Per MDOT: For the second year, the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s (MDOT MVA) Highway Safety Office has received a grant from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) to provide rideshare credits to Marylanders to help them Be the Make A Plan Driver and choose an alternative to driving impaired. Through the partnership funded by GHSA, Lyft, and Responsibility.org, 4,000 Lyft ride credits, each worth $5, will be available during the holiday season. Maryland is one of four states awarded the grant.
“Once again, we’re making the choice easy to be the driver who makes a plan and arranges a sober ride home,” said Governor Hogan. “No one should lose a loved one this holiday season, or ever, due to someone’s selfish choice to drive impaired. I encourage all drivers to make a plan for a sober ride home and save a life.”
Each Marylander is eligible to receive one $5 rideshare credit each weekend while supplies last. A select number of rideshare credits will be available between 4 p.m. and 2 a.m. on the following dates:
- Thursday, December 1 through Sunday, December 4,
- Thursday, December 8 through Sunday, December 11,
- Thursday, December 15 through Sunday, December 18,
- Thursday, December 22 through Sunday, December 25, and
- Thursday, December 29 through Sunday, January 1.
To redeem the $5 credit, Marylanders should open the Lyft app, choose “Payment” from the menu on the top left corner, and scroll to the “Add Lyft Pass” section. After inputting the code found at ZeroDeathsMD.gov/Rideshare, $5 will be applied to the user’s account. Each rider is limited to one $5 credit each weekend through the entirety of the campaign. Code redemptions will be capped each weekend to ensure rides are available throughout the holiday season.
Last year, 173 people died and more than 2,800 were injured on Maryland roadways due to impaired driving. Additionally, in 2021 in Maryland, more than 15,430 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs — 1,616 of those arrests occurring between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.
“With the holiday season being one of the most dangerous times on our roadways due to impaired driving, initiatives that promote ride-hailing, a proven countermeasure for deterring this reckless behavior, are critical,” said GHSA Executive Director Jonathan Adkins. “GHSA is proud to partner with Lyft and Responsibility.org to help Maryland encourage people to make the safer choice this year by leaving the driving to someone who is sober.”
In addition to the credits, the MDOT MVA’s Highway Safety Office will promote educational messaging through Be the Sober Driver and Be the Make A Plan Driver on advertising platforms.
Learn more about the MDOT MVA’s Highway Safety Office at ZeroDeathsMD.gov or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @ZeroDeathsMD.
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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.”
Maryland is home to approximately 350,000 veterans, 30,000 active duty service members and 18,000 reservists/national guard members, according to the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs. According to the National Library of Medicine, 45% of people who died by suicide saw their healthcare provider the month prior and 84% the year prior to their death.
“Educating doctors and nurses, as well as front desk staff and lab techs, is vital. The healthcare team can be appropriately utilized to recognize a service member in need,” said Dr. Lisa Burgess, MDH Acting Deputy Secretary for the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). “It is important that we train everyone on how to recognize warning signs as well as how to have conversations about safely storing weapons, what medications the patient can access, and what protections they can put in place.”
Participants are trained on mental health, suicide risk assessment and intervention. The curriculum helps providers better understand military and veteran culture, and create a safety plan in a military-culturally competent way.
Led by Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans (MCV) a division within BHA, TMAP offers 3.5 hours of online training, over 10 self-paced courses on topics including:
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Military culture
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Safety planning
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Barriers to care
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Lethal means counseling
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Risk assessment tools
Once completed, providers will become “Trained Military Assistance Providers” and will receive a physical and a virtual toolkit with resources, including gun locks, locking medicine bags, as well as promotional materials.
TMAP training is provided by PsychArmor, a nationally recognized nonprofit leader and preferred training provider for military cultural awareness. Their podcast, Behind the Mission, will feature an interview with MCV Director Joy Ashcraft on December 6, 2022, to discuss the TMAP program.
Learn more or access the training: bit.ly/MDHTMAP.
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Per the Maryland State Police: Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash in which one person died and two others were injured early this morning in Harford County. Shortly before 2:15 a.m., troopers from the Maryland State Police JFK Memorial Highway Barrack responded to southbound Interstate 95 in Aberdeen, Maryland for a report of a hit-and-run crash involving pedestrians. According to a preliminary investigation, three pedestrians were on the shoulder of the road putting gasoline into a vehicle, when a white sedan with tinted windows, for unknown reasons, veered onto the shoulder and struck the pedestrians. One victim, identified as Guiermo Che, 19, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was declared deceased at the scene. Two other victims were transported by ambulance to an area hospital for treatment of their injuries.
Investigators are continuing to search for the suspect vehicle, which they believe was a white 2013-2017 Audi A5 or S5. It was last seen getting off of I-95 South at Exit 85. The vehicle may have damage to the right front bumper, headlight and fog light. The Maryland State Police Crash Team are investigating the case. Anyone with information on the case is asked to call the JFK Memorial Highway Barrack at 410-537-1150. The case remains under investigation.
Per the State of Maryland: Governor Larry Hogan today announced the formal launch of online sports betting in the State of Maryland. Beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 9 A.M., seven sportsbooks will go live across the state. The governor was joined for today’s announcement by the director of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, John A. Martin.
“This process took longer than it should have, but we are excited that this launch is in time for fans to place their bets on all the Thanksgiving Day NFL action, college football rivalry weekend, this week’s slate of NBA games, the 2022 World Cup, and this Sunday’s Ravens and Commanders games,” said Governor Hogan. “In addition to allowing Marylanders to bet on the NFL, March Madness, and so much more, sports betting is helping us keep these critical dollars in the state, and is providing another critical revenue source for Maryland schools. It is anticipated to bring in up to $30 million in revenue next year, and that total is expected to reach nearly $100 million by 2027.”
Watch the governor’s announcement.
The following sportsbooks will go live for mobile sports wagering on Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 9 A.M.:
- Barstool Sportsbook
- BetMGM
- BetRivers Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- PointsBet
Ahead of tomorrow’s statewide launch, sportsbooks were awarded licenses by the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) and worked with Maryland Lottery and Gaming staff to fulfill operational requirements.
Today’s announcement is the culmination of a multi-year effort to get sports betting fully up and running in the State of Maryland. In Nov. 2020, Marylanders voted overwhelmingly in favor of the referendum to legalize sports betting. Governor Hogan signed HB 940 into law in May of 2021, which officially legalized sports betting in the state. In-person sports betting was launched in Maryland in Dec. 2021. In June, following numerous legal, political, and bureaucratic delays, Governor Hogan called on SWARC to take immediate actions to launch mobile sports betting in the State of Maryland.
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Per the Maryland State Police: As Maryland State Police continue to investigate the 2003 murder of a Carroll County man, the family of the victim is now offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the victim’s death. The victim, Richard Atkins Jr., 30, of Westminster, Maryland, was found by family members beaten to death around 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 29, 2003 in his apartment in the 100 block of East Main Street. Investigators believe Atkins was targeted and robbery was motive in this case.
According to investigators, the person(s) responsible for Atkins’ death went to his apartment on or about Dec. 27, 2003 looking for money. When Adkins declined the request, he was beaten with a blunt object before those responsible stole cash and DVDs from the apartment. Anyone with information may contact Sgt. Christopher Taylor of the Maryland State Police Cold Case Unit at 410-996-7881.
Richard Atkins, Jr.
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Per the State of Maryland—Governor Larry Hogan joined together today with other state officials, Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) leaders, safety advocates, and law enforcement officers for the 19th annual Maryland Remembers ceremony, an event honoring Marylanders who have lost their lives to impaired driving. “No one should ever get behind the wheel of a car and drive impaired, and we hope that this creative new initiative will encourage more Marylanders to make better choices,” said Governor Hogan. “Even one death is one too many, which is why we must continue working together, we must continue to tell the stories of those we have lost, and we must continue doing everything in our power to save lives and to prevent future tragedies.”
The governor was joined by MDOT Secretary James F. Ports, Jr., MDOT Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer, Maryland State Police Superintendent Col. Woodrow Jones III, highway safety advocates from the Maryland Affiliate of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Washington Regional Alcohol Program, and victim impact speaker Deb Hardy in Annapolis for this year’s ceremony. Nineteen years ago—the same year Maryland Remembers began—Ms. Hardy’s daughter was killed a week before her 14th birthday by an impaired driver.
Maryland Remembers is held annually at the beginning of the holiday season, when impaired driving crashes tend to increase. Last year, 173 people were killed and more than 2,800 were injured on Maryland roadways due to impaired driving.
In 2021, more than 15,430 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs—1,616 of those arrests occurred between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Over the past five years, there have been more than 33,150 crashes in Maryland involving impaired drivers, resulting in 843 deaths and 14,990 injuries.
During today’s ceremony, Administrator Nizer presented Governor Hogan with the annual Kevin Quinlan Award for his administration’s work and advocacy in preventing impaired driving over the past eight years. The award is named for the late Kevin Quinlan, a longtime traffic safety professional with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“It’s unacceptable that impaired driving still accounts for nearly one-third of all fatalities on our roadways,” Secretary Ports said. “We are committed to ending impaired driving so no one else has to feel the loss that these impacted families feel every day. It starts with each of us. We must understand that every time we get behind the wheel, we have a responsibility to do our part to help ensure the safety of others on the road.”
In 2016, Governor Hogan signed Noah’s Law, a measure that expanded Maryland’s Ignition Interlock Program to mandate that interlock devices be installed in vehicles of convicted drunken drivers, even for the first conviction. In 2019, Governor Hogan signed into law House Bill 707, which increased the maximum jail time for those convicted of vehicular homicide while under the influence. In 2021, Maryland was selected by the National Governors Association to take part in a Learning Collaborative to strengthen the use of data to fight impaired driving-related injuries and fatalities.
“The holiday season is a joyous time to visit with family and friends, but it’s also a reminder of the everlasting impact of the irresponsible choice to drive while impaired,” said Administrator Nizer. “With so many options, motorists have no excuse to drive impaired. If you plan to celebrate the holiday season, plan ahead to ensure you have a safe and sober ride home. Designate a sober driver, take public transportation, or call a rideshare.”
“One of the highest priorities for the Maryland State Police is to ensure the safety of all those traveling on Maryland roads,” said MSP Superintendent Jones. “Working with our partner agencies and combining high visibility patrols and proactive enforcement initiatives year-round, we are committed to the goal of saving lives by removing impaired drivers from our highways.”
Along with high visibility impaired driving enforcement operations throughout the holiday season, MDOT MVA’s Highway Safety Office is running an educational campaign called Be the SOBER Driver and Be the MAKE A PLAN Driver to encourage everyone to ensure they have a sober ride home.
In addition, last week MDOT MVA’s Highway Safety Office received a grant for the second year in partnership from the Governors Highway Safety Association, Lyft and Responsibility.org to provide thousands of rideshare credits during the holiday season.
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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.”
Recognition For GoVax Ambassadors. The state is recognizing the efforts of the state’s GoVAX ambassadors from all walks of life with governors’ citations and a new ad, which will play on WBAL during Thanksgiving programming. First launched in January 2021, the initial GoVAX campaign highlighted around a dozen Marylanders—including former UMBC President Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk, and Associate Professor of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Dr. Kathleen Page.
Enthusiasm quickly grew for the campaign, attracting many more ambassadors, including community leaders, health care workers, faith leaders, and Maryland families. Each of these Marylanders have been essential in sharing information about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, helping Maryland earn national recognition for its COVID-19 response.
“Surpassing one million COVID-19 bivalent booster shots administered since September shows that Marylanders understand the importance of staying COVIDReady,” said MDH Secretary Dennis R. Schrader. “Fighting COVID-19 has always been a statewide effort, and Marylanders have pulled together to protect ourselves and our families against this virus by getting boosted. We are grateful for our GoVAX ambassadors who have played a role in this effort.”
COVIDReady Maryland. Marylanders can protect themselves from flu and COVID-19 by getting a “Flooster,” a flu shot and COVID-19 booster. It’s safe to get both at the same visit and is the best way to protect against severe illness and death. As always, Marylanders are encouraged to practice basic health hygiene by washing your hands, covering your cough, and staying home from work and school when sick. This helps slow the spread of respiratory illness like RSV as well, which can be dangerous to small children and older adults and doesn’t have a vaccine.
Find a vaccine provider at covidvax.maryland.gov or by calling 1-855-MDGOVAX (1-855-634-6829). For more information about COVID-19 vaccines in Maryland, visit covidLINK.maryland.gov. For the most recent Maryland COVID-19 vaccine data, visit coronavirus.maryland.gov.
Last week the Maryland Department of Transportation announced the next steps for the State of Maryland’s Traffic Relief Plan, which included a10-month extension for private companies to submit proposals. On Friday, Governor-Elect Wes Moore issued the following statement:
“Improvements along I-270 and the Capital Beltway are
essential to our economic growth, quality of life, and
environment; and must be done thoughtfully and
equitably. The Hogan Administration’s decision to delay the potential approval of this project to next year
provides us with an opportunity to build options that are innovative, thoughtful, and inclusive.
Under Lt. Gov.-Elect Aruna Miller’s leadership, the Moore-Miller administration is eager to work collaboratively with Comptroller-elect Brooke Lierman, Treasurer Dereck Davis, the Maryland General Assembly, County Executive Marc Erich, and our communities to find the best path forward.”
Here is my statement on @MDOTNews’ decision on the I-495/I-270 toll lanes contract. pic.twitter.com/nJjP6ieIwQ
— Gov. Wes Moore (@iamwesmoore) November 19, 2022
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.
“With the new Plan Finder, anyone can review their current plan and compare it to 2023 options, allowing them to enroll in the best plan to meet their needs,” said Secretary Kramer. “It’s important that beneficiaries enroll before the December 7 deadline as we know that active, preventative health care can lead to healthy living and increased longevity.”
Medicare Open Enrollment began on October 15 and will run through December 7, 2022. Low-income seniors may qualify to receive financial assistance from the Medicare Savings Programs, which can help pay for Medicare premiums and deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments if people meet the conditions of eligibility. Maryland residents who are having difficulty comparing plans or determining whether they qualify for financial assistance can receive free, unbiased, and reliable information through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). To find a SHIP counselor, go to aging.maryland.gov.
For more information on Open Enrollment, Medicare Savings Programs, or the Medicare Plan Finder, visit https://www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in English and Spanish as well as language support in more than 200 languages. People who want to keep their current Medicare coverage do not need to re-enroll.
Per the State of Maryland: Governor Larry Hogan today issued the following statement after the Maryland Department of Transportation announced the next steps for the State of Maryland’s Traffic Relief Plan: “Now that we have secured final federal approval, the most important transportation project for the National Capital Region in the last 50 years is well-positioned to move forward—and we are confident it will move forward. No project is more critical for improving the quality of life and stimulating the economic growth of the region.
While this extension is necessary due to the months-long delay of the record of decision at the federal level—along with years of moving the goalposts at the local level—we have advanced this project to the point that it can move forward quickly barring further needless delay.
“We cannot afford to miss this once-in-a-generation opportunity to fix the American Legion Bridge and address the soul-crushing traffic on the Capital Beltway once and for all.”
Per the State of Maryland: Governor Larry Hogan today announced that Maryland State Police (MSP) Superintendent Colonel Woodrow W. “Jerry” Jones, III, has notified him of his intent to retire at the end of the year after 35 years in law enforcement. The governor has named Lt. Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr. to serve as acting superintendent. “Maryland is fortunate to have the finest state police organization in the entire country, and Colonel Jones has continued that tradition with steady and principled leadership of the highest caliber,” said Governor Hogan. “I have relied on Jerry’s advice and counsel throughout the crises and challenges we’ve navigated over the last few years. We are deeply grateful for his decades of dedicated service to the state.”
Prior to becoming superintendent in February 2020, Colonel Jones served more than four years as chief of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police. “When I was hired as a Maryland State Police cadet just a few weeks after graduation from high school, I never in my most ambitious visions thought I would reach the pinnacle of my law enforcement career by serving in Governor Hogan’s administration,” said Colonel Jones. “It has been my greatest privilege to lead the committed individuals who are a part of the Maryland Department of State Police. They possess a dedication to duty that is evidenced each day in their selfless public safety service to the people of our state. The amount of good done each day across this state by our troopers and civilian employees is awe-inspiring. I will forever be proud of the opportunity I have had to serve the people of Maryland for 35 years as a law enforcement professional.”
Lt. Colonel Roland Butler To Become Acting Superintendent
The governor has named Lt. Colonel Butler, currently chief of the Field Operations Bureau, to become acting superintendent on January 1, 2023 following Colonel Jones’ retirement.
“Lt. Colonel Butler exemplifies the core State Police values of integrity, fairness, and service, and he plays a critical role every day in keeping our communities safe,” said Governor Hogan. “Having had the privilege of working with Roland closely, it is an honor to name him as acting Superintendent.
”On July 1, 2020, Lieutenant Colonel Butler was appointed Chief of the Field Operations Bureau, leading a patrol force of over 1,000 troopers and investigative personnel assigned to 23 barracks in the state. During his career, LTC Butler has served in line and supervisory positions in both the patrol and investigation bureaus as he was promoted through the ranks. Butler has also served on the Superintendent’s Staff, in the Office of Equity and Inclusion (formerly Office of Fair Practices), within the Maryland State Police Support Services Bureau, and other positions throughout the Field Operations Bureau.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to represent both the sworn and civilian members of the Maryland State Police, ” said Lt. Col. Butler. “It is truly an honor to serve in this capacity while we continue to fulfill our law enforcement responsibilities and focus on the safety and protection of our citizens.”
Next month, MSP will graduate the 12th Training Academy class of new state troopers during the governor’s time in office. The governor has also implemented historic salary increases for MSP personnel, while funding new barracks and major improvements to the patrol fleet.
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