Health Archives - Page 23 of 49

Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Issues Heat Emergency Alert Effective 11am Thursday, July 27 through 9pm Saturday, July 29

Published July 26, 2023 at 12:26PM

Per Montgomery County: The County’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security has issued a Heat Emergency Alert from 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 27 until 9 p.m. Saturday, July 29 due to the National Weather Service forecast for extremely dangerous temperatures and heat index values. A Heat Emergency Alert is declared when the temperature or heat index is forecast to be 105℉ or higher for a period of two days or more. While nighttime temperatures will be lower, they still pose a health threat with extended exposure.

Extreme heat affects the body’s ability to regulate temperature, which can create dangerous conditions if appropriate safety measures are not taken. Heat may affect air quality, especially in urban areas, and may have a stronger impact on the elderly, children and sick persons.

Governor Wes Moore Announces Appointments to Office of Social Equity and Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council

By Patrick Herron

Published July 18, 2023 at 10:35AM

Per the State of Maryland (7.17.23): Governor Wes Moore today announced the appointment of Audrey L. Johnson as Acting Executive Director of the Office of Social Equity and Courtney Davis as Deputy Director. Johnson’s nomination will be submitted to the Senate for confirmation during the 2024 Legislative Session. The Office of Social Equity, an independent agency established by the Cannabis Reform Act of 2023, is charged with providing resources and support for historically disadvantaged individuals and businesses seeking to enter the adult-use cannabis market. The vital responsibilities of the office include implementing technical assistance programs for qualifying social equity applicants and licensees, reviewing regulations and laws through an economic equity and social justice lens, and supporting key programs including the Community Repair and Reinvestment Fund and the Cannabis Business Assistance Fund.

“Acting Executive Director Johnson and Deputy Director Davis are exceptionally talented and committed leaders who have dedicated their professional careers to eliminating barriers to economic opportunity and promoting social justice,” said Gov. Moore. “We were very thoughtful and intentional in selecting the leadership of this agency, and I have full confidence in their ability to ensure that social equity and economic inclusion remain key pillars of Maryland’s adult-use cannabis industry.”

Montgomery County Government Receives ‘Gold Bell Seal’ Award for Being a National Leader in Workplace Mental Health

By Patrick Herron

Published July 17, 2023 at 4:51PM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Government has received a prestigious 2022-23 “Gold Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health” award. The award recognizes the County’s employee-centered programs and efforts aimed at promoting mental health in the workplace. The Bell Seal National Certification program, led by Mental Health America (MHA), annually recognizes a small number of leading employers committed to creating mentally healthy work environments for employees.

“We are honored to be recognized by Mental Health America for our efforts to raise awareness, reduce stigma and increase access to mental health resources and programs,” said County Executive Marc Elrich.“Mental well-being in the workplace is no longer secondary to physical health, and it is important as an employer to make space for it. It is important to support our employees in their health journeys, both physically and mentally.”

Montgomery County to Provide Free Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids to Eligible Residents 60-and-Over

By Patrick Herron

Published July 11, 2023 at 12:30PM

Per Montgomery County: The Aging and Disability Services Division of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services recently began offering free hearing aids and personal sound amplifiers to eligible residents 60-and-over. The distribution of these devices will be conducted by Access HEARS, Inc., a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect individuals with hearing loss.

Through this program, 400 over-the-counter hearing aids and personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) will be distributed. Eligible individuals must be Montgomery County residents ages 60-and-over with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss and an annual income below 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Individuals earning less than $36,450 and couples earning less than $49,300 qualify to participate. Participants must provide proof of age, residence and income.

Medicaid Access Now Available to Pregnant Individuals Regardless of Immigration Status

By Patrick Herron

Published July 7, 2023 at 12:43PM

Per Montgomery County: More than 1,300 pregnant Montgomery County residents currently enrolled in the County’s Maternity Partnership Program, which is part of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), are now eligible to receive Medicaid, regardless of immigration status. A bill passed in the Maryland General Assembly earlier this year—the Healthy Babies Equity Act (HEBA)—went into effect July 1 and provides Medicaid coverage to low-income individuals, regardless of immigration status. Maryland joins 17 other states, including Virginia, and the District of Columbia in providing Medicaid to the expanded group.

Medical and dental services previously offered through the Maternity Partnership Program are now part of the Medicaid program and pregnant individuals must apply for Medicaid to receive prenatal care, dental care, labor and delivery hospital care and postpartum care. To be eligible for Medicaid, an individual must be pregnant, live in Maryland and be 250 percent or below the Federal Poverty Level (approximately $4,340 or less per month for a family of two, $6,600 for a family of four).

Cannabis Sales in Maryland Exceed $10 Million Over First Weekend of Recreational Sales

By Patrick Herron

Published July 5, 2023 at 6:29PM

Bethesda:

Burtonsville:

Governor Moore Announces New Medicaid Benefits to Enhance Health Care Access and Support Services for Marylanders

By Patrick Herron

Published July 3, 2023 at 4:28PM

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore today announced the introduction of new Medicaid benefits that will enhance health care access and support for Marylanders. The new benefits expand pregnancy care coverage, support interventions for community violence prevention, and increase access to care for certified peer recovery services, in addition to expanding the settings where such services are provided.

“These new benefits will help improve the well-being of Maryland Medicaid participants and contribute to the overall health of Maryland communities,” said Gov. Moore. “The new benefits mark a significant milestone in Medicaid’s ongoing efforts to ensure accessible and inclusive health care for all Marylanders.”

A List of Where to Buy Marijuana (Legally) in MoCo

By Patrick Herron

Published July 1, 2023 at 10:52AM

The sale of marijuana for recreational use in Maryland begins today, July 1. Below is a list of all the cannabis dispensaries located in Montgomery County. Visit the Maryland Cannabis Administration website for information on dispensaries across the state of the Maryland.

Bethesda:

Recreational Cannabis Information: A Message from Montgomery County Public Schools

By Patrick Herron

Published June 30, 2023 at 3:07PM

Please remember that just because a substance is legal, does not mean it is safe. Alcohol, tobacco products, and cannabis pose greater potential harms to young people, whose brains and judgment are still developing. Due to the dangers of underage use, these products remain illegal for individuals under 21 years old.

For staff members, alcohol and cannabis use may impair work performance or judgment, and is not permitted during the workday, or at school sponsored activities and events that occur outside of the regularly scheduled workday. This behavior does not align with MCPS’ commitment to student safety and professional excellence and is a violation of the Employee Code of Conduct. Federal law requires public schools receiving federal funds to be drug-free settings, and additional federal restrictions on substance use for commercial vehicle drivers apply to our transportation staff.

Marijuana Use to be Legalized in Maryland at Midnight; Frequently Asked Questions Answered

By Patrick Herron

Published June 30, 2023 at 9:46AM | Updated June 30, 2023 at 7:34PM

Beginning July 1, 2023, residents 21+ in the state of Maryland will be able to legally purchase and possess cannabis. The following is a list of frequently asked questions and answers regarding the new laws, courtesy of the Maryland Cannabis Administration.

A person may purchase cannabis or cannabis products from a licensed dispensary if they display a government-issued photo ID at the point-of-sale that demonstrates they are 21 years or older (driver’s license, state ID card, passport/passport card, military ID, tribal card). Individuals will only be able to purchase up to the personal use amount authorized under law. This amount is up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower (including joints and pre-rolls), 12 grams of concentrated cannabis (vape products), or a total amount of edible cannabis products that does not exceed 750 mg THC.

MCPS Air Quality Message for Friday, June 30

By Patrick Herron

Published June 30, 2023 at 8:49AM

The CDC describes possible symptoms of and tips for reducing the effects of wildfire smoke pollutants. We encourage all students, family members, and staff to learn more about the possible health risks related to current conditions and how to protect their health.

MCPS Athletics will follow NCAA air quality recommendations for participation, which include exertional activities that are shortened and reduced intensity. Sensitive athletes will be moved indoors.