One Maryland
A Message from the Governor Covering the Uninsured
Over the past two years, we’ve expanded access to quality, affordable healthcare to 100,000 more Marylanders through expanded dental coverage for children, increased Medicaid funding, enhanced prescription drug coverage for our seniors, and a unique public, private partnership that expands coverage to employees of small businesses. A promise made is now a promise delivered, and thanks to President Obama’s Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, we’re able to expand that coverage even further.
This week, I was proud to stand with Senator Ben Cardin to kick off “Cover the Uninsured Week,” a statewide effort to promote healthcare services and to enroll eligible families and children into existing programs.
Click here to learn more about yesterday’s announcement.
Martin O’Malley, Governor
March 22nd-28th is “Cover the Uninsured Week”
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Cover the Uninsured program aims to address our nation’s healthcare issues. March 22nd-28th is “Cover the Uninsured Week.” This initiative engages policy-makers, educators, students, health care professionals, grassroots advocates, faith leaders, the business community, and active citizens in raising awareness about those uninsured individuals in all 50 states and the District. The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is sponsoring events throughout this week to provide opportunities for healthcare coverage for uninsured Marylanders. To find a listing of events near you, click here.
Additional Funding for Local Law Enforcement Agencies
The State of Maryland will become the first State in the country to use American Recovery and Reinvestment funding to match up to $10,000 to support new officers for every U.S. Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Servicing (COPS) grant to local jurisdictions. This funding will help equip new law enforcement officers hired by local agencies with the funding they need to protect our communities. While COPS funding will pay the salaries and benefits of new officers, Governor O’Malley’s program will provide up to $10,000 to provide these officers with education and training, and equipment such as radios, bullet proof vests, and laptops for cruisers so that new officers are equipped with resources to keep them and our streets safe. To find more information on how to apply, click here. The Governor’s program will be administered by the Office of Crime Control and Prevention and local jurisdictions who have received COPS funding and who want to apply for the Maryland grant should click here.
Supporting the Nutrition of Our Children
The Maryland State Department of Education’s School and Community Nutrition Programs Branch will receive over a million dollars to distribute as grants to area schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. The funding targets the purchase of school meals equipment. The Equipment Assistance Grants are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. For more information on Maryland’s childhood nutrition programs, click here.
