MDOD Logo with MD flag design above
MDOD Newsletter                                                                         May 7, 2020
First Lady's Mental Health Awareness 
Youth Art Display

One adult jumping outside with group of children. Caption is _Children_s Mental Health Awareness Week May 3-9_ 2020


This is Children's Mental Health Awareness Week and we would have been in Annapolis with First Lady Yumi Hogan at the Youth Art Display reception honoring Maryland's young artists.  While we can't be together in person, you can still enjoy the Youth Art Display online.  Mrs. Hogan and Deputy Secretary Christian Miele provide congratulatory remarks before the gallery of artwork.  Don't miss this really cool art show!

Are you wearing your green today to honor #ChildrensMentalHealthMatters Day???

First Lady Hogan in green jacket with green butterfly pin on lapel.   Collage of six people wearing green shirts.  

Governor Hogan Announces Preparation for Stage One of Reopening Plan  
  Maryland Strong Roadmap to Recovery logo on faded picture of Chesapeake Bay Bridge in baclground.

Governor Hogan announced yesterday the resumption of elective medical procedures and the broadening of permitted outdoor activities under the state's Stay at Home order. These directives have the unanimous support of the Maryland Coronavirus Recovery Team, including leading doctors and public health experts.   State Superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon also announced that schools will be closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year. 

These are the first steps as we prepare for the phased, safe, and gradual reopening of Maryland following the Roadmap to Recovery plan.  

For more information on Maryland's COVID-19 response, visit the Governor's webpage.  

New Transportation Policy Director 
          Close up of Mike Gerlach in tan jacket and white shirt.         

Michael Gerlach has been named Transportation Policy Director for MDOD.  You may recognize him as the creator and host of INSIGHT ON disABILITY radio talk show on WCBM.  Following his twenty year career at the FBI and brief retirement, Mike is returning to the workforce.  As a disability advocate for years, he has chaired several committees including the FBI's Persons with Disabilities Advisory Committee (PDAC), MD Transportation Administration (MTA) Citizen's Advisory Committee for Accessible Transportation (CACAT), and the Consumers For Accessible Ride Services (CARS) transportation advocacy committee at Disability Rights Maryland. Welcome to the team Mike!

You can reach him at [email protected]    

MACIL hosting Judy Heumann event
Head shot of Judy Heumann. She is wearing pink and black shirt and glasses.  
Need a break from the quarantine or working at home?
 
Join The Maryland Centers for Independent Living on May 20 at 2pm, as they host Judy Heumann reading from her new book, Being Heumann - An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist. There will also be time for Q&A!  
 
You must register in advance and there are limited spots, Judy Heumann event.  

Maryland Health Exchange deadline extended until June 15th!
Green and blue letters with 4-petal flower logo words _Maryland health Connection_  
Need health insurance?  The Maryland Health Connection is having a special enrollment period from now until June 15th.  For more information, visit their website.