MoCo

Per Montgomery County: The Latino Health Initiative (LHI), one of three minority health initiatives that are part of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), recently hosted its first-ever community health worker (CHW) certification program graduation. The group of 20 graduates was honored following completion of a rigorous six-month training program that included 100 hours of instruction and a 40-hour practicum.

CHWs, also known as health promoters, play a vital role in informing and advocating for community members who face cultural and language barriers in accessing health care services. As trusted frontline health workers, CHWs reach many in the community who are uninsured or underinsured, or otherwise unconnected to health care resources.

Per Montgomery County: On Tuesday, July 11 at 7 p.m., Council President Evan Glass will host the first meeting of the newly formed Anti-Hate Task Force alongside County elected officials and leaders from the Jewish, African American, LGBTQ+, Asian American and Pacific Islander, Latino and Muslim communities. Council President Glass introduced a resolution creating an Anti-Hate Task Force and appointing its members, that was formally adopted with unanimous support during Council session on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.  

The task force kicks off its first meeting on Tuesday, July 11 at 7 p.m. in the Wheaton Library and Community Recreation Center, located at 11701 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring. The meeting will be live streamed on YouTube. The task force is expected to hold several meetings in the upcoming months, and present final recommendations in late November.  

According to the Montgomery County MD Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS), “A Flood Watch has been issued in Montgomery County, this afternoon through evening. Heavy rain & severe storms are possible. Stay weather aware & be prepared to take your Sunday plans indoors. 🚧If you encounter high water on the road, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”

Per the Maryland Department of Emergency Management: Widespread 1-2″ of rainfall is expected across the Flood Watch area today, with isolated totals in excess of 4″ possible. Risk for flash flooding and damaging winds exist across the region. Highest risk for flash flooding is generally near and NW of the I-95 corridor.

Per Montgomery County:

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Office of Procurement won a National Association of Counties (NACo) Award for the Digitization of County Contracting in the County Administration and Management category.  NACo is an organization that represents county governments in the United States. It works to advance excellence in public service. Until recently, the County’s Office of Procurement utilized paper-based methods to manage procurement actions for more than 2,600 contracts, totaling goods and services valued at more than $1 billion annually. Due to the unforeseen urgency brought on by COVID-19, paper-based methods of submitting and receiving bids were no longer possible.

To improve the system, technical and operational staff fast-tracked the development and implementation of an e-bidding system to accept responses to solicitations online. These efforts were fully developed and maintained with existing staff at no cost and implemented within one year.

Per Montgomery County: The 2023 Montgomery County Farm Tour and Harvest Sale on Saturday and Sunday, July 22-23, will be a unique opportunity for residents to explore 21 select farms in the County’s Agricultural Reserve, shop local, enjoy fresh food, see farm animals and learn about farming as a way of life. The Farm Tour will offer a chance to visit select farms, some of which are only open to the public during this special weekend event.

During the Farm Tour weekend, all 21 participating farms will be open on Saturday, July 22, and 17 farms will be open on Sunday, July 23. Tourgoers should check the 2023 Farm Tour website for each farm they plan to visit for any additional costs, details on hours and activities or to make any necessary reservations. No pets are allowed except service animals for persons with disabilities.