Health

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.”

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.”

Per the State of Maryland (6.24.24): On the one-year anniversary of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson, Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller issued the following statements:

Governor Wes Moore:

Per the Maryland Department of Health (5.9.23): The Maryland Department of Health today announced the initial data from the first round of Medicaid renewals, which is now posted on the Department’s website. May was the first month during which Maryland processed renewals for Medicaid participants.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicaid participants did not need to provide renewal information to maintain coverage. Federal law requires states to now begin verifying eligibility information over the course of the next year. For the month of May, Maryland Medicaid processed 119,803 renewals. Of these 119,803 renewals:

The Maryland Department of the Environment is advising Marylanders to expect unhealthy air conditions today through at least Thursday as smoke and fine particles produced from the wildfires continue to spread over the region. Air quality is currently at unhealthy levels for everyone. Marylanders should consider limiting time spent outdoors and avoid prolonged or heavy exertion until air quality improves. Anyone sensitive to air pollution, including young children, older adults, people with respiratory problems such as asthma, or people with heart conditions should avoid outdoor exertion altogether.  People who must be outside, such as outdoor workers, should be alert for symptoms such as difficulty breathing.  Air quality information is always available at mde.maryland.gov.

The Maryland Department of Health is advising Marylanders to follow the Air Quality Action Guide, which includes information on preventing adverse effects of polluted air. For a red alert, everyone should limit strenuous outdoor activity when the air is unhealthy to breathe.

“In the State of Maryland, nobody should have to justify their own humanity,” said Gov. Moore. “This order is focused on ensuring Maryland is a safe place for gender affirming care, especially as other states take misguided and hateful steps to make gender affirming care cause for legal retribution. In Maryland, we are going to lead on this issue.”

“In signing this executive order, this administration is saying to all LGBTQIA+ Marylanders: You deserve to be your authentic selves — during Pride month and every month,” said Lt. Gov. Miller. “You deserve to live safely, openly, and freely; and receive the gender affirming care you need.”