(4/2021) It’s Spring! Warm temperatures and sunshine bring a renewed sense of hope. Adding to the hope-filled spirit is an increasing supply of vaccine, which will allow us to return to a sense of normalcy in the coming months.

Vaccinating people against COVID-19 is Job One in Frederick County. It is an all-hands-on-deck effort. Staff from the Frederick County Health Department and nearly every division of Frederick County Government have stepped up to help deliver this critical service.

About 30% of all county residents had received their first vaccine by the end of March. Tens of thousands of people have come through one of our clinic locations. For some living in senior communities, our clinics came to them. We are coordinating the vaccination effort with Frederick Health Hospital and other community partners.

My mission has been to increase the number of doses coming into Frederick County so that our community receive its fair share of vaccine. We are now expecting a much larger supply in April, which will allow us to ramp up our vaccination efforts. By the end of this month, all Marylanders over the age of 16 will be eligible for the vaccine. You can pre-register now. Fill out a Vaccination Interest Form at the Health Department’s website, FrederickCountyMD.gov/CovidVax. You can also sign up for one of the State-run mass vaccination clinics, including one in Hagerstown, at CovidVax.maryland.gov. If you prefer, you can call Frederick County’s Vaccine Appointment Center at 301-600-7900 to set up your appointment.

Getting vaccinated is how we will win this battle against the virus. We all need to do our part and be smart. Continue wearing your mask, washing your hands frequently, and watching your distance when you are around people outside of your household. And when it is your turn, please get vaccinated. Together we will get past this pandemic!

Detox Services

The virus has made life difficult for everyone, especially for those who were already struggling with addictions. Last year, Frederick County reported 275 opioid-related overdoses and 59 deaths as a result. Recovery is a long and difficult journey. We can help those on that journey by making treatment and services available in our community. For years, detox was a missing piece of the treatment puzzle in Frederick County. I am pleased to announce that medically supervised detox services are now available locally to provide treatment and hope.

I set aside $500,000 in the County’s budget as an incentive to bring withdrawal management services to our community. At the suggestion of Sheriff Jenkins, I also offered unused space on the second floor of the Work Release Center as a possible location. Maryland Treatment Centers was awarded the grant after a competitive process. First, they expanded the level of service and number of patients that could be treated at Mountain Manor in Emmitsburg. Now they are about to open a second site, Mountain Manor at Marcies Choice Lane. There are now 46 beds available for detox services in Frederick County.

I’m pleased that the incentive offered by the County’s grant and use of our space had the desired result - to bring much-needed detox services to Frederick County. To find help with an addiction, call the Health Department’s Behavioral Health Services staff at 301-600-1755, visit http://health.frederickcountymd.gov/BHS, or email BHS@FrederickCountyMD.gov.

Mobile Crisis Response

Frederick County is helping people with substance misuse in other ways, too. When someone is facing a crisis because of alcohol, drugs, or other behavioral health issue, people around them often don’t know who to call. It is important to connect people immediately to the services they need. We know that law enforcement alone does not have all the resources that may be needed in these delicate situations.

That is why we recently expanded Frederick County’s mobile crisis response services. The program is designed to reach people where they are and when they need it. Through a partnership with the Health Department and Sheppard Pratt’s Way Station, trained counselors can respond to the scene to help during a crisis. Social workers, peer counselors, and others can be summoned by a call to 2-1-1’s hotline or 9-1-1. Eventually, services will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

My goal is to ensure better outcomes and provide the best possible care for the people of Frederick County.

Capital Improvement Projects

Each year on April 15, I release my proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Preparing the county budget is the most important responsibility I have as County Executive and the most significant task we do together as a community. As I write this, some critical budget information remains uncertain. For instance, the State Legislature is in session until April 12 and often makes decisions that impact our budget, including new mandates or cost shifts to the counties. I can tell you that my budget will be based on the existing property and income tax rates. We will continue to live within our means.

There is good news in capital budget for the northern part of Frederick County. The six-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) includes renovations to Thurmont Elementary School. This project is designed to extend the life of the school and improve the "open concept" design. Most of the work will occur while students are out of the building during summer breaks. Renovations will include addressing security needs, upgrading systems, and improving the interior.

The CIP also includes design work for the new Richard W. Kanode Farm Park. This farm was gifted to the county by Mr. Kanode. Plans are for a unique park that will reflect on our rich agricultural heritage and include more passive activities like trails, camping, fishing, and more. The park also could include demonstration projects related to agriculture. We will form a citizen committee to develop a master plan for the park, and a public process will follow.

Design for the Thurmont-to-Catoctin Furnace Trail, also referred to as the H & F Trolley Trail, is planned in year two of the CIP. The capital budget also includes plans for an expansion of the Animal Control Center, new fire stations, schools, and park expansions.

We are working hard to ensure a bright future for everyone in Frederick County!