts, community partners, and professionals…

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November 18, 2025

County Solutions to Safeguard Local Communities

Counties are often the first to spot gaps in community safety and stability. As pressures around housing, family wellbeing, and exploitation become increasingly complex, local governments are assuming a larger, more strategic role. Across Maryland and the nation, counties are navigating a surge in overlapping social challenges: rising housing costs that outpace wages, increased pressure on child and family services, and the emergence of new forms of exploitation. At the same time, counties are being…

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November 18, 2025

Health and Human Services / Intergovernmental Relations / Public Safety and Corrections / Winter Conference

Federal Policy and Marginalized Communities: County Strategies for Support and Equity at #MACoCon

Counties sit at the crossroads of federal policy and local impact. When Washington makes decisions on funding, regulations, or enforcement, those choices don’t stay in DC — they ripple directly through county budgets, services, and communities. From Medicaid and healthcare to disaster relief, housing, food security, and energy, states and county governments often carry the load of federal shifts while keeping residents safe and services stable. These changes uniquely effect marginalized communities across every county…

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November 17, 2025

County News / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / News You Can Use

Howard Announces, “Pocket Pantry” Program to Increase Food Access

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball recently joined the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) and local non-profit partners at the Rachell L. Gray (RLG) Community Foundation, Inc., to announce the launch of a new Community Refrigerator Program, dubbed ‘Pocket Pantries.’ From the county press release: "Community refrigerators are a profoundly simple and incredibly generous concept, connecting our neighbors to one another to address hunger. Today, I’m thrilled to unveil our version of this dynamic model with…

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November 13, 2025

County News / Health and Human Services / Public Safety and Corrections

Harford Launches Lifesaving Whole Blood Program for Pre-Hospital Trauma Care

Patients in Harford County suffering from trauma and/or internal bleeding that results in substantial blood loss can now receive a whole blood transfusion before they get to a hospital or trauma center, significantly increasing their chances of survival. Statistics show that patients who receive whole blood before going into cardiac arrest from blood loss have a 90 to 100 percent survivability rate. Since implementation in September, Harford’s Whole Blood Program – a regional partnership with Sinai…

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November 13, 2025

County News / Health and Human Services

Local Management Boards Announce Legislative Priorities

Maryland’s Local Management Boards (LMBs) sit at the center of community partnerships that connect children and families with critical resources. Among their top legislative priorities, LMBs are seeking restored funding to sustain vital programs and advance Maryland’s long-term vision for children and families. Maryland’s 24 Local Management Boards (LMBs) are a key component of community collaboration. LMBs bring together schools, nonprofits, and local governments to meet the needs of children and families. Yet, even as…

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November 13, 2025

County News / Health and Human Services / News You Can Use

Carroll to Host Free 2025 Caregiver Conference: “Navigating With Knowledge, Caring With Purpose”

Carroll County Division of Aging & Disabilities’ Family Caregiver Support Program will host the 2025 Caregiver conference, “Navigating with Knowledge, Caring with Purpose” on Saturday, November 15, 2025. The Family Caregiver Support Program is designed to assist caregivers who are caring for family members over the age of 60 and older relatives raising grandchildren under the age of 18. The event will be held from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Westminster Senior…

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November 13, 2025

County News / Health and Human Services / Public Safety and Corrections

Baltimore City Installs Naloxone “ONEboxes” in Metro Stations to Expand Overdose Prevention Efforts

Baltimore City has announced that metro stations across the city will be equipped with ONEboxes containing naloxone and training materials. From the press release: "We are proud to be here to announce a new partnership between the City, the State, and the Maryland Peer Advisory Council to provide naloxone kits and on-demand training at metro stations throughout Baltimore City," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "The recent mass overdose events in Penn North have underscored the importance…

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November 13, 2025

Health and Human Services / News You Can Use

New Maryland Office To Strengthen Disability Employment Opportunities

The Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD) has established the Office of Disability Employment Advancement and Policy (ODEAP), a new office dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and equitable workforce for Marylanders with disabilities. ODEAP was established through the Maryland Model Employer Act (HB 502), the first bill signed into law by Governor Moore following the 2025 legislative session. The landmark legislation, a direct outcome of collaborative work between the state and the National Governors Association, creates the…

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November 13, 2025

County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Health and Human Services / Human Resources / Winter Conference

Maryland Among States Working to Curb Soaring Rx Drug Prices

As federal action on prescription drug costs remains limited, states across the country are stepping in with new laws to make medications more affordable for residents. According to an article from Stateline, in 2025 alone, at least 31 states have enacted nearly 70 laws targeting various parts of the complex drug pricing system, from Pharmacy Benefit Managers to drug manufacturers. Prescription drug prices continue to rise, and local governments are increasingly footing the bill. Counties…

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November 10, 2025