Prince George's Proud:
An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks
Dear Prince Georgians:
I’m proud to announce that on Tuesday, July 6, Chief Malik Aziz was officially sworn into office as Police Chief for our Prince George’s County Police Department. Chief Aziz has a long and distinguished career in policing, and I know he is the right person to make our Police Department a national model for 21st century policing.
Chief Aziz joined our Police Department this past May after I appointed him to the position following an extensive national search. In his short tenure, he has already launched a summer crime reduction initiative focused on community engagement called Operation Heat Wave, and has made excellent progress implementing the reforms we adopted from our Police Reform Work Group. I selected Chief Aziz because he stood out as an individual who is reform-minded and has always placed an emphasis on the importance of community policing.
In his previous role as Deputy Chief of the Dallas Police Department, Chief Aziz had an impressive track record of crime reduction while being recognized as a national leader in community policing. As we work to reverse the national trend we’re seeing now of rising violent crime and prepare for the return of crowds to our County-based venues, Chief Aziz’s experience will be invaluable to Prince George’s County. In addition, Chief Aziz is at the forefront of a national movement toward interactive community policing. In 2014, Chief Aziz spoke at the “President’s Task Force on 21st Century Police.” His presentation impressed President Barack Obama, who invited Aziz to the White House to discuss policing.
Chief Aziz earned his Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Arlington and he holds an MBA from the University of Dallas. He is the former National Chairman and Executive Director of the National Black Police Association, has served as a Board Member on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, and is a recipient of the prestigious NAACP Joe Bagby Law Enforcement Leader Award.
Chief Aziz has proven himself to be a thought-leader who can turn those ideas into results to benefit the community. As we work to tackle crime while implementing reforms to make policing more equitable, I cannot imagine a better individual to lead our department forward. We are fortunate to have him here leading our Police Department, and we are excited to see how he will take our Department to even greater heights.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
VaxU Scholarship Promotion
The Governor announced a new promotion to get Marylanders ages 12 to 17 vaccinated. The new VaxU Scholarship promotion will provide $1 million in college scholarships to Marylanders ages 12 to 17 who get vaccinated. Drawings will start today, July 12, 2021. Any Maryland resident that has been vaccinated or gets vaccinated in Maryland is eligible to win. For more information, click here.
COVID-19 Relief Fund for Prince George’s County Nonprofit Organizations
 The Strategic Partnerships Nonprofit Relief Fund will provide up to $100,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations located in Prince George’s County who have been impacted by COVID-19. Eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for funds now through July 30, 2021. To learn more about the Strategic Partnerships Nonprofit Relief Fund, click here.
17 County Libraries Open for Full Browsing and Computer Use
 Cool down this summer and visit one of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System's 17 open branch libraries. The Library is now open Monday-Saturday for full browsing and computer use, no appointment needed. Free WiFi, study rooms, printing, scanning, curbside service (by appointment), and virtual/outdoor programs are also available. Visit pgcmls.info/reopening for current hours and location details. In addition, summer meals are available for youth under the age of 18 on weekdays from 1:00 to 2:00 PM through August 20 at the Beltsville, Fairmount Heights, Glenarden, Hillcrest Heights, New Carrollton, Oxon Hill, and Spauldings branch libraries.
Stand Up & Deliver
 We are continuing to work hard to address food insecurity in our County, and we want to provide information on upcoming distribution locations for our Stand Up & Deliver program.
Tuesday, July 13 at 9:30 AM (Groceries)
- Glassmanor Elementary School – 1011 Marcy Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD
Friday, July 16 at 11:30 AM (Groceries)
- Victory Grace Center at Port Towns Elementary School – 4351 58th Place, Bladensburg, MD
Saturday, July 17 (Groceries)
- Kingdom Fellowship @ High Point High School (8:30 AM) – 3601 Powder Mill Road, Beltsville, MD
- New Home Baptist Church (8:30 AM) – 8320 Landover Road, Landover, MD
- First Baptist Church of Highland Park (8:30 AM) – 6801 Sheriff Road, Landover, MD
- Ebenezer Church of God (9:00 AM) – 7550 Buchanan Street, Landover Hills, MD
Sunday, July 18 at 11:30 AM (Groceries)
- Community of Hope AME – 3701 Branch Avenue, Temple Hills, MD
Additional food distribution locations can be found on our website by clicking here. This map is updated regularly. If you are able to make a contribution to our Stand Up & Deliver program, please click here to donate.
 As you enjoy exploring Prince George's beautiful parks and streets, do your part by picking up discarded trash on your own. Learn more at www.pgcproud.com.
M-NCPPC Launches Recreation Without Walls Programming
 M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation presents new, safe, quality outdoor programs for youth and teens that will be held at community centers, parks, and various Department venues. All programs are free of charge, but some programs will require registration on a first-come, first-served basis. A few programs will be drop-in. For more information, visit pgxtremeteens.com.
2021 Basketball Skills Challenge Series
 M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting a basketball skills challenge series for boys and girls ages 6 to 14. In partnership with Jr. Wizards, the official youth basketball program of the Washington Wizards, the program will be held July 10, 17, 31 and August 7, 14, 21. To register, visit pgparksdirect.com.
Stay Cool and Healthy
 The County Health Department wants to ensure Prince Georgians beat the heat and avoid heat-related illnesses. Please watch for the following signs as temperatures rise this summer:
SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE
- Body temperatures over 105°F • Dry, red skin • Rapid, weak pulse • Rapid, shallow breathing • Convulsions • Disorientation • Delirium • Coma
Treatment - Call 911 • Cool bath or wet towels • Do not give fluids if the victim refuses water, is vomiting, or has fainted
SIGNS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION
- Dehydration • Cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin • Extreme weakness • Muscle cramps • Nausea • Headache • May vomit or faint
Treatment - Drink fluids • Rest in a cool, shaded area • Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve in an hour
SIGNS OF HEAT CRAMPS
- Muscle pain/spasms • Caused by loss of water and salt from heavy sweating
Treatment - Get the victim to a cool place • Rest comfortable • Stretch cramped muscles • Drink fluids
The County Health Department also urges residents to practice these tips to help cope with hot weather:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine and overly-sweetened beverages
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing
- Avoid direct sunlight and wear sunscreen; stay in the shade when possible
- Take it easy outside; schedule physical activity in the morning or evening
Visit the Health Department’s website for more information and health tips.
Cancel HIV Campaign
 Prince George’s County resident Linda Scruggs has been living with HIV for more than 30 years and seeks to shatter myths and stereotypes about HIV. In the Health Department’s latest Cancel HIV campaign commercial, Scruggs wants everyone to know “HIV may not be what you think it is, and it may not look like what you think it looks like.”
Scruggs reminds us that HIV is 100% preventable and to not fear getting tested—it will give you the power to take control of your health and your life. To watch Linda Scruggs’ testimony and more Cancel HIV campaign videos, visit the Health Department’s Cancel HIV YouTube playlist.
The Cancel HIV campaign was created through a bold national initiative consisting of 48 targeted jurisdictions whose goal is to reduce new infections and change the stigma surrounding HIV. The County Health Department encourages you to take action to cancel the HIV epidemic, get tested and know your status. For more information, and to learn about PrEP and other tools that can prevent HIV transmission, visit health.mypgc.us/EndingHIV.
Americans with Disabilities Act Virtual Celebration July 26
 The Prince George’s County Department of Family Services (DFS) is proud to support the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 31st Anniversary. On July 26, DFS will celebrate this important civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. In recognition of this significant event, the Department of Family Services and the Commission for Individuals with Disabilities will host the 31st Anniversary of the ADA virtually at 2:00 PM. To learn more, click here.
Office of Emergency Management Webinar Series July 15
 The Office of Homeland Security/Office of Emergency Management is pleased to present “Creating Resilient Communities: A Webinar Series!” This webinar series will provide residents with information and resources on how best to prepare for, respond to, recover from and mitigate disasters within your home and community. Each webinar is free and open to the community. Individuals and families, volunteers, community and faith-based organizations, local businesses, as well as government and private sector entities are encouraged to attend.
The first webinar is on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at 7:00 PM, and will provide residents with the tools and resources to properly prepare for a disaster. Register to attend today by clicking here.
Employ Prince George’s Programs
 Encore Experienced Workers Program
Many employers value experienced workers for their knowledge, maturity, and work ethic. However, finding a job is not easy, particularly for adults age 50+. Employ Prince George’s has launched the Encore Experienced Workers Program to help jobseekers age 50+ package and promote the valuable skills and experiences they can offer when finding employment. To learn more about the Encore Experienced Workers Program, call 301-618-8445, or email WSD@co.pg.md.us.
Career Pathways For All Program
Employ Prince George’s (EPG) is revolutionizing workforce development programs in the southeastern Maryland region by bringing its acclaimed customized program design to immigrants and refugees in Prince George’s County via the launch of the Career Pathways for All (CPFA) Program. The program development introduces a new approach to meeting the needs of the international talent and job seeker pool in the local area. CPFA aims to break language and cultural barriers by bridging the gap and developing relationships within Prince George’s County’s immigrant and immigrant servicing communities. If you are interested in enrolling in the Career Pathways For All Program or you would like more information regarding Employ Prince George’s services and offerings, visit www.EmployPG.org/CPFA, call 301-618-8445, or email WSD@co.pg.md.us.
KEYS Program – Employers Partner with Us
The Knowledge Equals Youth Success (KEYS) Program serves young adults ages 18-24 who are disconnected from educational and employment opportunities. Employ Prince George’s partners with local organizations to provide career opportunities for young adults who face significant barriers to employment. To learn more about how your organization can invest in the County’s youth, contact Denise Higgs at DMHiggs@co.pg.md.us or call 301-618-8422.
Virtual Veterans Kiosk
Take advantage of this unique service of the Veterans Employment Program. Join the Maryland Workforce Exchange (MWE) every Monday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, to speak to a veteran who can connect you with information about registering into MWE employment opportunities, resume and application help, benefits, trainings and more. Click here to join the meeting.
Navigate the Federal Hiring Process
Learn how to navigate the federal hiring process, find and apply for federal jobs and create a federal resume. Participants will also learn how to utilize USAJobs.gov and view vacancy announcements during this free workshop. Hear from Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialists, Shirley Garner and Timothy Walter, every fourth Tuesday and Wednesday of each month from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. To join the Zoom meeting, click here.
Career Readiness Workshops
The following is a list of Employ Prince George’s Education, Training and Assessments Department Career Readiness Workshops:
- Resumes That Represent – Tuesdays, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Interviews That Impress – Wednesdays, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Soft Skills That Sell – Thursdays, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
To register, visit www.employpgedge.com, create an account and click “Live Meetings.”
Capital Bikeshare to Expand Presence in County
 Over the next two to three years, Capital Bikeshare will expand operations in Prince George’s County, adding 30 stations and 200 bikes to some of the most densely populated areas in our community. The nearly $1 million investment will add bicycles to areas including Langley Park, Chillum, Largo, and a stretch of Route 1 from Mount Rainier to Greenbelt. Read more about Capital Bikeshare’s expansion around the region by clicking here.
Betting Big on the Blue Line
 We have an ambitious economic development plan to increase median wages, create jobs, grow our commercial tax base, and build new affordable housing in the County. We will make historic investments along the Blue Line Metro Corridor to help us achieve these goals. Click here to read more about the County Executive’s economic development plans.
Hometown Athletes to Watch in Tokyo Olympics
We are excited to see several highly talented Prince Georgians - Kevin Durant, Jerami Grant and Frances Tiafoe - compete in the Tokyo Olympics starting this month. These athletes are excellent examples of the greatness that grows in Prince George’s County! Click here to read about the athletes representing our region in the Tokyo Olympics set to begin July 23.
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