Maryland’s governor delivered some good news and some dismaying news to the county regarding the COVID–19 vaccine this week. Gov. Larry Hogan (R) yesterday announced that Montgomery County would be getting one of six new mass vaccination sites around the state. However, the governor also issued an order that forbade other jurisdictions, such as the county, to make vaccine priority rules that were different from the state’s rules.
The county’s Department of Health and Human Services is accepting applications from nonprofit organizations for the FY22 Community Services Grants Program, officials announced. The one-time grants of up to $10,000 are available “to support health and human service projects that promote a safe, healthy, and self-sufficient community.”
The Montgomery County Food Council has added surveys in three additional languages as it seeks resident input regarding 2021 food security initiatives. The survey, which launched in January, is now available in French, Amharic and Mandarin in addition to English and Spanish.
The African American Health Program has expanded its effort to encourage the county’s Black residents to get tested for the COVID-19 virus. The organization is partnering with Black faith organizations such as the Islamic Society of the Washington Area and Black Greek letter organizations like Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity to help reach the targeted communities.
The county’s COVID-19 vaccination clinics have expanded their service and begun vaccinating people between the ages of 65 and 74, as well as essential workers and individuals with developmental disabilities, the Department of Health and Human Services announced. “Essential workers” include transit workers, teachers, and childcare workers.
Montgomery County Recreation will offer a limited number of indoor, instructor-led sports and fitness activities at four community rec centers beginning Tuesday, Feb. 16, the department announced. The program, RecFit-Limited, is the first in-person recreation program offered at community recreation facilities since last March when the facilities closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The African American Health Program Executive Committee recently launched a free COVID-19 testing program targeting the county’s African American residents, the committee announced. The targeted COVID-19 response program, with the tagline “Don’t Stress. Take the Test.” is offered a various drive-through locations around the county and also includes need-based wellness services.
Editor’s note: This guest post and photo is from Jonna Huseman, who began the Voices project to document the lives of friends and neighbors in Silver Spring and Takoma Park and how they may have changed since the shelter in place order. It originally appeared on her blog, The Sligo Creek Photographer.
Editor’s note: This guest post and photo is from Jonna Huseman, who began the Voices project to document the lives of friends and neighbors in Silver Spring and Takoma Park and how they may have changed since the shelter in place order. It originally appeared on her blog, The Sligo Creek Photographer.