Health Archives - Page 24 of 50

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

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.

Maryland Department of Health, Department of the Environment urge Marylanders to take Precautions Due to Code Red-Level Unhealthy Air Quality Across the State

By Patrick Herron

Published June 29, 2023 at 12:39PM

Per the Maryland Department of Health: The Maryland Department of Health and Department of the Environment are urging Marylanders to take precautions as Maryland is once again under a Code Red Air Quality Alert today resulting from the Canadian Wildfires. The departments are advising Marylanders to expect unhealthy air conditions today as smoke and fine particles produced from the wildfires continue to spread across the state and region.

“We are working in conjunction with the Maryland Department of the Environment to monitor the impact that wildfires burning in Canada are having on the air quality in Maryland. We recommend that everyone stay indoors as much as possible today, especially those who suffer from any respiratory conditions,” says Department of Health Secretary Laura Herrera Scott. “If you must be outside, consider wearing an N95, KN95 and FFP2 masks to reduce particles you breathe in.”

Maryland Department of Health Partners with The Trevor Project to Expand Support for LGBTQ+ Youth

By Patrick Herron

Published June 29, 2023 at 10:01AM

Per the Maryland Department of Health (6.28.23): The Maryland Department of Health today announced Caring Out Loud, a year-long partnership with The Trevor Project to bring trainings, resources and support to LGBTQ+ Marylanders.

“As behavioral health professionals, we must continue to address disparities, build hope and save lives,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Laura Herrera Scott. “This partnership reflects our commitment to protecting hope and providing necessary care to LGBTQ+ Marylanders.”

Montgomery County Council Meets on June 27 at 9 a.m. and Will Sit as the Board of Health to Receive Bi-Annual Public Health Update

By Patrick Herron

Published June 26, 2023 at 4:20PM

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Council will meet on Tuesday, June 27 at 9 a.m. and the meeting will begin with two proclamation presentations. The first proclamation, presented by Council President Evan Glass and the full Council, commemorates Pride Month. The second proclamation presentation, led by Councilmember Natali Fani-González and County Executive Marc Elrich, recognizes Mike Riley, Director of Montgomery Parks, and the Parks Department, for their award-winning natural grass fields program.

At 12 p.m., Councilmember Fani-González and County Executive Elrich will present a proclamation recognizing Officer Harry A. Dunn. More detail on each agenda item is provided below.