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Maryland Department of Health Home You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Please enable scripts and reload this page. JavaScript Required JavaScript is required to use content on this page. Please enable JavaScript in your browser. Skip to Content Accessibility Information Left_Content Media Inquiries Members of the media should contact the individual below regarding inquiries for the Department of Health. Amanda M. HilsAssistant Director for Media Relations Email: [email protected] Public Information Act Requests Public Information Act requests should be sent to: Rebbie Barclay Public Information Act ManagerEmail: [email protected] Telephone: 410-767-5623 Newsroom Main_Content Welcome to the Maryland Department of Health online newsroom. On this site you will find information about the latest developments at the Department. Be sure to check this site often for updates, and follow us on social media for timely news. Press Announcements Center_Content
Maryland Department of Health announces launch of Assisted Outpatient Treatment program
August 20, 2026 Media Contact: Amanda Hils, Assistant Director for Media Relations, [email protected] Maryland Department of Health announces launch of Assisted Outpatient Treatment program Public awareness campaign begins in September, promotes program and participant referrals Baltimore, MD — The Maryland Department of Health today announced the launch of the state’s Assisted Outpatient Treatment program, a significant advancement in Maryland’s behavioral healthcare services. Established by state legislation, the Assisted Outpatient Treatment program provides court-ordered support to individuals with severe mental illness who have had difficulty adhering to voluntary treatment. The program currently operates in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, and the Eastern Shore, with plans for full statewide implementation in July 2027. “For many individuals living with severe mental illness, maintaining engagement and consistency in treatment can be a daily challenge,” said Maryland Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. “The Assisted Outpatient Treatment program is designed to bridge the gap between an individual's struggle and effective, consistent care by creating a structured pathway to community-based treatment, stability and recovery.” The Department will kick off a multimedia public awareness campaign in September across the initial phase regions to connect with critical stakeholders, such as law enforcement, mental health facilities, case management, and care coordination. “Our outreach highlights key resources and tools designed specifically for professionals in various fields,” said Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health Dr. Rachel Talley. “A core element of our statewide rollout centers on this awareness and training so that Maryland professionals can connect people in their communities with the support that this program provides. Through a collaborative, person-centered approach, we hope to empower participants to remain consistently engaged in their treatment, fostering long-term recovery and sustained stability.” Assisted Outpatient Treatment participants receive individualized, community-based support from a multidisciplinary Care Coordination Team that includes a psychiatrist, a case manager, a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, and a program director. Services may include case management, peer support, treatment planning, referrals to behavioral health and substance use services, housing and transportation assistance, crisis coordination, medication management when appropriate, and other recovery supports identified in the treatment plan. Individuals are encouraged to participate in developing their treatment plan, identify preferred providers and supports, and receive services designed to promote stability, recovery, and successful participation in community life. The Assisted Outpatient Treatment program follows over one year of thorough preparation, stakeholder collaboration, and workforce training carried out alongside the Maryland Judiciary, local behavioral health authorities, and community partners. Looking ahead, the Department’s priorities will center on tracking participant results and program operations, delivering technical support to teams, and planning for upcoming expansions. For more information about the Assisted Outpatient Treatment program, including access to educational resources, visit health.maryland.gov/TryAOT. ### The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement. Follow for more updates: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.
Governor Moore announces Fiscal Year 2027 application round for NourishMD Grant Program
For Immediate Release: September 10, 2026 Contact: Ammar Moussa, [email protected] Governor Moore Announces Fiscal Year 2027 Application Round for NourishMD Grant Program ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Wes Moore today announced that the Fiscal Year 2027 application round for the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s NourishMD Grant Program will open on September 22, 2026. NourishMD will provide approximately $3.67 million in grants to support the development, stabilization, and expansion of retail outlets that provide fresh food in Maryland’s food deserts – areas where residents have limited or no access to nutritious food options.“Where you live should not limit your ability to put fresh and nutritious foods on the table,” said Gov. Moore. “Thanks to the NourishMD program, our administration is tackling food insecurity by delivering food to the communities that need it the most, while addressing nutritional gaps and childhood hunger and ensuring no one is left behind.” The NourishMD Grant Program provides eligible food retailers with grants between $25,000 and $150,000 for capital-related needs such as infrastructure and technology, facility upgrades, and equipment purchases. Eligible food retail businesses must be located in an area with a Fresh Food Gap Score of 65% or higher as provided by the Maryland Community Compass, an initiative of the Governor’s Innovation Team. In the program’s pilot round, retailers were awarded a combined $3.64 million in grants to expand fresh and healthy food access in target communities. To maximize efficiency and provide targeted technical assistance, the Fiscal Year 2027 NourishMD Grant Program application is split into two distinct phases. Interested businesses must first submit an eligibility application to verify baseline eligibility and measure community need. Eligible approved applicants will proceed to the comprehensive project application phase, where they will submit a full application to be considered for funding. Awards will be provided on a competitive basis, with special focus given to applicants in Sustainable Communities, Just Communities or communities where poverty is highly concentrated as demonstrated by ENOUGH Initiative eligibility. Eligibility applications are due by November 2, 2026. “Whether the cause is disinvestment, distance, or disrepair, too many Maryland neighborhoods and communities are impacted by lack of access to varied and nutritional food choices,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “NourishMD supports businesses and nonprofit organizations seeking to create oases within food deserts that provide both quality in product and equality in access.”The NourishMD Grant Program is supported by a partnership with the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Maryland Market Money Program (MMM). The MMM program provides a dollar-for-dollar match for purchases made using federal nutrition benefits at participating Maryland farmers markets, farm stands, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) while providing technical assistance, training, marketing, and additional services to stakeholders. “The successful first round of NourishMD grants showed what is possible when we invest in stronger local food systems and better access to fresh, nutritious food,” said Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks. “Building on that momentum, our continued partnership through Maryland Market Money will help stretch families’ food dollars, strengthen connections with local farmers and producers, and ensure more Maryland communities have access to the healthy food they deserve.” The NourishMD Grant Program awards are supported by $1.67 million through Maryland’s Rural Health Transformation Program, a Maryland Department of Health initiative to deploy federal funds to improve health outcomes in rural areas across the state. The Rural Health Transformation Program funding will ensure rural Maryland communities have equitable access to NourishMD grants and enhance the Moore-Miller Administration’s efforts to bolster health care opportunities and affordability in Maryland’s rural communities."Improving health outcomes begins with the food on our tables, and NourishMD is a vital tool in that mission," said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. "Investing in food access breaks down barriers to nutrition in our rural communities. We are not only funding infrastructure; we are fostering a healthier, more equitable future in which access to fresh food is a reality for every Marylander, regardless of where they live."To learn more about eligibility and to apply for the NourishMD Grant Program, visit the Department’s website. [The Maryland Rural Health Transformation Program is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $168,180,837.61 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.]###
Lt. Governor Aruna Miller convenes Recovery-Friendly Workplace Roundtable
Lt. Governor Aruna Miller Convenes Recovery-Friendly Workplace Roundtable ANNAPOLIS, MD – Lt. Governor Aruna Miller today brought Maryland employers, state leaders, and recovery advocates together for a roundtable discussion highlighting the state’s progress toward expanding supportive work environments for people recovering from substance use disorders. The roundtable follows Governor Wes Moore’s signing of an executive order establishing Maryland state government as a recovery-friendly workplace. Maryland is one of only four states to undertake the effort across state government at this scale. “Today’s conversation showed the important role employers can play in helping people build and sustain recovery,” said Lt. Governor Miller. “The employers at this table are already putting that commitment into practice. By sharing what’s working, we can help more employers reduce stigma, connect people to support, and build workplaces where people in recovery have the opportunity to contribute their resilience, determination, and talent.” Substance use disorders touch families and communities across Maryland, including the workplace. Meaningful employment can provide the stability, purpose, and connection that are critical to long-term recovery, while employers are uniquely positioned to create environments where employees feel safe seeking help without fear of stigma.The executive order signed by Governor Moore last week updates employment policies for Maryland state employees, requiring all state agencies to provide training about substance use disorders, substance use treatment and recovery, and how to respond to overdoses. The order also updates state corrective action policies, ensuring that individuals are first offered support through the state’s Employee Assistance Program prior to punitive measures when substance use impacts their work performance.Roundtable Highlights Five employers that have adopted recovery-friendly workplace policies shared their experiences becoming recovery-friendly: Parker Plastics, a manufacturer based in Hagerstown; Penn North Community Resource Center, a community-based organization that provides recovery supports in Baltimore City; Voices of Hope Maryland, a community-based organization that provides recovery supports in Cecil and Harford Counties; Phoenix Mecano, a manufacture based in Frederick Maryland; and representatives from Baltimore City Government, which achieved platinum status through the state’s Recovery-Friendly Workplace program earlier this year. Program Director of the National Recovery Friendly Workplace Institute, Eliza Zarka, also provided insight on nationwide best practices. Participants shared the benefits they have experienced from adopting recovery-friendly practices, discussed strategies for reducing stigma and connecting employees with resources, and made recommendations that can help additional public- and private-sector employers build supportive workplaces.“The employers in today’s roundtable are demonstrating that supporting people in recovery pays dividends," said Maryland Special Secretary of Overdose Response Emily Keller. “The business community has always been an essential partner in our work to reduce overdoses and increase access to substance use recovery. Through sharing best practices and increasing collaboration between public and private sector partners, we can make it easier for other employers to adopt these policies as well.” Expanding Recovery-Friendly Workplaces Across MarylandMaryland launched its Recovery Friendly Workplace program in 2023, beginning with a pilot in six jurisdictions hit particularly hard by the overdose crisis: Allegany, Cecil, Garrett, Harford, St. Mary’s, and Washington counties. The program provides resources, such as free training and technical assistance, to participating employers that hire people in recovery and foster healthy and safe working environments. The program was developed by the Maryland Department of Labor with additional funding support from the Maryland Department of Health. “We all benefit from recovery-friendly workplaces,” said Maryland Secretary of Labor Portia Wu. “People are more successful in recovery when they have meaningful employment. And when employees have support to stay in recovery, they are more able to contribute their talents and succeed at work.”“We have been proud to support the Recovery Friendly Workplace program, because it demonstrates how Maryland is working to improve the health of Marylanders in everything that we do,” said Maryland Secretary of Health Dr. Meena Seshamani. “Not only are recovery-friendly workplace policies a boon to our economy, they promote the long-term success of individuals in recovery, improving outcomes in communities and enabling us all to thrive."Recovery-friendly workplace policies are designed to benefit both employees and employers. Research has found that supportive workplaces can help people sustain recovery and improve quality of life, while employers can benefit from reduced turnover, fewer unscheduled absences, improved productivity, and lower health care costs.Over 120 Maryland businesses have been certified as recovery-friendly through the program since 2023, reaching over 18,000 employees across the state. Over 500 people have been connected to workforce and/or recovery services through the RFW program and nearly 50 people in recovery have been connected to employment through the program. Maryland’s expansion of recovery-friendly workplaces is part of the Moore-Miller Administration’s broader effort to reduce overdose deaths, expand access to treatment and recovery services, and ensure Marylanders have the support they need to build healthy, stable lives.Maryland has made significant progress in confronting the overdose crisis, with fatal overdoses falling by half from their pandemic-era peak and reaching their lowest level in a decade. The Administration continues to focus on sustaining that progress by expanding prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and long-term recovery supports across the state.###Lieutenant Governor Aruna MillerFollow Lt. Governor Aruna Miller for more updates: Facebook, Instagram, X, Bluesky, Threads, LinkedIn, Youtube.Maryland’s Office of Overdose ResponseOperating under the leadership of the Office of Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller and Special Secretary of Overdose Response Emily Keller, Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response works to increase collaboration across all state and local agencies working to reduce overdoses and increase access to substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery services across the state.
Health Departments
Maryland Department of Health MDH Health Departments You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Please enable scripts and reload this page. JavaScript Required JavaScript is required to use content on this page. Please enable JavaScript in your browser. Skip to Content Accessibility Information Left_Content Local Health Departments Main_Content Local Health Departments Websites Allegany County Anne Arundel County Baltimore City Baltimore County Calvert County Caroline County Carroll County Cecil County Charles County Dorchester County Frederick County Garrett County Harford County Howard County Kent County Montgomery County Prince George's County Queen Anne's County Somerset County St. Mary's County Talbot County Washington County Wicomico County Worcester County Federal Partners Centers for Disease Control and Prevention U.S. Food and Drug Administration U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services State Partners Maryland Department of Human Resources Maryland Emergency Management Agency Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems Maryland Health Connection Maryland Department of Agriculture Maryland Department of the Environment Maryland Department of Natural Resources For additional State Resources visit Maryland.Gov Center_Content
Maryland Department of Health declares measles outbreak in three Maryland counties
August 24, 2026 Media Contact:Amanda Hils, Assistant Director for Media Relations, [email protected]Maryland Department of Health declares measles outbreak in three Maryland countiesNo public exposures identified in 14 new cases, health officials taking action to mitigate spread and boost vaccination ratesBaltimore, MD – The Maryland Department of Health is declaring an outbreak of measles in St. Mary’s, Carroll and Cecil counties and the identification and investigation of 14 new confirmed cases in unvaccinated Maryland residents. No public exposures have been identified in these cases.There is currently no evidence of widespread community transmission, as most cases occurred among household contacts. The Department is working with the local health departments in the affected areas to promote opportunities for vaccination.There are currently 31 confirmed cases in Maryland this year. Twenty-seven (27) of those cases have been confirmed since July 15, 2026. Unvaccinated residents account for all of the 27 confirmed cases since July 15, 2026, identified in St. Mary’s (13), Carroll (8), Cecil (5) and Charles (1) counties. The four cases confirmed prior to July 15, 2026 were residents in Anne Arundel (2), Baltimore (1) and Prince George’s (1) counties.“Measles is highly contagious and we are actively working with healthcare professionals and local health departments to support impacted communities, respond to cases and mitigate further spread,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. “The overall risk remains low if you are fully vaccinated. We ask that Marylanders join us in our effort to help keep our youngest safe and protect those who are most at risk. Checking your vaccination status and getting vaccinated if you are not up-to-date is the simplest and most effective way to do that.” If someone is not protected from measles, there is a 90% chance they will become infected if they are exposed to it. Following the guidance of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the MMR vaccine is routinely recommended at 12–15 months of age for the first dose, with the second dose at 4–6 years of age. An early dose should be considered for infants aged 6–11 months who live in or are traveling to an outbreak area.Adults are recommended to have at least one documented dose of MMR and some who are at higher risk are recommended to have two doses if they don't have other evidence of immunity. To check your immunization status, contact your health care provider or securely request your records online via My Immunization Record (MyIR). Maryland local health departments are administering MMR and other vaccines, and are actively engaged with community partners to make vaccines and information about measles broadly available. More than 106,000 MMR vaccines have been administered so far in 2026, with more than 24,000 of them administered since July 1, 2026. Details about upcoming vaccine clinics in areas across the state are posted by local health departments. Standard health insurance plans typically cover the MMR vaccine; it is also accessible via the Vaccines for Children Program for children who are uninsured or underinsured. Adults who are uninsured or underinsured can check with their local health department to see whether a free MMR vaccine is available through the Maryland Vaccine Program.The Maryland Department of Health continues to provide measles-related information and guidance to Maryland health care providers and facilities, and the Department’s State Public Health Laboratory supports measles case investigations and response throughout the state. Information about measles prevention, transmission, symptoms and what to do if you think you may have been exposed is available on the Department websites. Those traveling out-of-state and internationally can check CDC and World Health Organization websites for information about outbreaks. To protect the individuals’ privacy, the Maryland Department of Health will not provide any additional information about the patients. ### The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement. Follow for more updates: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, LinkedIn and Bluesky.
Maryland Honors International Overdose Awareness Day
Maryland Honors International Overdose Awareness Day| Monday, August 31, 2026 ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Wes Moore today declared August 31st as International Overdose Awareness Day in Maryland, honoring those who have lost their lives to overdose deaths and reaffirming the state’s commitment to expanding access to evidence-based prevention, treatment, meeting people where they are, and recovery support services. Flags have been lowered to half-staff, and Government House will be lit purple this evening in remembrance. “Today, we honor the memories of those taken from us too soon, and reaffirm our commitment to supporting Marylanders on their paths to substance use recovery,” said Governor Wes Moore. “We wholeheartedly believe that overdoses are preventable by meeting people where they are and giving them adequate access to substance use care and services. And we know this approach is effective, because Maryland has cut the number of fatal overdoses in half in the last three years. But we still have work to do, and we will not rest until every Marylander has access to care.” The observance comes as Maryland continues to make measurable progress against the overdose crisis. While fatal overdoses in the state have been cut in half over the last three years, the Moore-Miller administration knows that even one life lost to an overdose is too many, and is committed to investing in resources to ensure that every Marylander can access life-saving care. “Not a single Maryland community has been spared from this crisis,” said Lt. Governor Aruna Miller. “Too many of us have carried the pain of losing someone we love to an overdose. It is our responsibility to take that pain and turn it into action, and continue to invest in the evidence-based practices that we know work to lower overdoses.” About International Overdose Awareness Day International Overdose Awareness Day is an annual commemoration every August 31st honoring the lives of individuals who lost their lives to overdose. The day also acknowledges the grief of friends and families of overdose victims and is intended to combat the stigma associated with substance use disorders and promote prevention, treatment, meeting people where they are, and recovery. To mark the occasion, Lt. Governor Miller attended a commemoration event in Baltimore City on Saturday recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day with Maryland Special Secretary of Overdose Response Emily Keller. Lt. Governor Miller and Special Secretary Keller will also attend an event together in Howard County this evening. Special Secretary Keller attended events in Frederick County, Anne Arundel County, and Prince George’s County last week and over the weekend, as well. Lt. Governor Aruna Miller commemorates International Overdose Awareness Day Responding to Overdoses Marylanders are encouraged to learn the signs of an overdose and to know how to respond in an emergency. Opioids, such as fentanyl, can cause slowed or stopped breathing. Symptoms also include a person's body going limp; pale or blue skin, lips, and fingernails; loss of consciousness; depressed breathing; and choking or gurgling sounds. Anyone who suspects an opioid overdose is urged to immediately administer the life-saving overdose reversal medication, naloxone, and call 911 for help. “We can all make a difference," said Maryland Special Secretary of Overdose Response Emily Keller. “We need everyone to be involved in this fight, from government agencies to community organizations and everyday people, armed with knowledge of how to respond in an emergency and the tools they need to stay safe. Through coordinated and sustained action, we can ensure that Maryland continues to be a national leader for substance use recovery.” The life-saving medication naloxone (also known as Narcan) is available free of charge through Maryland's network of over 300 Overdose Response Programs. Marylanders can visit StopOverdose.maryland.gov to learn how to respond to an overdose, use naloxone, and find an Overdose Response Program nearby. Last year, Maryland distributed over 460,000 doses of naloxone, the seventh consecutive year of record-setting distribution. Maryland’s Good Samaritan Law provides legal protections to those who assist with an alcohol or drug-related emergency. Individuals who call 911 for help with an overdose cannot be arrested or prosecuted for possessing or using a controlled dangerous substance or drug paraphernalia or providing alcohol to minors. Additionally, calling 911 will not affect the parole status of someone seeking help with an overdose. However, the law does not cover serious federal crimes or a person’s immigration status. How to Get Help Marylanders who are struggling with substance use are encouraged to call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 988, to get connected to substance use and behavioral health resources. Marylanders seeking substance use disorder treatment can also use the Behavioral Health Administration’s locator tool to find a list of providers near them. “In Maryland, there is no wrong door for those seeking help,” said Maryland Secretary of Health Dr. Meena Seshamani. “We are building a system where anyone who raises their hand for support can access help without fear of judgment or stigma. Every time we connect with someone—whether at the doctor's office, a hospital emergency department, or a community center—we have the opportunity to provide compassion and a direct path to evidence-based treatment and recovery."
Maryland Department of Health seeks public input on expanding nutrition services through Medicaid
August 19, 2026 Media Contact:Amanda Hils, Assistant Director for Media Relations, [email protected]Maryland Department of Health seeks public input on expanding nutrition services through MedicaidPublic input will help shape proposed food and nutrition services for Maryland Medicaid through In Lieu of Services beginning in 2028 BALTIMORE, MD — The Maryland Department of Health today issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking public input on incorporating services to meet health-related nutrition needs into Maryland’s Medicaid program starting in 2028.The proposed initiative would use In Lieu of Services and Settings (ILOS) authority to provide food and nutrition services to eligible Medicaid enrollees with specific chronic conditions. ILOS allows Medicaid managed care organizations to offer Department-approved services that are medically appropriate and cost-effective alternatives to, or complements of, traditional covered services. “Nutrition-related ILOS helps answer a fundamental question: How do we organize the health care system around what actually improves health?” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. “Making healthy food a sustainable part of care can help Marylanders manage chronic disease and avoid complications, thereby improving health outcomes and spending the health care dollar in a smarter way.”Beginning in 2028, the Department intends to pursue food and nutrition-related services as an approved ILOS within HealthChoice, Maryland’s Medicaid managed care program. Potential services could include Food is Medicine interventions such as medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions. Both are health care interventions that have been shown to improve health outcomes for patients with certain chronic conditions. This work builds on Maryland’s existing investments in Food Is Medicine, including the Medically Tailored Meals initiative, which operates in six counties, and the Produce Prescription (Rx) program, set to launch later this summer. Both are supported by the Population Health Improvement Fund. The Department will draw on lessons from these programs, as well as the Rural Health Transformation Program, to inform the Medicaid ILOS approach.“As families across Maryland face growing challenges with food security and rising costs, integrating nutrition into health care provides vital, targeted support for our most vulnerable residents living with chronic conditions,” said Deputy Secretary for Health Care Financing and Medicaid Director Perrie Briskin. “We encourage all stakeholders—from enrollees and providers to local community leaders—to submit feedback to help us shape how these services are delivered across Maryland.” Responses to the RFI are due by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. To review the Request for Information and submit feedback, visit bit.ly/MDHNutritionServicesRFI. For more information, visit health.maryland.gov/AHEAD/Pages/ILOSRFI.aspx. ### The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management, and community engagement. Follow for more updates: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.
Maryland Technology First Day proclaimed in Maryland 2026
Access the full proclamation here. The full text of the proclamation is included below. Proclamation from the Governor of the State of Maryland Maryland Technology First Day August 15, 2026 WHEREAS, Maryland recognizes the unlimited potential for all Marylanders, including those with disabilities, to live, work, and thrive in our communities; and WHEREAS, Expanding technology, including assistive technology and remote supports, allows people with disabilities to enhance their functional independence; and WHEREAS, Access to enabling technology supports and services allows Marylanders with disabilities to have independence, safety, and privacy; and WHEREAS, On August 15, 2022, Maryland was declared a Technology First State, advancing Maryland’s commitment to empowering all citizens with disabilities to access technology that enhances their ability to pursue their best life as they define it; and WHEREAS, Maryland is committed to building a state that promotes equal opportunity, access, and choice for all Marylanders with disabilities because we recognize that our communities are stronger when everyone participates. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WES MOORE, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, do hereby proclaim AUGUST 15, 2026, as MARYLAND TECHNOLOGY FIRST DAY in Maryland, and do commend this observation to all of our citizens.
Maryland Department of Health recognizes National Preparedness Month with social media campaign
September 1, 2026 Media Contact: Amanda Hils, Assistant Director for Media Relations, [email protected] Maryland Department of Health recognizes National Preparedness Month with social media campaign Marylanders encouraged to volunteer with the Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps Baltimore, MD – The Maryland Department of Health is recognizing National Preparedness Month this September by launching a social media campaign to raise awareness among Maryland families, businesses and communities about the importance of being prepared for disasters and emergencies. It will also show how Marylanders can get involved in helping keep their own community safe and prepared. “National Preparedness Month is a valuable opportunity to educate and empower Marylanders to prepare for and respond to any emergency that could affect their family and community,” said Office of Preparedness and Response Director Sara Barra. “We will also highlight the great work of the Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps, a dedicated group of volunteers who stand ready to meet our community’s public health needs during emergencies and to support ongoing public health initiatives statewide.” Composed of 26 local units within health departments throughout the state, the Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps is a community-driven program that relies on volunteers who contribute their expertise and effort to support emergency response and strengthen public health programs. These dedicated individuals play critical roles, including providing natural disaster relief, supplying essential medical care and surge shelter capacity, facilitating community health education, and supporting animal welfare during emergency evacuations. The corps welcomes a wide range of volunteers, from active and retired healthcare professionals to those with non-medical backgrounds, such as educators, translators, administrative personnel, and chaplains. Throughout the month, the Maryland Department of Health will share preparedness information, resources, and tips to help Marylanders prepare for disasters and emergencies, as well as information on how to volunteer with the Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps. The campaign will run across the Department’s X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube accounts, as well as the Office of Preparedness and Response’s X and Facebook and the Maryland Responds Facebook account. For more preparedness information from the Office of Preparedness and Response, visit health.maryland.gov/preparedness. For information on volunteering with the Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps, visit health.maryland.gov/mdr/Pages/Home.aspx. ### The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement. Follow for more updates: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.
Governor Moore announces $1.36 million in awards to expand prevention, reduction of gun violence
For Immediate Release: September 16, 2026 Contact: Ammar Moussa, [email protected] Governor Moore Announces $1.36 Million in Awards to Expand Prevention, Reduction of Gun Violence ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Wes Moore and the Maryland Department of Health announced today that the Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention awarded $1.36 million in grant funding across 17 organizations to address the impact of gun violence on Marylanders. The grants support community groups, local health departments and law enforcement agencies that work with communities on prevention and reduction efforts, promote firearm safety education, expand services for victims, and raise awareness about suicide prevention related to firearms. “My number one priority is the safety of all Marylanders, so we are committed to making investments in our community partners doing the necessary work to protect our communities from the gun violence epidemic,” said Gov. Moore. “By committing to an all-of-the-above approach to public safety and tackling gun violence head on, our administration is getting tough on crime and the root causes of crime, driving historic drops in violence and creating a model for the rest of America.” “Gun violence is a public health epidemic, and every day we see the devastating effects it has in Maryland communities,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. “These grants support partners in communities across the state to provide education, resources and support with the common goal of keeping Marylanders safe. Not only can the impact of these programs be felt immediately - but they also inform future strategies that help us to better determine causes and solutions to gun violence.” Funded projects will implement and strengthen initiatives that promote intervention, training, research and awareness to reduce and prevent gun violence in Maryland. Many focus on educating the public about the safe storage of firearms, including the distribution of safety devices, such as gun locks, to help prevent suicides and accidental shootings. Other initiatives will expand behavioral health support and community resources for victims of gun violence, and strengthen the Domestic Violence Protective Order firearm surrender process. The Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention was established in 2024 as part of the Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to creating a safer Maryland for all. Its mission is to reduce firearm violence, harm from firearm violence and misuse of firearms in the state by partnering with federal, state and local agencies and affected communities to implement a public health approach to firearm violence reduction. In its first two years, the Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention awarded $1.71 million, funding local health departments, non-profits, and health care organizations to expand gun violence intervention programs, provide resources and education about the safe storage of firearms, and improve protections for victims of domestic violence. For a full list of grantees and education and community engagement resources, visit the Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention webpage. ### The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement. Follow for more updates: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.
Governor Moore Reinforces Commitment to Keep Marylanders Connected to SNAP and Medicaid Amid New Trump Administration Restrictions
For Immediate Release: September 18, 2026 Contact: Ammar Moussa, [email protected] Governor Moore Reinforces Commitment to Keep Marylanders Connected to SNAP and Medicaid Amid New Trump Administration Restrictions ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Wes Moore today joined the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) and Maryland Department of Health (MDH) to inform Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers and Medicaid members of new federal work requirements imposed by the Trump administration. In a letter accompanying notices from these departments to hundreds of thousands of impacted Marylanders, Governor Moore outlined steps Marylanders can take and highlighted state resources available to help maintain food assistance and health coverage amid these changes. “In Maryland, we have a clear commitment to leave no one behind,” said Gov. Moore. “While these new federal mandates create unnecessary burdens for families trying to put food on the table and access basic health care, our state is stepping up. We are deploying every resource at our disposal to help eligible Marylanders navigate federal changes and protect their benefits.” The governor continues to direct efforts to reduce barriers to SNAP and Medicaid and keep eligible Marylanders connected to essential services. As the state implements federal changes required under H.R. 1, Maryland is expanding outreach, streamlining application and renewal processes and connecting residents with information and assistance, including through the Maryland Benefits One Application and Expanded Employment & Training Resources. Governor Moore’s letter is included in DHS’ annual September mass mailing outreach sent to approximately 340,000 SNAP households across Maryland, notifying households of annual federal benefit rate adjustments for the upcoming federal fiscal year. To assist families navigating the new SNAP eligibility restrictions introduced by H.R. 1, the mailing delivers essential information on understanding the updated regulations and safeguarding food assistance benefits. SNAP customers can visit the Department of Human Services’ Important Changes to SNAP Benefits webpage to learn more about the new federal requirements and available resources. “Despite the significant challenges coming from the federal government, the Moore-Miller administration is exhausting every opportunity to protect Marylanders’ SNAP benefits,” said Maryland Department of Human Services Acting Secretary Stacy L. Rodgers. “We encourage all of our SNAP customers to check their mail, read the governor’s letter, and use the available state resources to stay connected to their food assistance.” DHS estimates that its proactive outreach efforts have helped nearly 40,000 Marylanders maintain SNAP access, compared with the national average rate of decline since H.R. 1 passed in July 2025. Maryland currently ranks among the top 10 states for the share of SNAP customers maintaining their nutrition benefits. Governor Moore’s letter is also featured alongside a series of informational resources shared by the Maryland Department of Health to 320,000 Medicaid members who will be impacted by work requirements starting January 1. MDH’s proactive Medicaid Check-In Campaign, in coordination with the state’s nine Managed Care Organizations, connects with Medicaid members, health care providers, employers and community partners to reach impacted Marylanders and share resources such as FAQs and fact sheets. Current Maryland Medicaid members are encouraged to login to their Maryland Health Connection account, keep their contact information current, and read all notices from Maryland Health Connection. Members can also visit the Medicaid Check-In webpage and use the online tool to determine if they are impacted by work requirements and understand what these changes may mean for them. “Health coverage gives Marylanders access to the care, medications and support they need to live healthy lives,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. “Our number one goal is to make sure every eligible Marylander maintains access to Medicaid coverage. To do this, we are working across state government and with trusted community partners to help Medicaid members understand these federal changes, complete any required steps and keep their Medicaid.” “Each year, tens of thousands of Marylanders access life-changing job training and job placement through Maryland's more than 30 American Job Centers in communities across the state,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “Now, this work is even more critically important—both to connect Marylanders to the workforce and to ensure they maintain access to life’s essentials while on their path to economic security. We are committed to supporting them every step of the way.”
COVID-19 Information from the Maryland Department of Health
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Toby's Dinner Theatre Presents: Summer - The Donna Summer Musical
Toby's Dinner Theatre Presents: Summer - The Donna Summer Musical
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