Community Connections Newsletter

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Friday, June 3, 2022

Prince George's Proud:

An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks

Dear Prince Georgians:

It is such an exciting time in Prince George’s County! Yesterday, we celebrated the grand opening of two brand new Fire/EMS facilities: Station 802 and the Candidate Physical Ability Test (C-PAT) Health and Wellness Facility.

We are extremely proud to finally be able to celebrate this occasion. The opening of Station 802 has been in the works for a long time, as planning began back in 2015. This state-of-the-art 14,000 square foot station will offer firefighters access to a dayroom, outdoor patio, designated office and conference areas, a kitchen, and a gym. The station also has four bays, male and female-designated bunk beds, a Duty Chief’s office, and has also been assigned an engine, tiller truck, and a paramedic ambulance.

The opening of the C-PAT facility is also cause for celebration because it is the first of its kind in our County. Prince George’s County’s first responders will now have access to a 16,000 square foot facility dedicated to their health, wellness, and training. Our Fire/EMS Department now has the ability to screen prospective candidates throughout the entire year and is able to provide physical training and resources for candidates to prepare for the testing process. In addition, the facility will also serve as a Health and Wellness center for all Fire/EMS Department employees who want to utilize the gym and other equipment for their own fitness.

While these new facilities are welcome additions to our County, and we are excited to celebrate their opening, it is just as important for us to acknowledge what our first responders have given to this community, day after day for many years. Through emergencies and a global pandemic, through crises and tragedies, they sacrifice their own safety and well-being to ensure Prince Georgians are safe and healthy, and we thank them for making the commitment to public safety.

We want our first responders to know that we are committed to ensuring they have the resources necessary to do their jobs effectively and safely, and that we will continue to invest in their training and development so that they may continue to proudly serve Prince Georgians.

Yours in service,

Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive


Fire/EMS Grand Opening

Fire/EMS Grand Opening

2022 Maryland Gubernatorial Primary Election

Register to Vote Today!

Primary Election Dates

The 2022 Maryland Primary Election will be held on July 19, with early voting from July 7 through July 14. We are encouraging all Prince Georgians to register to vote by June 28. Residents are also strongly encouraged to apply for a vote by mail ballot. For more information on the primary election, how to register to vote, and the vote by mail process, contact the Board of Elections at 301-341-7300 or visit their website here.


COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 Testing Site Closure

Bunker Hill Closing

The COVID-19 testing site at the Bunker Hill Fire Station will no longer offer testing after 2:30 PM on Friday, June 3. COVID-19 testing is available at multiple locations throughout the County. To find a clinic near you, visit the County Health Department website here.


Children 5 to 11 Eligible for COVID-19 Boosters

5-11 Booster

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have authorized children ages 5 to 11 years to receive a booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least five months after receiving their second dose.

Individuals 12 years and older may also receive a booster dose of Pfizer at least five months after their second dose. Individuals 50 and older and individuals 12 and older who have weakened immune systems may receive second booster doses at least four months after their first booster dose.

The County Health Department offers COVID-19 vaccinations and booster doses for residents ages 5 years and older at the Cheverly Health Center and the Maternal and Child Health Center of Laurel by appointment only. Vaccines are also widely available at pharmacies, grocery stores, and other health care providers countywide. To find a vaccination clinic near you, visit the County Health Department website here.


COVID-19 Vaccination Update

Vaccine Supply & Administration

COVID Data Numbers 6.2
  • The County Health Department has provided over 223,000 vaccinations, including 25,800 additional doses to those fully vaccinated.
  • During the month of May, the County Health Department provided 330 vaccinations.
  • Our mobile units provided over 270 vaccinations in the community during the month of May, focusing on homebound and senior residents.
  • More than 19,200 vaccinations have been provided to children ages 5 to 11 years since the vaccine became available for that age group in November 2021.

Vaccination Locations

Proud to Be Protected

The County Health Department no longer operates a standing mass vaccination clinic. The COVID-19 vaccine is available through the County’s mobile vaccination units or at the Cheverly Health Center and Maternal/Child Health Center at Laurel, by appointment only. There are a number of vaccination sites available in Prince George’s County that are not operated by the County. Please remember that we do not manage nor control appointments or distribution for any locations not operated by the County Health Department.

Prince George’s County Health Department

  • Cheverly Health Center and Maternal/Child Health Center at Laurel: To schedule an appointment, individuals should visit the County Health Department website here.
  • Mobile Vaccination Units: The County’s mobile vaccination units are typically reserved for homebound residents and other high-risk residents who require assistance in getting access to the vaccine. Individuals who are interested in our mobile vaccination units should call PGC311 and press # for assistance.

Additional Non-County Operated Sites

  • Please use our County Vaccine Locator to find additional vaccination sites operated by pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare partners.

Progress Toward Vaccination Goals

COVID Data Percentage 6.2
  • Over 1,627,800 vaccinations have been provided to 700,310 County residents, including 585,377 second doses and 342,210 additional doses.
  • As of June 1, the CDC has reported 95% of adults ages 18 and older have received at least one vaccination in the County, and 85% are fully vaccinated.
  • When including all residents ages 5 and older, 95% of residents have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 80.8% are fully vaccinated.
  • The CDC reports 48.3% of residents ages 18 and older who are fully vaccinated have received a booster or additional dose as of June 1.
  • Approximately 34.6% of County residents ages 5 to 9 years and 64.5% of County residents ages 10 to 19 years are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

County News For You

Stand Up and Deliver

Stand Up and 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. 

Friday, June 3 at 12:30 PM (Groceries)

  • Ebenezer AME Church – 7707 Allentown Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744
  • Faith Temple No. 2 Free Will Baptist Church – 211 Maryland Park Drive, Capitol Heights, MD 20747
  • Ennon Baptist Church – 9832 Piscataway Road, Clinton, MD 20735

Saturday, June 4 at 9:30 AM (Groceries)

  • First Baptist Church of Highland Park – 6801 Sheriff Road, Landover, MD 20785

Saturday, June 4 at 10:00 AM (Groceries)

  • Mount Joy Baptist Church – 5410 MD-210 (Indian Head Highway), Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Saturday, June 4 at 11:30 AM (Groceries)

  • United Baptist Church – 7701 Riverdale Road, New Carrollton, MD 20784

Tuesday, June 7 at 9:00 AM (Meals & Groceries)

  • St. Mark The Evangelist – 7501 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville, MD 20783

Tuesday, June 7 at 10:00 AM (Meals & Groceries)

  • Glassmanor Elementary School – 1011 Marcy Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Wednesday, June 8 at 9:00 AM (Meals & Groceries)

  • Metropolitan Seventh Day Adventist Church – 6307 Riggs Road, Hyattsville, MD 20783

Wednesday, June 8 at 10:00 AM (Meals & Groceries)

  • Maple Spring Baptist Church – 4131 Belt Road, Capitol Heights, MD  20748
  • Langley Park-McCormick Elementary School – 8201 15th Avenue, Adelphi, MD  20783

Thursday, June 9 at 12:00 PM (Meals & Groceries)

  • LAYC/MMYC@CEP/WMMS – 6200 Sheridan Street, Riverdale, MD 20737

Friday, June 10 at 11:00 AM (Meals & Groceries)

  • Benjamin Stoddert Middle School – 2501 Olson Street, Temple Hills, MD 20748
  • Beltsville Seventh Day Adventist – 4200 Ammendale Road, Beltsville, MD 20705

Friday, June 10 at 12:30 PM (Meals & Groceries)

  • Faith Temple No. 2 Free Will Baptist Church – 211 Maryland Park Drive, Capitol Heights, MD 20747
  • Victory Grace Center at Port Towns Elementary School – 4351 58th Place, Bladensburg, MD 20710
  • St. Paul Church – 6419 Marlboro Pike, Forestville, MD 20747
  • The First Baptist Church of District Heights – 7234 Lansdale Street, District Heights, MD 20747
  • Ebenezer AME Church – 7707 Allentown Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744
  • Mt. Ennon Baptist Church – 9832 Piscataway Road, Clinton, MD 20735

2022 State of the Economy Address

2022 SOTE

The Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is partnering with the Business Roundtable and the Office of the County Executive for the 2022 State of the Economy Address and Breakfast on Tuesday, June 7 at 8:30 AM. We encourage residents to join us to learn more about the County Executive’s economic outlook for the County including new plans for economic development, engaging the County’s workforce, the impact of COVID-19 on the County, as well as its recovery. Residents will be able to tune in to the 2022 State of the Economy Address on Facebook.


Taxicab Board Appointment

Darlene Bennett

On Tuesday, May 31, Ms. Darlene Bennett was confirmed as a member of the Prince George’s County Taxicab Board. Ms. Bennett, a resident of Suitland, has been a proud Prince Georgian for more than 20 years and is retired from the federal government. We are confident that her knowledge and expertise will be a great addition the Taxicab Board.


Holiday Waste Collection Schedule 

Juneteenth Day

County Government offices, with the exception of public safety agencies, will be closed on Monday, June 20, in observance of Juneteenth Day. Curbside collection of food scraps & yard trim will occur on Monday, June 20. All regular trash, bulky, and recycling collection services remain on a regular schedule for residents receiving County provided services. Residents eligible to participate in the food scraps composting program should remember to place their food items in the green organics cart for collection. Food items not put in the organics cart will not be collected. For more information on waste collection services, visit the Department of the Environment website here.


Curbside Bulky Trash Collection

Bulky Trash

As a friendly reminder, remodeling and construction debris are not accepted in curbside bulky trash pickup. All County residents are permitted to bring one (1) noncommercial or non-modified pickup or trailer load of C&D material per year to the landfill (proof of residency required). Some items may be properly disposed of at the Brown Station Road Sanitary Landfill in Upper Marlboro. To view acceptable and non-acceptable items and learn more bulky trash collection tips, visit the Department of the Environment website here.


Apply for Free Spay and Neuter Services

DoE Spay Neuter

The Animal Services Division is offering qualifying Prince George’s County residents the opportunity to receive FREE spay and neuter services. Spaying and neutering will help your pet live a healthier and longer life and “Keeps the Litter Away.” For more information about the program and to find out if you qualify, contact the Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center at 301-780-7200 or visit the Department of the Environment website here.


$5 Cat Adoption Fridays

Cat Adoptins Tuesday Tip

April showers bring May and June flowers and lots of cat and kitten litters!  Help these furry pets find their forever home and adopt one all summer long. From now through October, Prince George’s County’s Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center will host $5 cat adoptions every Friday. Each adoption includes spay/neutering, current and age-appropriate vaccinations, and microchips. For more information, call 301-780-7201.


June is Men’s Health Month

Men's Health Month

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men in the United States, on average, die five years earlier than women and die at higher rates from the three leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries. The County Health Department recognizes Men’s Health Month in June to raise awareness about the importance of regular and routine health care for men, as well as encouraging boys, men, and their families to practice and implement healthy living decisions like exercising, eating healthy, and checking in on their mental health needs. For more information on services and resources that preserve and promote the health and wellbeing of the men and boys in our lives, visit the Health Department’s website here.


Youth Leadership Academy Applications For Summer 2022 Now Open

YLA Summer 2022

The Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights (OHR), in partnership with the Department of Family Services’ Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Division, is pleased to accept applications for the Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) on a rolling basis. Youth ages 12 years to 22 years are encouraged to apply.

Summer 2022 YLA will run for eight consecutive Tuesdays, from July 12 to August 30, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The virtual sessions will provide youth leaders a hands on introduction to the four pillars of the Youth Leadership Academy: discrimination, language access, human trafficking, and social justice. 

The YLA promotes peer-to-peer education on civil and human rights issues while developing civil and human rights social influencers who are passionate and knowledgeable. The YLA further seeks to develop youth-led ideas, programming, and execution across a wide range of areas.

The OHR is the County’s civil and human rights education and enforcement agency and has four divisions:  investigations of allegations of discrimination; leading a coordinated collaborative response to sex and labor trafficking through the Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Task Force; implementing and managing equal access to County services regardless of English proficiency through the Language Access Compliance Program; and robust outreach and engagement programing to build community and to reduce incidents of hate, bias, and violence. In addition, the OHR oversees an immigration defense program for detained Prince Georgians.

All interested youth are encouraged to reach out to OHR by email at OHRStaff@co.pg.md.us or visit their website here for more information.


2022 Grand Slam Annual Meeting

2022 Grand Slam

Join the Office of the County Executive for the 2022 Grand Slam Annual Meeting on Wednesday, June 22 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. Participants will learn more about project and procurement opportunities from our economic development agencies. Register to attend here.


Complete the Public Preparedness Survey Today!

OEM Preparedness Survey

The Prince George’s County Office of Homeland Security/Office of Emergency Management’s (OEM) Public Preparedness Survey is now LIVE and OEM wants want to hear from you! Residents are encouraged to complete this brief survey today. The information collected in this survey will help OEM and the County better prepare for, respond to, mitigate, and recover from natural and manmade disasters. You can complete the survey here


PGCPS Class of 2022 Shines Bright!

Crossland Grads

Graduation ceremonies for more than 7,000 Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) grads kicked off in May and will conclude on Tuesday, June 7. Class of 2022 seniors earned approximately $200 million in scholarship awards and acceptances to hundreds of colleges and universities nationwide – including twelve seniors who earned four-year, full-tuition scholarships from The Posse Foundation.

The Class of 2022 also includes the first graduates from the new Online Campus for students who thrived in a virtual learning environment and students who participated in College Track at the Durant Center, which provides scholarships, after-school tutoring, and emotional and financial support to Suitland High School students all the way through college.

For the complete graduation schedule, student highlights, photo galleries and links to graduation videos and livestreams, visit the PGCPS website here.


PGCPS Summer Programs Spark
Students’ Learning

PGCPS Spark

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) Summer Programs provide opportunities for acceleration, enrichment, intervention, credit recovery and original credit. These programs are offered at no cost, either in-person, virtually or hybrid.

Summer programs include pre-kindergarten and kindergarten readiness, math and reading skill development, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) enrichment, environmental education, support for students transitioning to high school, Career and Technical Education (CTE) exploration, college preparation and more!

For more information, visit the PGCPS website here.


Spotlight On Prince George's

Prince George’s County Siblings Graduate As Valedictorian and Salutatorian

PGCPS Twins

Photo Courtesy of Kellye Lynn/7News

Twins Imrane Oumarou Ba and Mounira Oumarou Ba recently graduated as valedictorian and salutatorian of Central High School! The siblings have both earned college scholarships to Louisiana State University. Check out this article featuring the twins discussing this amazing accomplishment.


11-Year-Old Prince Georgian Ranked Top Pool Player

Pool Champ

Photo Courtesy of Fox5

Prince Georgian D'Angelo "Jawz" Spain is currently the top-ranked pool player for the 13 and under division of the Junior International Championships! D’Angelo began playing pool at the age of 4 and is now traveling all over the country to play in pool tournaments. Check out this article featuring D’Angelo’s story.