Greetings District 8 Neighbors,

I hope that you have been able to enjoy this holiday season and the close of 2020.  As we approach 2021, a new year, I am certain we all are taking a pause to reflect on a year that we could never have imagined. Anticipating a year that will bring back the normalcies in life, the simple things in life that are more important to us now, seeing smiles, feeling a warm hug, and the hope that we will take better care of ourselves and each other.  This issue is to share the importance of self-care, a new released Public Service Announcement, information on the vaccine and entertainment to close out your year with joy! 

An alliance of community leaders and other stakeholders, including the Prince George’s County Council, Renaissance Treatment Center, Dementia Friendly America – Prince George’s County, and several residents who served as the primary talent for the “Better Choices PSA” have launched a new campaign called Reach Out Prince George’s. The campaign is committed to helping residents better understand the warning signs and risks of unhealthy alcohol and other drug use.  The campaign seeks to reach all segments of our community and underscore the importance of daily self-care, seeking help if necessary and utilizing available resources during these challenging times. 

View the  “Better Choices” Public Service Announcement video - Click Here 

Full Press Release of Reach Out Prince George's released 12-30-20 - Click HERE

To learn more, visit ReachOutPGC.org. 

For more information please contact Andrea Syphax at alsyphax@rmgrtc.org or      301-925-2255.

We realize that Covid-19 has caused increases in behavioral disorders, therefore we dedicated activities to support the launch and education of the Reach Out Prince George’s campaign. On December 4th, Maryland Addiction Consultation Service (MASC) and Prince George’s County Council District 8 hosted  “Older Adults and Substance Use Disorder” CME/CEU Training. Also, the release of the “Better Choices” Public Service Announcement video was shared during our “Moving Forward: Be Intentional About Your Self-Care” webinar on December 21.  Moderated by D-8's new team member, Demetrius Keller, Constituent Services Program Manager, with the District 8 presenters addressing caregiving, trauma and crisis support, domestic violence, grief and support, self-care, and medical signs. This was an engaging and festive conversation that provided resources and information you can apply immediately to enhance your life.  Click Here to view the Moving Forward: Be Intentional About Your Self Care

The Moving Forward series was launched in May 2020 to provide mental health support and interaction as we navigate through this pandemic. To view all the Moving Forward webinars and other District 8 webinars and videos, Visit my YouTube page and Subscribe to receive updates, click Councilwoman Monique Anderson-Walker YouTube page

D-8 was in the community on December 23, 2020 at Southview Apartments giving out 100 food bags and stuffed animals to residents. None of the residents have been evicted at Southview Apartments during this pandemic. Our team was committed to bringing some holiday cheer to the apartment complex management team and the community.

Special Thanks to all of our partners for making the holiday food and toy distribution a reality for his community. Thanks to Key to Karma Inc., Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Oxon Hill Food Pantry and Lynn & her neighbors for food donations. We also extend thanks to Amerigroup for the tote bags, Arch of Knowledge, Inc. for the stuffed animals and the donations and volunteers from the Ashford Civic Association.

Our week long "MOVING FORWARD: Tap into YOU" events (December 14 -December 18, 2020) for our youth to help them alleviate their mental stressors was excellent. We will be providing more offerings for our youth for their social emotional wellness in 2021..Stay Tuned! If your youth have ideas of what would interest them, please let us know. 

Recapping the week: Monday was a Self-Care presentation, Tuesday featured college students talking candidly about their journey and the impact of COVID-19, Wednesday - game day and a writers/art competition, Thursday we featured Maryland's own, David E. Talbert's (Director & Producer) "Jingle Jangle"  movie for Family Movie night and on Friday, the writers competition finalists competed, winners were announced and awarded a mentorship by a local producer.

On December 30, 2018, our community was devastated hearing of the loss of three children sitting in the car with their parents at a stop light on #210. Our hearts broke for Alexis & Juanita Mejia, the couple that lost their 3 children, five year old twins, Alexander and Rosalie and one year old Isaac, instantly and also had severe injuries. Today marks the two year anniversary of that horrendous crash! I had literally just begun my term as the District 8 Prince George's County Councilwoman and I knew I had to do something about the reckless driving that caused the loss of these three beautiful and innocent children, as well as other lives  taken that were just as precious to their families and our community. I launched #DrivingItHome to educate and promote a change in the driving culture. While we have made some inroads with adults and by visiting our high schools and providing simulation courses, the need is still great. Too many lives are still being taken by senseless crashes by distracted and speeding drivers. Our mission of changing the driving culture continues! 

When I saw the story of the Mejia Family this evening on NBC News, my heart felt sad seeing the picture of the three children, but I found myself smiling when I saw the sweet face of their new son, Jacob Isaac, who strongly favors his siblings. How precious of a gift he is! It was also the first time I have seen Alexis and Juanita Mejia smile. Realizing their hearts are forever broken, I am so glad they still have the capacity to feel happy. This family remains in my thoughts and prayers.  Click Here for News 4 Story

We have lost a friend, a former colleague, a District 8 resident, Mr. Kevin A. Carter. Kevin was a kind and thoughtful gentleman, who never met a stranger. He was the devoted husband to Renee and loving father to Sasha. This sudden loss hit all of us extremely hard! How blessed we were to have known Kevin. Our sincere condolences and prayers continue for Renee, Sasha, for the family and the host of friends that are hurting. Rest In Peace Kevin!

In July 2020, we shared that District 8 has a Prescription Assistance Program that provides support to District 8 residents for their medications. This partnership with local District 8 businesses, Adventist Healthcare Fort Washington Medical Center, Greater Baden Medical Services, Allentown Pharmacy and MECMO, have made life changing impacts in District 8 residents. Whether you have a current or chronic illness or COVID-19, we can provide assistance with paying for your prescription. Chronic health conditions, i.e. Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Hypertension (HTN), HIV/AIDS, Pediatric Disease, Congestive Health Failure (CHF), End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), Asthma or other respiratory illness and Behavioral Health conditions, are covered under our program. We want to help you financially, so your mind can relax and you can focus on your health. Reference the contact names and numbers on the flyer for individualized assistance. Your Health Is Your Wealth!  Click Here to learn more about the D-8 Prescription Assistance Program and how it can help you.