Maryland Community Health Resources Commission
August 31, 2021 | Issue 72
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Update: Implementation of Health Equity Resource Communities
The Maryland Health Equity Resource Act, approved during the 2021 legislative session, provides significant new grant funding and state resources for local communities to address health disparities, improve health outcomes, expand access to primary care and prevention services, and help reduce health care costs. The CHRC will implement this Act with the assistance of the Health Equity Resource Community (HERC) Advisory Committee, the Maryland Department of Health’s Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities, and Chesapeake Regional Information System for our Patients (CRISP). The HERC Advisory Committee will be providing technical assistance during the implementation and evaluation of the HERC program.
The Maryland Health Equity Resource Community (HERC) Advisory Committee held its first meeting on August 11th, click here for a summary of the meeting. The two HERC Subcommittees (the Pathways Data & Evaluation and Call for Proposals Design Subcommittees) met for the first time last week.
The CHRC and HERC Advisory Committee are seeking public comment on key questions related to the HERC/Pathways initiative. A public comment period has been launched, and responses will be presented and discussed at upcoming HERC Subcommittee meetings to be held virtually on September 7th and September 8th. Comments may be submitted by completing the forms posted on the HERC webpage. Those not able to submit written comments prior to the subcommittee meetings will be able to present during the meetings on September 7th and 8th. Comments may be submitted to mdh.chrc@maryland.gov.
The Pathways Data & Evaluation Subcommittee will meet virtually on September 7th at 9:00 am. The Pathways Call for Proposals / Design Subcommittee will meet virtually on September 8th at 8:30 am. The Pathways Consumer Outreach & Community Engagement Subcommittee will hold its first meeting virtually on September 13th. Information to join these meetings can be found on the HERC webpage.
If you would like to be added to the HERC Initiative email distribution list, please visit the Health Equity Resource Community (HERC) and Pathways Mailing List Sign Up sheet.
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MedStar Health Launches the Food Rx Program in Baltimore
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MedStar Health received a two-year CHRC grant to support the Food Rx program, an evidence-based medically tailored food and nutritional support program for patients with multiple complex chronic conditions and/or food insecurity, who are referred through the Collaborative Care Program at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital. The Collaborative Care Program (CCP) is an innovative new approach to coordinate primary and specialty care for patients living with multiple complex conditions.
The Food Rx program is designed to improve clinical outcomes for chronic disease, eliminate food barriers for vulnerable populations, and decrease racial and socioeconomic health disparities. The program supports vulnerable residents impacted by food insecurity, which helps to support Maryland’s overall goal of addressing diabetes. Once enrolled, patients will receive weekly shipments of fresh produce, including bread and eggs, and will also have access to the program’s food pantry embedded within the CCP clinic. A Food Rx dietitian will assist each patient with nutrition education and the selection of non-perishable goods.
Click here to view a press release about the program. For more information about CHRC grants supporting diabetes programs, click here. |
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The Coordinating Center Expands Pediatric Specialty Care Services to Rural Maryland
The Coordinating Center received a two-year grant from the CHRC to expand VIPhysicians&Kids, its medical home and care coordination services program for children and youth with special health care needs, to rural Maryland. The program, in partnership with the Maryland Rural Health Association, will expand access to much-needed pediatric specialty health services for at-risk and vulnerable children in Allegany and Caroline counties. Click here for a press release about the program. For more information about CHRC grants supporting rural Maryland, click here.
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UMSOM Awarded Federal Grant to Expand Project Supported by the CHRC
The Department of Family & Community Medicine (DFCM) and the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) recently received a $7.8 million grant from the HRSA to fund the Community-based Workforce for COVID-19 Vaccine Outreach Program at UMSOM. This program will support families with children aged 12-15 years old, including those with special behavioral health needs, by addressing barriers to COVID-19 vaccinations. It will also provide culturally relevant information, practical support, and one-on-one conversations with trusted community partners about vaccine concerns. This multi-state program builds upon community work already underway by UMSOM in partnership with key community and faith-based groups in Baltimore city to reach the most vulnerable and underserved communities that is funded by a grant from the CHRC.
Click here for a press release about the program. For more information about CHRC grants, visit the CHRC website.
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SAMHSA Training Opportunity - Clinical Guidance on Treating Pregnant and Parenting Women with Opioid Use Disorder
SAMHSA and the University of Maryland are offering an eight-hour clinical guidance training on the optimal management of pregnant and parenting women with opioid use disorder and their infants. Maryland Behavioral Health Administration Deputy Secretary Aliya Jones and MDH Director of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau Shelly Choo will be among the presenters and panelists. The training will be held virtually at 9:00 AM on September 13th and 14th. For more information and to register, click here.
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The Maryland Department of Health Latest Updates on COVID-19
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The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) continues to provide daily updates as they become available.
Visit coronavirus.maryland.gov for the most current information about COVID-19 and Maryland's ongoing response to the pandemic, and the M DH public hub covidLINK that provides additional information about COVID-19 including answers to questions about the COVID-19 vaccines and how to get vaccinated.
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September is National Recovery Month
For resources to increase awareness of mental health and substance use disorders, encourage treatment, and celebrate recovery, click here.
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Larry Hogan, Governor
Boyd K. Rutherford, Lieutenant Governor
Dennis R. Schrader, Health (MDH) Secretary
CHRC Commissioners: Edward J. Kasemeyer, Chair, J. Wayne Howard, Vice Chair, Scott Gibson, Flor Giusti, Celeste James, David Lehr, Karen-Ann Lichtenstein, Carol Masden, Sadiya Muqueeth, DrPH, Destiny-Simone Ramjohn, PhD, Ivy Simmons, PhD
Mark Luckner, Executive Director
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