CORRECTION - Community Connections Newsletter

Community Connections Header

Friday, July 1, 2022

Prince George's Proud:

An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks

Dear Prince Georgians:

We are excited to share that we have officially kicked off our Youth@Work/Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP) to provide safe and productive opportunities for our youth this summer! For more than 30 years, Prince George’s County has proudly supported this summer program to give our young people a chance to work and learn, and this year we are providing approximately 6,000 youth with summer employment.

SYEP is an award-winning program through our Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM) that provides job readiness training, career workshops, and entry-level summer employment opportunities to young people ages 14 to 22. Youth who apply and are selected for the program are placed in constructive summer work experiences in County government agencies, private sector companies, non-profits, and other community organizations. In addition, SYEP’s Talent Pipeline Program will provide some of our youth with employment once the summer is over.

We are also excited to share that the award-winning Alsobrooks Summer Passport Experience, officially launched during the summer of 2021, has returned this summer, and will provide summer opportunities to 1,000 County youth. The Alsobrooks Summer Passport Experience offers summer activities and programs for youth ages 12 to 15. The program is based on three Es: Education, Entrepreneurship, and Experience/Entertainment, and provides youth with opportunities for fun and growth in areas including STEM, health and beauty, self-care, mental health, trades, entrepreneurship, and more.

We want to take this opportunity to thank all our community partners for their dedication and commitment, as well as their efforts to create opportunities for our youth. We would also like to thank OHRM’s Summer Youth Enrichment Program team and the staff from the Office of the County Executive who work hard each year to make these programs shine. These programs have a proven track record for our young people, and we are extremely proud of everyone who helps make it a reality year after year.

Lastly, we want to thank all of our young people who applied to participate in these programs during the application period and are eager to learn new skills over the summer. We recognize the importance of providing our youth with meaningful opportunities that help propel them into fulfilling careers, and every summer, we are always so proud of those who come to work with this wonderful program. We all have something wonderful to offer this world, and we are excited to provide opportunities such as this where our youth can learn and grow. 

Yours in service,

Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive


2022 Maryland Gubernatorial Primary Election

Vote By Mail

Voting

We encourage all registered voters to vote by mail. It’s easy and convenient! Submit your vote by mail application by Tuesday, July 12. Completed ballots can be deposited in any of the 38 drop boxes located throughout the County. Text VBM to 77788 or call 301-341-7300 to apply for a mail-in ballot. For more information, visit the Board of Elections website here.


Early Voting

Vote

Early voting starts next week! Eligible voters can vote in-person at any of the 13 early voting centers in the County from Thursday, July 7 through Thursday, July 14. Polls will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. For more information or to locate an early voting center near you, visit the Board of Elections website here


Beautification Initiatives

Improve Our Air & Soil Quality

Air

This summer, make use of the Department of Environment’s tree planting and gardening programs to beautify your home, neighborhood, and improve our air and soil quality! Learn more by visiting the Part of It, Proud of It website here.


Proud to Be Around Prince George's

Police Chiefs’ Association of Prince George's County’s Annual Awards Ceremony

Police

County Executive Alsobrooks attended the Police Chiefs’ Association of Prince George's County’s Annual Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 22 to celebrate the accomplishments of distinguished officers and civilian employees. Each year, there are officers and personnel across our County who distinguish themselves, and this ceremony honors and supports members of police departments across our community who set an example for their peers. We are extremely proud of the honorees and thank them for their service, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment to this community.


The Margaux Groundbreaking Ceremony

Image

County Executive Alsobrooks attended the groundbreaking of The Margaux in New Carrollton on Wednesday, June 29. Through a partnership between WMATA and Urban Atlantic, and with funding from the Amazon Housing Equity Fund, The Margaux will offer workforce housing opportunities for teachers, first responders, healthcare workers and those who are vital to the success of our community. As Prince George’s continues to grow and thrive, we are working to ensure that those who have contributed to our community through the years can continue to live here.


Denney House: Serving our Seniors

Image

County Executive Alsobrooks celebrated some of our phenomenal seniors at the Denney House Serving Our Seniors event yesterday! We want to thank the Denney House, for taking the opportunity to honor those who have contributed to our community for decades.


Suitland High School Groundbreaking Ceremony

Image

Yesterday, County Executive Alsobrooks celebrated the official groundbreaking of the new Suitland High School building, the first step in a years-long, multi-phase project. This is the 10th school we have broken ground on in 2 years, and we are proud to make these investments in our students. We are committed to our young people and to the future of our County’s education system. 


COVID-19 Updates

Babies Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccinations

Image

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) authorized and recommended Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for children 6 months and older. The County Health Department recommends families vaccinate their infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to reduce their chances of COVID-19 infection and reduce the severity of their symptoms if they are infected. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective. Before it was authorized for children across age groups, scientists and medical experts reviewed safety and effectiveness data from clinical trials involving thousands of children. Vaccination is the best way to protect children from COVID-19.

Visit the County Health Department website here or the State of Maryland website here to locate a nearby clinic and make an appointment. The CDC’s updated COVID-19 vaccination guidance for children and teens can be found here.


COVID-19 Vaccination Update

Vaccine Supply & Administration

Covid
  • The County Health Department has provided over 223,600 vaccinations, including 26,300 additional doses to those who are fully vaccinated.
  • During the month of June, the County Health Department has provided over 320 vaccinations at the Cheverly Health Center and Maternal/Child Health Center at Laurel.
  • Our mobile units have provided over 200 vaccinations in the community during the month June, 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 neither 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
  • Over 1,658,800 vaccinations have been provided to 704,126 County residents, including 592,358 second doses and 362,364 additional doses.
  • As of June 30, the CDC is reporting 95% of adults ages 18 and older have received at least one vaccination in the County, and 85.4% 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 81.2% are fully vaccinated.
  • The CDC reports 48.8% of residents ages 18 and older who are fully vaccinated have received a booster or additional dose as of June 30.
  • Approximately 34.8% of County residents ages 5 to 9 years and 64.8% of County residents ages 10 to 19 years are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

County News For You

Independence Day Waste Collection Schedule

Image

County government offices, with the exception of public safety agencies, will be closed on Monday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Curbside collection of food scraps and yard trim will be suspended Monday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday, and will resume on Monday, July 11. Regular trash, bulky and recycling collection services remain on a regular schedule for residents receiving County-provided services. For more information on waste collection services, visit the Department of the Environment website here.


July 4th Pet Safety Tips

Pet

The 4th of July holiday is often full of barbecues, pool parties, and fireworks. Though the celebrations are jam-packed with entertainment, it can be traumatic for our furry friends. Residents are encouraged to keep the safety of your pets a priority when celebrating the 4th of July with these tips.

  • Make sure your pet has up-to-date identification on their collar or consider getting your pet a microchip.
  • Do not leave your pet unattended in the backyard when fireworks are going off. The sound could send them running or cause them to try to dig out of the yard.
  • Keep alcohol and foods left on dinner plates away from your pet. Some foods are dangerous for pets to consume.
  • If you see a pet in distress, be sure to contact the Prince George’s Animal Services Facility at 301-780-7200 to report your concerns.

Curbside Bulky Trash Services

Bulk

Residents with County-provided services can place up to 2 standard bulky items at the curb, next to your trash cart, for collection on their regular trash day. Appointments for white goods/appliances and scrap tires still required for the County curbside bulky trash program. For more details and to view a list of acceptable items, visit the Department of the Environment website here.


Groundbreaking of WB&A Trail Bridge

Image

The M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County and Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Patuxent River Bridge, connecting the two counties on the WB&A Trail. The event provided an opportunity to see the location and take photos with the key parties involved. The 550-foot bridge will serve as a key link in the Maryland section of the East Coast Greenway and other regional trails. Construction is expected to be completed in Fall 2023. Learn more by visiting the Department of Parks and Recreation website here.   


Prince George’s County and Local Developers Break Ground on New Affordable Senior Housing Community in Clinton

Image

On Thursday, June 16, Housing Initiative Partnership (HIP), a non-profit real estate developer of affordable housing, Parallax Development Group, a minority-owned real estate developer, and Banc of America Community Development Company broke ground on the construction of The Residences of Springbrook, an affordable, 90-unit senior apartment complex in Clinton. The Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) provided $3 million in HOME Funds, $750,000 in Housing Investment Trust Funds and the County approved a Payment in Lieu of Taxes to keep this project affordable for seniors.

The Residences at Springbrook will be a four-story building with two elevators and will include a fitness center, cafe, party room, walking paths, lounges and laundry rooms on each floor, and a hospitality suite for overnight guests. The complex will also include an on-site resident services coordinator and 69 parking spaces for residents and guests. The anticipated completion date for this project is slated for the Fall of 2023. The development team will begin accepting leasing applications at that time.


Creating Resilient Communities Webinar Series

Image

The Office of Homeland Security/Office of Emergency Management continues its Creating Resilient Communities Webinar Series on Tuesday, July 19 at 7:00 PM! This free webinar offers ways to support the mental health of students in grades K-12 as they deal with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and more. During this webinar, participants will learn the symptoms and warning signs of depression, anxiety and how to help families and communities better manage these changes during challenging times. Register today here.  


A More Convenient Way to Prevent Diabetes

Image

The County Health Department reminds residents that registration is open for the latest FREE diabetes prevention classes that fit your busy schedule!

Health And Lifestyle Training (HALT) is a year-long, online diabetes prevention program featuring 26 tailored video sessions with trained lifestyle coaches. Participants download and watch the pre-recorded sessions weekly on their own time. A new set of classes begins on Monday, July 11, 2022, and runs through Monday, July 10, 2023. To register, call 301-856-9465 or email wellnessinfo@co.pg.md.us.


National HIV Testing Day

Image

Monday, June 27 was National HIV Testing Day which highlights the need for residents to get tested routinely for HIV, understand proven prevention practices, and get linked to care and treatment if they are diagnosed. The theme for 2022, “HIV Testing is Self-Care,” is timely, given that self-care has been a particularly important topic during the pandemic. HIV testing is self-care because knowing your status gives you powerful information to stay healthy and be you! Information and resources about HIV testing, treatment, and support available in Prince George's County was found here.


Spotlight On Prince George's

Prince George’s County Welcomes Behavioral Health Center

Ribbon

Prince George’s County recently celebrated the grand opening of the Luminis Behavioral Health Center, which is located on the campus of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center in Lanham. This behavioral health center will offer a broad continuum of behavioral health services starting this summer. Check out this article to learn more about the new center.