Maryland Community Health Resources Commission
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April 29, 2021 | Issue 68 |
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The CHRC issues DDA Call for Proposals
On April 15, the CHRC issued a Call for Proposals for Title 7 Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) providers. This RFP provides a total of $5 million in emergency grant funding made available by the Maryland General Assembly as part of the Recovery for the Economy, Livelihoods, Industries, Entrepreneurs, and Families (RELIEF) Act of 2021, introduced by Governor Hogan. Under the language of the RELIEF Act, the funding is available to support pandemic-related: (1) re-opening costs; (2) transformation; and (3) revenue loss. Click here to access the RFP and application documents.
The CHRC will be issuing these one-time only grants on a non-competitive basis to DDA providers. Maximum award levels will be based on each applicant’s 2019 DDA provider payments revenue. Applications are due to the CHRC no later than 12:00 noon on May 10, 2021, and should be submitted on-line to:
mdh.chrc@maryland.gov
On April 21, CHRC and DDA staff hosted an informational call for prospective DDA applicants. The CHRC has posted a "frequently asked questions" document on its website. Click here to access the FAQ document.
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Mary’s Center Hosts Second Gentleman Emhoff and U.S. Representative Raskin |
On March 30, 2021, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff and U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin visited Mary’s Center in Silver Spring to highlight its work on COVID-19 vaccinations and testing. With its trusted history serving the Latinx community, Mary’s Center has played a vital role in ensuring equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine and other essential safety net services.
Mary’s Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) which provides comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral and social services, regardless of the individual’s ability to pay. The CHRC has supported Mary’s Center through a number of grant programs over several years, including two recent programs to help Mary’s Center’s continue to serve patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mary’s Center received a COVID-19 Emergency Grant last year to support telehealth and prenatal remote monitoring equipment for routine prenatal care. In March 2021, Mary’s Center was approved for a grant to support its employee health program. For more information, click here.
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Lower Shore Clinic Featured on Channel 47 ABC News |
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Lower Shore Clinic, an integrated primary care and behavioral health provider based in Wicomico County, was featured recently on Channel 47ABC News in a segment highlighting mental health challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Loneliness is a significant health issue that is not really talked a lot about in this country,” said Lower Shore Clinic CEO Dimitri Cavathas. Providers are hopeful that the pandemic ultimately will result in an increased focus on mental health and a reduction in the stigma that can be associated with these services.
CHRC has supported the Lower Shore Clinic through a number of grant programs. A 2016 grant supported the "CareWrap" program to target individuals with behavioral health needs who present at the local Emergency Department. These clients are provided with intensive case management services in a community setting post-hospital discharge, reducing avoidable hospital readmissions.
Last year, CHRC awarded Lower Shore Clinic a grant to support its Healthy Foods program, which increases access to fresh produce, provides nutritional education, teaches cooking skills, and positively impacts members' A1C levels – all while eliminating food waste in the community. This program supports implementation of the Maryland Diabetes Action Plan. To access the The Channel 47ABC News story, click here.
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The Rural Maryland Council Announces Opening of
FY 2022 Grant Application Process
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The Rural Maryland Council has announced the opening of the FY 2022 grant application process for the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) and the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF). Letters of Intent are due Friday, May 21, 2021. More information can be found here.
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The Maryland Department of Health Latest Updates on the COVID-19 Pandemic |
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The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) provides daily updates as they become available. Visit the MDH websites for the most current information about COVID-19 and Maryland's ongoing response to the pandemic.
To access the MDH coronavirus disease web page, click COVID-19 Maryland. The web page now provides links to information on COVID-19 vaccine availability, the locations of vaccination sites including mass vaccination sites and vaccination clinics, and options for scheduling vaccination appointments. Visit Vaccine.
In addition, MDH offers MD COVID Alert, which uses Bluetooth Low Energy technology to quickly notify users who might have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 with the goal of reducing infections in Maryland. For more information about the app, click COVID Alert.
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May is High Blood Pressure Awareness Month.
A 2020 study found a reduction in both awareness and treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) among adults in the US. If left uncontrolled, hypertension can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other illnesses, including COVID-19. For more information, visit the CDC.
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Larry Hogan, Governor
Boyd K. Rutherford, Lieutenant Governor
Dennis R. Schrader, Secretary of Health
CHRC Commissioners: Elizabeth Chung, Chair; J. Wayne Howard, Vice Chair
Scott T. Gibson, Celeste James, Maulik Joshi, DrPH, Edward J. Kasemeyer, Karen-Ann Lichtenstein, Carol Masden, LCSW-C, Destiny-Simone Ramjohn, PhD, Erica I. Shelton, MD, Ivy Simmons, PhD
Mark Luckner, Executive Director
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