Health Archives - Page 28 of 50

Montgomery County to Provide Free Flu and COVID Booster Shots During Holiday ‘Boosterama’ on Saturday, Dec. 17, at Westfield Wheaton

Published December 6, 2022 at 12:45PM

Per MCPD: As the holiday season coincides with a rise in respiratory virus cases, Montgomery County, in partnership with Por Nuestra Salud y Bienestar and Westfield Wheaton, will provide free COVID bivalent boosters and flu shots during the 2nd holiday “Boosterama” vaccine event. The event will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at Westfield Wheaton mall. Boosterama will be held outside of Carter’s on the 2nd floor of Westfield Wheaton. No appointment is needed. Pediatric booster shots will not be available at the event. Individuals who receive their COVID booster or a flu shot at the event will be eligible to win one of eight gift cards that can be used throughout Westfield Wheaton’s wide variety of retailers.

Respiratory illnesses such as RSV, flu and COVID are currently on the rise. While there is no vaccination for RSV, there are vaccinations available for flu and COVID. Boosterama events are part of a broader effort by the County to encourage residents to use common sense health measures, including staying up to date on vaccinations.

Maryland Department of Health Launches Program to Reduce Suicides Among Maryland Service Members, Veterans

By Patrick Herron

Published December 1, 2022 at 2:37PM

Per the State or Maryland: The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today fully launched the Trained Military Assistance Provider (TMAP) Program, a new initiative to reduce suicides and increase lethal-means safety for service members and veterans. Developed by the Maryland Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and their Families, this training is free to all Maryland-based primary care staff. The initiative was first launched as a pilot program in 10 Maryland primary care practices.

“Maryland’s service members and veterans benefit from specially targeted medical and mental health care,” said MDH Secretary Dennis R. Schrader (CAPT, U.S. Navy, Retired). “With this new resource, we aim to reach providers and practices and let them know we have the information and the tools to help this population before they reach a crisis.”

Montgomery County Reminds Residents to be COVID-Prepared for the Upcoming Holiday Season

By Patrick Herron

Published November 30, 2022 at 6:38PM

Per Montgomery County: The third holiday season with COVID-19 is underway, and everyone agrees that COVID fatigue exists. A few simple steps of caution can make being with family and friends enjoyable while reducing the risk of illness from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses such as colds and flu. Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services offers the following things to keep in mind when planning for family gatherings:

Montgomery County’s World AIDS Day Event to Honor ‘Unsung Heroes’ of Health Equity

By Patrick Herron

Published November 21, 2022 at 8:53PM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County will commemorate World AIDS Day on Thursday, Dec. 1, with the second annual World AIDS Day Solidarity for Health Equity Breakfast. The free event, which will honor “Unsung Heroes” of Health Equity in the County, is co-sponsored by the Montgomery County (MD) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. It will be held from 9-11 a.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Building in Downtown Silver Spring. The event will feature an update on the County’s Plan to End HIV by 2030 and will honor nominees of the 2022 Solidarity for Health Equity awards. The event is open to the public, but space is limited and registration is required. Register at WorldAIDSDayMC.org. Free HIV testing will be provided at the event and throughout the day until 7 p.m.,

“The County’s HIV epidemiological profile shows a need to address underlying racial/ethnic and other health disparities,” said keynote speaker Laurie Anne Sayles, a County Councilmember-elect. “Montgomery County’s Plan to End HIV must be grounded in health equity. This event is an opportunity to celebrate the many unsung heroes working across the county to raise awareness about prevention and treatment. We all play a role in eradicating HIV, and by addressing health disparities, we lay the foundation of ensuring our residents live safe and healthy lives.”

Over 1 Million Maryland Residents Have Received COVID-19 Bivalent Booster

By Patrick Herron

Published November 21, 2022 at 3:07PM

Per the State of Maryland—Governor Larry Hogan and the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today announced that more than one million Marylanders have received their COVID-19 bivalent booster since September in order to be COVIDReady in time for the holidays. “Through our COVIDReady plan, Maryland continues to be one of the most vaccinated and boosted states in the country,” said Governor Hogan. “We are grateful for the everyday vigilance of Marylanders, and the leadership of our GoVAX ambassadors, who have reminded us that we truly are all in this together.”

(Watch)

Open Enrollment: Less Than Three Weeks Left to Enroll in Medicare and Receive Lower Premiums in 2023

By Patrick Herron

Published November 19, 2022 at 11:05AM

Per the State of Maryland—With Medicare Open Enrollment in full swing, Governor Larry Hogan and Maryland Department of Aging Secretary Rona E. Kramer are reminding Marylanders that lower premiums are available for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. In addition, beneficiaries can now compare 2023 Medicare health and drug coverage premiums and deductibles using the recently updated Medicare Plan Finder on Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. “Medicare plays a key role in providing health and financial security to many residents across the state who utilize the program,” said Governor Hogan. “We want to continue to ensure that every Marylander has access to affordable care and, ultimately, a better quality of life.”

More than 1 million Marylanders are enrolled in Medicare. The projected average premium for 2023 Medicare Advantage plans is $18 per month, a decline of nearly 8% from the 2022 average premium of $19.52. Medicare Advantage plans will continue to offer a wide range of supplemental benefits in 2023, including eyewear, hearing aids, preventive and comprehensive dental benefits, access to meals (for a limited duration), over-the-counter items, and fitness benefits. The average basic monthly premium for standard Part D coverage—which helps pay for both brand-name and generic prescription drugs—is projected to be $31.50, compared to $32.08 in 2022.

MCPS: A Letter from the School System Medical Officer with Important Information for Thanksgiving Break

By Patrick Herron

Published November 18, 2022 at 5:27PM

I would also like to share these health news items before the break:

The pandemic has shown us the importance of cherishing time together with friends and family, and our shared responsibility in health and safety. Once again, I thank everyone for their commitment to the health of our school community, and for supporting each other with respect and kindness.

Maryland Department of Health launches RSV Resource Webpage, Urges Marylanders to Take Precautions, Get Flu and COVID Vaccines

By Patrick Herron

Published November 10, 2022 at 7:02PM

Per the State of Maryland: The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today launched a new webpage with resources about respiratory virus infections spreading rapidly this fall and steps Marylanders can take to protect themselves. The move follows Governor Hogan’s announcement about statewide preparedness efforts to address an increase in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and potential COVID-19 and flu surges.

The state has seen an early surge of severe respiratory illness, especially in very young and school-age children. Many children with RSV or other respiratory illnesses will experience cold-like symptoms, such as runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, and fever, that get better within a week or two. However, infants, people who are immunocompromised, and people living with certain chronic medical conditions may experience severe illness that can cause difficulty breathing and hospitalization. Contact your healthcare provider if you or your child is having difficulty breathing, not drinking enough fluids, or experiencing worsening symptoms.

Montgomery County Health Officials Launch COVID-19 Wastewater Surveillance Project

By Patrick Herron

Published November 7, 2022 at 4:18PM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County health officials, in partnership with the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland-College Park (UMD), recently launched wastewater surveillance to detect COVID-19 circulating in the community. Wastewater surveillance provides an accurate way to detect illness-causing viruses and bacteria, such as SARS-CoV-2. Water samples will be collected bi-weekly at five sites in the County and sent to UMD for analysis. Data and results will be posted on the County’s COVID-19 website and the information will be updated weekly.

“Wastewater surveillance will be a game changer for our efforts to better predict outbreaks and prevent them from happening,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “The partnership between our Department of Health and Human Services, the Maryland Department of Health, the University of Maryland and the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission is an important tool to help us protect the health of our residents. With winter around the corner, we want to be prepared if there is another surge in COVID-19 cases and this surveillance system helps us do that.”

Governor Larry Hogan Tests Positive for COVID-19

By Patrick Herron

Published October 31, 2022 at 1:02PM

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced today that he has tested positive for COVID-19. In a tweet Hogan said, “Just wanted to let Marylanders know that after testing positive for COVID-19, I am working from home. Fortunately, I’m up to date on my boosters and my symptoms are minimal” and directed residents to visit covidvax.maryland.gov to find a nearby vaccine clinic.

To date, more than 710,000 Marylanders have received the COVID-19 bivalent booster, further protecting themselves against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. With flu hospitalizations also increasing earlier and faster than in previous years, state health officials continue to encourage Marylanders to get their COVID-19 and flu shots simultaneously. Starting next week, state health officials will launch a new “Flooster” television, radio, and social media ad campaign to amplify this message.

Governor Hogan Announces Statewide Preparedness Efforts to Address Increase in RSV and Potential COVID-19 and Flu Surges

By Patrick Herron

Published October 28, 2022 at 1:32PM

ANNAPOLIS, MD—As hospitals in the region and across the country experience an increase in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) admissions, Governor Larry Hogan today announced a series of new mitigation actions, along with preparedness efforts for potential fall and winter COVID-19 and flu surges in Maryland. “After meeting with our multi-agency public health task force yesterday and reviewing all of the data, I am announcing these steps to give our hospitals more tools to expand bed capacity for pediatric patients,” said Governor Hogan. “We also continue to encourage Marylanders to be COVIDReady, so that we remain one of the most vaccinated and boosted states, and stay ahead of the virus.”

Hospitals Directed to Utilize Additional State Funding to Prioritize Pediatric ICU Staffing. RSV hospitalizations are increasing earlier and more rapidly than in previous years, with the 0-2 age group comprising 57% of hospitalizations. On October 14, the Maryland Department of Health announced $80 million in additional funding for healthcare providers across the state. Hospitals will receive $25 million and have been directed in award letters issued today to utilize these resources to increase the hiring and recruitment of staff. For facilities with pediatric ICU and/or inpatient beds, awards should prioritize staffing those units appropriately before considering other non-pediatric units. All hospitals are also strongly urged to collaborate with neighboring hospitals on pediatric patient care coordination.