News
Governor Martin O'Malley Announces Appointments to Maryland's Medical Marijuana Commission
Worcester County Sees Increase in Calls Regarding Bats in Homes
Take a Deep Breath – You Can Quit Smoking!
The Worcester County Health Department and the Town of Snow Hill Partner to Promote Snow Hill Safe and Healthy Walk
DHMH JOINS NATIONAL CAMPAIGN ON SUICIDE PREVENTION
Prevent West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis Risk
Two Grants Provide Care for Children with Special Needs
West Nile Virus Detected in Maryland Residents
Eastern Equine Encephalitis Confirmed in Maryland Horse
Worcester County Health Department Sponsors Free Diabetes Support Groups in Pocomoke and Snow Hill
Prevent West Nile Virus Risk
Emergency Preparedness Night at the Shorebirds
Second Annual Ocean City Out of the Darkness Community Walk for Suicide Prevention
Worcester County Announces Cigarette Restitution Fund Mini Grants
Governor O’Malley joins Federal, State and Local Officials to Discuss Drug Overdoses
Dr. Patricia Tomsko Nay Appointed Executive Director of Office of Health Care Quality
Maryland Hospitals Commit to Better Support for New Breastfeeding Mothers
New Report Provides Health Data and Resources for Maryland’s American Indian and Alaska Native Community
Snow Hill Senior Center to Open as a Cooling Center this Weekend
New Report Provides Health Data and Resources for Maryland Hispanic Community Report is part of a series highlighting health data for specific racial and ethnic groups
Maryland Department of Environment Issues Air Quality Alert
Senior Centers Open as Cooling Centers
Majority of Marylanders Believe Climate Change Poses Public Health Threat Survey Examined Attitudes about Climate Change and Public Health
Public Health Update: State and Local Officials Respond to Increase in Heroin Overdoses
Worcester County Health Department urges caution concerning aggressive wildlife in Ocean City
Woodstock Organic Pomegranate Kernels Recall
Department to Convene Continuity of Care Advisory Panel Members of the public invited to serve on stakeholder workgroups
West Nile Virus Surveillance Begins Officials Urge Marylanders to Take Precautions
Update on Worcester County Health Department’s investigation into rabid raccoon situation in Ocean City
Maryland’s Ban on Sale of Crib Bumper Pads Takes Effect Tomorrow
Worcester County Health Department Investigates Rabid Raccoon Situation in Ocean City
Hospital Patient Safety Report Provides Data, Analysis, and Recommendations
BALTIMORE (June 13, 2013) – The Office of Health Care Quality (OHCQ) has released its annual Hospital Patient Safety Report, which analyzes the serious adverse events reported by Maryland hospitals in Fiscal Year 2012.
Burial Service to Be Held for Anatomical Donors
WORCESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT SPONSORS “LIFE SAVING” PROGRAM AT COMMUNITY CHURCH AT OCEAN PINES
TAKE A DEEP BREATH- YOU CAN QUIT SMOKING!
DHMH Seeks Public Comment on Regulation of Cosmetic Surgery Procedures
Marylanders Should Not to Consume Certain Frozen Berry and Pomegranate Mix Products
DHMH Reminds Marylanders to Stay Safe in Hot Weather
BALTIMORE, MD (May 29, 2013) – As Maryland prepares for the first heat wave of 2013, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reminds Marylanders to take the necessary precautions to avoid heat- related illnesses.
Worcester Health receives grant for regional health insurance consumer assistance program
The Maryland Health Benefit Exchange is the public corporation and unit of Maryland state government responsible for the implementation of the state-based insurance exchange through the Affordable Care Act.
The anticipated $1.2 million grant will fund the new program which includes staff who will provide face-to-face assistance with navigating Maryland Health Connection, the state-based health insurance marketplace, in Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties. The Lower Shore program operated by the Worcester County Health Department will employ 17 new positions to provide outreach, education, eligibility determination and enrollment services particularly to hard-to-reach populations.
Recreational Water Illness and Injury Prevention Week 2013
The Department Recognizes National Hispanic Hepatitis Awareness Day
DHMH Proposed Revised Consent Form to Authorize Minor Use of Tanning Devices
May 18th Youth Health and Leadership Summit to Include STI and HIV Prevention Information
New Laws Will Strengthen Patient Protections in Maryland
MARYLAND LAUNCHES HEALTH INSURANCE CONSUMER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM TO READY RESIDENTS AND SMALL EMPLOYERS FOR OPEN ENROLLMENT THROUGH MARYLAND HEALTH CONNECTION
Marylanders Encouraged to Dispose of Unused Medications During National Take Back Event
Awareness is Key to Preventing Rabies Infection
Maryland Releases Teaching Guide on Cultural Competency and Health Literacy to Improve Health Outcomes and Reduce Disparities
Tracy Tilghman appointed to Behavioral Health Director
Calls to the Maryland Tobacco Quitline Expected to Break Records Powerful New Anti-Tobacco Ads Launched in Maryland
Know the Risks: Prevent Oral Cancer
DHMH Highlights Health Impacts of STDs during STD Awareness Month
Worcester Health hosts 4th Annual Public Health Conference
Reach Out and Read Allows Healthcare Providers to Encourage Early Literacy
SPRING IN TO ACTION- YOU CAN QUIT SMOKING!
Maryland Resident Dies of Rabies: First state case since 1976
The Worcester County Health Department Announces 16th Annual Tortoise & the Hare Dare 5K Walk/Run
Worcester County Drug and Alcohol Council Seeking Nominations for Prevention Honorees
March 10, 2013 is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Maryland Releases Updated Chartbook of Minority Health and Minority Health Disparities Data
State Launches Online Resource Database for Children and Youth With Special Health Care Needs
In Maryland, over one third of families of these children report that they cannot easily access needed community based services and half of the same families report that they need help finding services for their youngsters. For families in rural areas of the state, it can be even more difficult to find specialty services.
Community Resource Day for the Homeless
Worcester County declares February - Children’s Dental Health Month
Worcester County Health Department Sponsors “Life Saving” Program in Collaboration with the Lower Shore YMCA in Pocomoke
NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY
Commit to Get Fit in 2013 and Just Walk in Worcester County
Tri County Go Red Event
Local Core Services Agencies provide assistance to eligible homeless people
Flu Remains Steady in Maryland
Community Resource Day for the Homeless
Maryland Reports First Hypothermia-Related Death this Winter
Additional Hepatitis C Cases in Maryland Found Related to Infected Healthcare Worker
Baltimore, MD (December 21, 2012) -- The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) today announced that through special molecular testing done on blood specimens at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), four more Maryland patients infected with Hepatitis C virus were found to have virus closely related to infections linked to David Kwiatkowski, a healthcare worker accused of diverting narcotics for personal use. The four were patients of Johns Hopkins Hospital during the time from July 10, 2009, to January 9, 2010, when Kwiatkowski was placed there by a medical staffing agency. The results are in addition to a previously identified and reported patient of the Baltimore VA Medical Center with closely related virus.
MARYLAND ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF ACCESS TO CARE PROGRAM
Baltimore (December 20, 2012) – The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH), the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange (MHBE) and the Community Health Resources Commission (CHRC) today announced the launch of Maryland’s Access to Care program. The Access to Care program is designed to foster collaboration between the state, health insurers and safety net providers as each plans for newly insured Marylanders who will start to access healthcare services in 2014. This program is built on the requirement that network plans offered through Maryland Health Connection, the state-based health insurance marketplace, provide meaningful access to critical health services including primary, reproductive, HIV/AIDS and behavioral health care.
COMMIT TO QUIT IN 2013- YOU CAN BECOME A NON-SMOKER!
Public Health Update: Heroin Overdose Deaths on the Rise; Rx Opioid Overdose Deaths Down
New Tobacco Quitline Services for New Year, New Smoke-free Life
World AIDS Day Commemorative Program
Baltimore, MD (November 29, 2012) - The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) Prevention and Health Promotion Administration recognizes December 1 as World AIDS Day, along with the World Health Organization, UNAIDS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and many local partners.
Give yourself the gift of health this holiday season
Holiday cheer isn’t the only thing that’s contagious this time of year. Winter months are prime time for the spread of colds and flu viruses.
Sale of Hazardous Baby Bumper Pads to be Banned in Maryland
Baltimore -- (November 16, 2012) – Following an 18-month investigation into the safety of baby crib bumper pads, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) has published final regulations to ban their sale in Maryland effective June 21, 2013.
Bain Center to Host Free ‘Arthritis Lunch and Learn’ Friday
Evidence-Based Recommendations for MD Hospitals To better support New Breastfeeding Mothers
ROCKVILLE, MD (November 13, 2012) – At Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) today released the 2012 Maryland Hospital Breastfeeding Policy Recommendations. The recommendations lay out evidence-based practices to help hospitals eliminate hidden barriers and support new mothers who choose to breastfeed.
Maryland Hep C Case Related To Similar Cases Under Investigation
Baltimore, MD (November 5, 2012) -- The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) today announced the results of special molecular testing done at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on a blood specimen from a patient of the Baltimore VA Medical Center with hepatitis C infection. The special testing indicates that the Maryland patient’s infection is closely related to infections linked to David Kwiatkowski, a healthcare worker accused of diverting narcotics for personal use.
Community Resource Day for the Homeless
Snow Hill, Md. – The Worcester County Homeless Committee will host a Community Resource Day for homeless people or people at risk of homelessness from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on December 5 at Stevenson United Methodist Church, 123 Main St. in Berlin
Kim Klump receives Outstanding Rural Health Volunteer Award
Snow Hill, Md. – Kim Klump, a local leader and advocate for suicide prevention, was recognized for her distinctive volunteer efforts and contributions to the community at the annual Maryland Rural Health Association Conference in Solomons Island last week.
The Worcester County Health Department and the Town of Berlin Parks Commission Partner to Promote Just Walk Berlin
Snow Hill, Md. – Fall in to fitness this November and participate in the inaugural Just Walk Berlin event to be held on Saturday, November 17 at Stephen Decatur Park, Rt. 113 and Tripoli Street, Berlin.
You Can Become a Non-Smoker
Snow Hill, Md. – November 15 is National Great American Smokeout Day. For individuals thinking about quitting smoking, this may be the best day to do it. The Great American Smokeout may offer just the support you need by knowing that other smokers are also giving up cigarettes for the day.
Maryland’s First Seasonal Flu Cases Reported
BALTIMORE, MD (October 19, 2012) - Seasonal influenza has officially hit in Maryland, with four confirmed cases, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) announced today. The first laboratory-confirmed cases of seasonal influenza have been diagnosed in four children in the Baltimore Metropolitan Region. One of the four was hospitalized, and all four are doing well. Three of the children had type A (H3N2) influenza, while one had type B influenza. Last season, the first confirmed case of influenza was reported on December 30, 2011.
Health Disparities Conference Highlights Maryland’s Groundbreaking Work to Improve Health Equity
DHMH Recognizes National Latino AIDS Awareness Day
BALTIMORE, MD (October 15, 2012) – The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) Prevention and Health Promotion Administration (PHPA) joins federal, state, and local partners around the country in the observance of October 15, 2012 as National Latino AIDS Awareness Day. This year’s theme is Hispanics United to End AIDS.
The Maryland Health Care Commission Announces Appointment of Ben Steffen as Executive Director
STATE SEEKS COMMENTS ON PROCEDURES FOR RECOMMENDING PHYSICIAN VISA WAIVERS
Maryland Receives CDC’s Top Score in Public Health Emergency Preparedness
Baltimore, MD (October 9, 2012) - Governor Martin O'Malley announced today that the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) has earned a top score in public health emergency preparedness from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The annual review and evaluation process was conducted earlier this year.
Worcester County Health Department receives high marks for emergency preparedness
Worcester County Health Department honored for excellence in public health communication
WORCESTER SCHEDULES FLU VACCINATION CLINICS
Snow Hill, Md. (Oct. 5, 2012) – The Worcester County Health Department urges all residents age 6 months and older to get vaccinated for the 2012-2013 seasonal flu.
Dr. Gayle Jordan-Randolph Appointed Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health
BALTIMORE (October 3, 2012) – Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) Secretary Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein announced today the appointment of Dr. Gayle Jordan-Randolph to serve as the Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health. In this position, Dr. Jordan-Randolph will provide executive direction to the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Administration, the Mental Hygiene Administration, the Developmental Disabilities Administration, and Forensic Services.
Investigation of Monarch MedSpa Expanded
BALTIMORE (October 2, 2012) – During the week of Sept 17, 2012, The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) and the Baltimore County Department of Health began investigating a cluster of three severe invasive Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections in persons who recently had liposuction at a cosmetic surgery center, Monarch MedSpa, in Timonium, Maryland. As reported previously, the procedures occurred in mid-August to mid-September. All three patients were hospitalized; one subsequently died. DHMH and Baltimore County ordered the facility closed on September 18.
Investigation of possible connection between meningitis and epidural steroid
Marylanders Encouraged to Rid Homes of Expired and Unused Prescription Drugs
BALTIMORE (September 28, 2012) – Tomorrow, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Marylanders will have another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Local law enforcement agencies and the Drug Enforcement Administration will host events for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Community Resource Day for the Homeless
Snow Hill, Md. – The Worcester County Homeless Committee will host a Community Resource Day for homeless people or people at risk of homelessness from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. on October 19 Atlantic United Methodist Church in Ocean City.
Maryland Recognizes “World Rabies Day”
DHMH Advises Marylanders Not to Consume Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter
(Baltimore) September 21, 2012 -- The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) is currently advising consumers not to consume or purchase Trader Joe’s brand Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter made with sea salt because of a potential link to a Salmonella outbreak. Other Trader Joe’s brand peanut butter products may also be affected. Out of an abundance of caution, consumers should consider setting aside and not consuming all Trader Joe’s brand peanut butter products while the investigation continues.