Maryland Rural Health Infrastructure Initiative
The University of Maryland School of Medicine Department of Family and Community Medicine, proposes a rural and urban health infrastructure enhancement initiative to
- Address COVID-19 health disparities and inequities
- Develop a community workforce trained in all aspects of COVID-19 prevention, mitigation, and vaccines
- Outreach to the community to link members to primary care and chronic disease care
- Educate community on Long COVID and connect to resources
- Develop a pandemic preparedness blueprint including the workforce, necessary for future readiness
- Build infrastructure to encourage interest and excitement around health professional careers in order to better recruit and retain health professionals in health professional shortage areas.
This initiative will include a multi-partner community-based effort to expand the workforce and educate/train community members to ensure and expand equitable access to COVID-19 resources, and services.
Areas to be served under project:
- West Baltimore City
- Caroline County
- Dorchester County
- Kent County
- Somerset County
- Talbot County
- Queen Anne’s County
- Wicomico County
- Worcester County
Our Partners
Upcoming Events
Health Information: Colon and Breast Cancers, Tobacco Prevention and Treatment, Chronic Diseases, Updated COVID 19 Vaccine, Post/Long COVID 19, and Nutrition.
Screenings for: Diabetes and High Blood Pressure Preventive Care Services – Primary Care Providers Health Agencies and Services - Family Services (Adults, Children and Youth).
Past Community Events
April 2023: Outstanding Public Health Leader Award
April 28, 2023: AME Zion Church Kickoff
May 28, 2023: Hispanic and Haitian Community Health Fair
June 24, 2023: Healthy Families Lower Shore Annual Picnic
June 24, 2023: Juneteenth Event and Health Fair
August 1, 2023: National Night Out: West Baltimore
August 5, 2023: Health Fair and Back to School Event
August 12, 2023: Back to School Giveaway and Health Fair
August 12, 2023: Back to School and Food Giveaway
August 26, 2023: Back to School Giveaway
September 14, 2023: Team Ujima TV Interview
September 23, 2023: Team Ujima Health Fair and Food Giveaway
October 20, 2023: Latino Resource Festival
February 24, 2024: Straight From the Heart Health Fair and Food Giveaway
Resources
COVID-19
CDC’s COVIDVaxView Dashboard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to share weekly COVID-19 vaccination data using a variety of data sources. A new resource, COVIDVaxView Interactive, goes deeper with a look at variations in vaccine confidence by demographics and geography.
COVID-19 Home Tests Available. Every home in the U.S. is again eligible to receive four (4) free at-home tests ordered at www.covid.gov. Delivery is free through the U.S. Postal Service.
Home Test to Treat is a new program funded by the National Institutes of Health focused on providing COVID-19 care and treatment for adults who are at greater risk of being affected by COVID-19. Adults who do not currently have COVID-19 or flu may enroll and receive free tests if they are uninsured or are enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, the Veterans Affairs health care system, or the Indian Health Services. Individuals who are currently positive for COVID-19 can enroll to receive telehealth services for COVID-19 and treatment (if prescribed) at no cost. Enrollees may also be invited to participate in a completely optional research component of the program. Informational flyers are available in English and Spanish.
Long COVID
Long COVID (NIH)
What You Need to Know About Long COVID (NIH)
Guidance on “Long COVID” as a Disability Under the ADA, Section 504, and Section 1557 (hhs.gov)
Long COVID and Fatiguing Illness Recovery Program (hsc.unm.edu)
Evaluating and Supporting Patients Presenting with Cognitive Symptoms Following COVID (cdc.gov)
National Research Action Plan on Long COVID (hhs.gov)
Supporting Employees with Long COVID: A Guide for Employers (Job Accommodation Network)
Preparing to Discuss Post-COVID Conditions with a Healthcare Provider (CDC)
Learn About Long COVID & Fatiguing Illness - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention fund this monthly webinar-style ECHO learning session to rapidly disseminate findings about Post-COVID Conditions (PCC) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). The series offers presentations by subject matter experts, examples of emerging best practices and models of care, and a facilitated Q&A. This program is intended primarily for providers who care for patients with PCC and ME/CFS but is open to all healthcare professionals and all Long COVID and ME/CFS patient-lived experience experts interested in learning more about the treatment of Long COVID and ME/CFS.
Tobacco Health
Commercial Tobacco Cessation Messaging Toolkit for Medicaid Healthcare Providers
E-Cigarettes
Health Risks of E-Cigarette Use (American Heart Association)