(9/2021) The past few weeks have been difficult for our community, with the sudden passing of two much-beloved public servants, Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services Battalion Chief Joshua Laird and Frederick Police Lt. Andrew Alcorn IV. Both men devoted their lives to helping people. They showed us that there is honor in serving others.

We are blessed to live in a community with so many people like BC Laird and Lt. Alcorn, men and women who selflessly give their time and talents to make life better for everyone who calls Frederick County home. I want to thank all who serve our community. Whether you are a public servant or a volunteer, your actions make a difference and you are appreciated.

COVID-19

Frederick County has seen a sharp increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases over the past few weeks. This has led to a dramatic rise in the number of hospitalizations at Frederick Health Hospital, including in the Intensive Care Unit. The Delta variant is spreading quickly here, as it is doing all across the nation.

Our best tool to stop the spread is to vaccinate as many people as possible. There are about 60,000 adults in Frederick County who remain unvaccinated. It is up to all of us to protect our children, who are not eligible for vaccines. Even vaccinated people should wear masks inside public places, according to public health experts.

My call to action for you is this: 1. Get vaccinated. The vaccine is free and easy. Child care and transportation options are available to help. 2. Wear masks at indoor public places until our transmission rate is back to a moderate level. And 3. Do your part to protect our children and other vulnerable populations, including the elderly, and to keep schools and our economy open.

New Initiatives

I am pleased to share news of two new initiatives that Frederick County hopes to launch, with support from our Federal partners. The first is a Mobile Career Center, which would bring technology and training for job searches to rural parts of the county. The center will offer computers, internet access, career guidance, and other services to people who may not have broadband or transportation.

Our Mobile Career Center will work in partnership with non-profit organizations such as the Seton Center to enhance the offerings they provide. There will also be opportunities for middle and high school students to learn about jobs that are in demand by local employers. Frederick County’s Mobile Career Center will allow us to meet people where they are. Congressman Jamie Raskin included $250,000 for the career center in an appropriations bill passed by the House of Representatives.

The second community project for Frederick County included in the bill is a Crisis Stabilization Center. People who are in crisis or under the influence of a substance can go to a Crisis Stabilization Center instead of a hospital emergency department. The center offers short-term medical care and links individuals to community resources that they may need.

We are working hard to address substance misuse and addiction, as well as mental health challenges, in Frederick County. A Crisis Stabilization Center has been a missing piece in that effort. Our goal is to provide the right services to people when they need them most. A visit to the Crisis Stabilization Center may help to de-escalate a situation and provide more appropriate services to people who are facing a crisis. Congressman David Trone joined Congressman Raskin in designating $850,000 for this much-needed service. I appreciate their efforts to secure this funding for Frederick County.

Recovery from substance misuse is a long and difficult journey. There is hope. Frederick County is celebrating National Recovery Month throughout the month of September. This year’s theme is "Recovery Is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community." We are shining purple lights on Winchester Hall this month in honor of National Recovery Month. Our Health Department will mark the occasion on September 16th and 17th with virtual celebrations. For more information, email Jeffrey Thompson at JThompson2@FrederickCountyMD.Gov.

Have a safe and healthy autumn!