#ENewsYouCanUse | Get Pre-Registered for the COVID-19 Vaccine, Vaccine Myths vs. Facts, View Council Sessions and Resources

Greetings District 6 Residents,

On Monday, March 15, Prince George’s County entered Phase 1C for vaccine distribution.

Who Does Phase 1C Include:

• Adults 65-74 years of age;
• Public safety not covered in Phase 1A;
• Clergy/religious leadership;
• Health and human services not covered in Phase 1A;
• Essential workers at high risk of exposure;
• Individuals receiving treatment in a hospital (including hospital outpatient centers) AND diagnosed with at least one of the following conditions.

Individuals who live or work in the County that have pre-registered and are eligible in Phase 1C will begin to receive appointments at the County Health Department’s vaccination clinics. More information can be found on the Phase 1C flyer which can be accessed by clicking the flyer or visiting the embedded weblink.

Vaccine Pre-Registration/
Distribution Locations

Whether you opt to be vaccinated a County regulated or State regulated vaccination site, pre-registration is required throughout the State of Maryland. Additionally, while the County Health Department currently operates five vaccination clinics in the County, in addition to three mobile vaccination units, there are a number of vaccination sites available in Prince George’s County that are not operated by the County.

You have to two options for pre-registering to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

1. For County Regulated Sites: Pre-register with the County Health Department’s clinics at https://bit.ly/PGCVaccineForm. Anyone who lives or works in Prince George’s County that wishes to receive the COVID-19 vaccine must fill out the Health Department’s pre-registration form.  Residents with limited access to the internet are encouraged to dial "311" and press "#"  from 7:00am to 7:00pm, Monday - Friday, for further assistance.
2. The State of Maryland is now requiring eligible residents to pre-register to get vaccinated at Maryland mass vaccination sites like Six Flags. To increase your chances of receiving a vaccine appointment, we encourage everyone to Pre-register as soon as possible by visiting COVIDvax.maryland.gov or 1-855-634-6829. You may also text MDReady to 898-211 to receive appointment notifications for the State’s mass vaccination sites. 

We encourage you to sign up at these other sites to increase your options to receive a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.  Additionally, please remember that the County does not manage nor control appointments, or distribution for any sites besides those operated by our County Health Department. 

Prince George’s County Health Department

• Locations: Health Department’s Cheverly Health Center, Southern Regional Technology & Recreation Complex, Laurel Beltsville Senior Activity Center, Kentland Community Center, Cedar Heights Community Center, and Mobile Vaccination Units.
• Appointments: Individuals who live or work in Prince George’s County should fill out the pre-registration form to be added to the waiting list. Individuals who cannot fill out the pre-registration form online should call 311 and press # for assistance.

Six Flags America Theme Park & Other State Vaccination Sites (Not County-Operated)

• Appointments: Sign up for appointment updates at mass vaccinations sites by texting MDREADY  to 898-211. Visit covidvax.maryland.gov for more information.
• Older adults in Phase 1 can call the Maryland Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccination Support Center at 1-855-MDGOVAX (1-855-634-6829) to schedule vaccine appointments at mass vaccination sites. The call center is open seven days a week from 7 AM to 10 PM. The Vaccination Support Center is specifically designed to assist older adults and residents without Internet access.
• Those who have signed up with the County Health Department’s pre-registration list may receive appointments through this site. The County provided the State with 31,000 names from its pre-registration list.

Safeway Pharmacies (Not County-Operated)

• Locations: There are several Safeway pharmacies offering COVID-19 vaccinations in the County.
• Appointments: Eligible individuals can learn more and view available appointments online here.

Giant Food Pharmacies (Not County-Operated)

• Locations: There are several Giant Food pharmacies offering COVID-19 vaccinations in the County.
• Appointments: Eligible individuals can learn more and view available appointments online here.

CVS Pharmacies (Not County-Operated)

• Locations: There are several CVS pharmacies offering COVID-19 vaccinations in the County.
• Appointments: Eligible individuals can learn more and view available appointments online here.

Hospital Clinics (Not County-Operated)

• Locations: Major hospital systems in the County are each running their own vaccination clinics.
• Appointments: You can use covidvax.maryland.gov to locate hospital clinics offering vaccinations and learn how to register for appointments.

Reid Temple AME Church (Not County-Operated)

• Location: Reid Temple AME, 11400 Glenn Dale Blvd, Glenn Dale, MD
• Appointments: The Reid Temple AME vaccination clinic is operated in partnership with
  Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center. Appointments can be made by pre-registering through Luminis Health. Learn more here.

First Baptist Church of Glenarden (Not County Operated)

• Location: FBCG Family Life Center, 600 J Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD.
• Dates: Currently, the clinic is scheduled to run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from March 16 – June 30, 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Dates and times are subject to change as FBCG seeks to accommodate more members of our community.
• Appointments: The First Baptist Church of Glenarden vaccination clinic is operated in partnership with University of Maryland Capital Region Health. Appointments can be made by visiting umms.org/GetTheVaccine or calling the State of Maryland COVID-19 Vaccination Support Center at 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829).  More information can be found on First Baptist Church of Glenarden's COVID-19 Vaccination Information Page: https://fbcglenarden.org/vaccine/.

The Arc Prince George’s County (Not County-Operated)

• Appointments: The Arc Prince George’s has received clearance from the State to open a COVID-19 vaccine clinic to Prince George’s County residents who are 65 years of age or older. There will be an audit process to screen out those who are not eligible. Seniors can express interest in getting the vaccine by filling out a form online here.

The Prince George's Health Department is working closely with state and federal partners and is committed to keeping all residents, employees, and visitors to Prince George’s County safe and healthy.  Additional guidance can be found on the County's official Coronavirus web portal as well as our District 6 COVID-19 Resource section towards the bottom of this newsletter.  Residents will find a number of helpful infographics on pre-registering/obtaining the vaccine, helpful information to distinguish the facts versus the myths behind the COVID-19 vaccine and what to expect once you become eligible to receive the vaccine.

This pandemic is a rapidly evolving situation, so it’s even more important to keep yourselves and your communities informed about COVID-19 and the latest updates by visiting the Prince George's COVID-19 Dashboard, designed to providing the latest information on COVID-19 data trends to the public. While some restrictions have been lifted, we can not relax our efforts in getting the pandemic under control.  '

We must stay vigilant by practicing social distancing and our daily hygiene regimens.  Please continue to do your part into keeping our communities safe; look for one another; family members, neighbors, friends, especially our seniors, and those with comprised immune systems and respiratory illnesses. 

LET'S COMMIT TO....

• Getting vaccinated;
• Washing our hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
• Wearing masks and face coverings; to assist in preventing the spread of the virus, especially
  in areas where it is hard to maintain social distancing, such as grocery stores and pharmacies;
• Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water
  are not available;
  
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Please be assured that as further developments are made available, the District 6 team will continue to use this platform as well as our social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) to provide you with the most up to date information.   Stay safe.  Stay well.  Stay informed.

May God continue to Bless and Keep US ALL.

County Council, Venture Philanthropy Partners and Fair Chance Celebrate First Cohort of Non Profit Capacity Building Partnership  - "Prince George's Proud" Graduation Event

The Prince George’s County Council, Venture Philanthropy Partners (VPP) and Fair Chance celebrated the first cohort of the Ready for Work Nonprofit Capacity Building Program during “Prince George’s Proud,” a virtual graduation event on Friday, March 18th. 

The Ready for Work Nonprofit Capacity Building Program, a partnership with the Prince George’s County Council, was formed to build the capacity of nonprofits based in Prince George’s County, strengthening nonprofits to become organizations that can collaborate to provide support that will help young people achieve their goals. Through this initiative, four selected nonprofits are not only provided with the support they need to become high-performing organizations, but will have the opportunity to practice and strengthen their grant writing, grant management and report writing skills and capacities.

To watch the graduation event, click on the graphic above or click the following weblink:  http://bit.ly/PrinceGeorgesProudLive.

FY 2022 Budget Public Hearings 

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for upcoming Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Public Hearings. There is a budget public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. 

VISIT the Council’s FY 22 Budget Portal for more information about how to participate in the Council’s Budget and Review Process.

Pursuant to the County Charter, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks transmitted her proposed $4.5 Billion spending plan for Prince George’s County to the County Council on Thursday, March 11^th.  WATCH the County Executive’s press conference on YouTube. 

Thanking the County Executive and encouraging residents to participate in the Council’s Budget Review and Adoption Process over the next few months, Council Chair Hawkins responded to receipt of the proposed County Budget, “We look forward to working together with the County Executive, and our residents and all stakeholders, to produce a final FY22 County Budget that emphasizes our shared priorities, strengthens our communities, and that guides our recovery from the impacts of the coronavirus global pandemic on our County.”  Read Council Chair Hawkins' statement on the transmittal of the proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Budget.   

Click on the graphic above to view additional details and to download the flyer.

The Office of Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks launched the COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin, which provides transparent updates on our County’s vaccine distribution process and includes the latest numbers on vaccine supply and the pre-registration list.

Highlights

Vaccine Administration

•  Last week our Health Department provided over 8,300 vaccinations and exhausted all our first dose and single dose supply. This week we have already provided over 5,300 first doses.
• This week we have already provided over 6,300 vaccinations.
• To date, the County has received 73,760 vaccines, and has administered 63,390 of those doses (approximately 85.9%). This metric (percentage of vaccine administered) changes day to day as new vaccine shipments come in and the number of second dose vaccines waiting to be given are administered in the days ahead.
• Of the vaccines that remain, only 3,381 are first doses, and the rest are set aside for second-dose appointments.
• We will receive 6,900 doses of Moderna beginning next week (March 22 – April 12).
  
  

County Pre-Registration List 

In order to receive a COVID-19 vaccine through the Prince George’s County Health Department, individuals who live or work in the County must fill out our pre-registration form.

• The County is still prioritizing scheduling individuals in Phase 1.
• Over 192,000 pre-registrations have been received as of March 18 (over 168,000 are County residents).
• 60% of County residents who have pre-registered are eligible in Phase 1.
• Over 46,000 County residents on the pre-registration list have already been vaccinated (27.5%).
  
  

In order to receive a COVID-19 vaccine through the Prince George’s County Health Department, individuals who live or work in the County must fill out the County's vaccine pre-registration form.

To view this week's COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin, click on the graphic above or visit the following weblink: http://ow.ly/TCiN30rAu6m.

Food Resources

Stand Up & Deliver

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 62% of our County’s public school children received free and reduced lunch. Since this pandemic began, more than 90,000 residents have been laid off from work.

This has further compounded challenges and increased the limitations for many families to provide meals daily.  Additionally, our first responders and medical professionals who are fighting on the front lines of this pandemic rarely have an opportunity to stop serving and purchase a meal.

With numerous goodwill inquiries, calls, and emails from the community-at-large to lend a helping hand and safely assist where needed, the “Stand Up & Deliver” program was been established.  It is an innovative and targeted solution to build capacity for community-based organizations and small businesses to address the food insecurity and basic needs of our fellow Prince Georgians.

Through the County’s Stand Up & Deliver program, Prince George’s County will distribute groceries and meals to go today, Saturday, March 20 at multiple locations throughout the county.

• Ebenezer Church of God (7550 Buchanan Street, Landover Hills, Maryland 20784), 10:00am
• First Baptist Church of Highland Park (6801 Sheriff Road, Landover, Maryland 20785), 10:00am

To view details for this week's event, please click on the event flyer above.  Be sure to follow Council District 6 on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) for weekly updates on distribution dates, times and locations. 

PEPCO News on Good Neighbor
Energy Fund to Help Customers in Need

Pepco is encouraging customers to participate in the company’s Good Neighbor Energy Fund to support District of Columbia and Maryland customers in need. Introduced last year by Pepco, the Good Neighbor Energy Fund is an easy way for customers, who are in good standing on their account and have the financial means to do so, to help their fellow customers who may be behind on their energy bills. 

The Good Neighbor Energy Fund consists of customer donations, made up of Pepco customers paying $1 over their monthly energy bill or by making a donation directly to participating non-profit organizations, the Greater Washington Urban League in the District of Columbia and Interfaith Works and Mary's Center in Maryland. Customer contributions are matched, $1 for every $1 collected by Pepco—up to $100,000. 

For more information on how to make a contribution to the Good Neighbor Energy Fund, District customers can visit pepco.com/DCgnef and Maryland customers can visit pepco.com/MDgnef. 

Additionally, Pepco is committed to helping customers manage their energy needs, working as a proactive partner in raising awareness about the many important energy assistance opportunities available through the company. In 2020, Pepco’s efforts helped more than 36,000 customers secure more than $26 million in energy assistance.

The most important step that residential customers who are past due on their Pepco bill can take is to contact the company at 202-833-7500 or pepco.com/help as soon as possible. Customers should never wait until they are in crisis to contact Pepco.

To further support customers and communities across the District and Maryland, Pepco has provided nearly $3.5 million in contributions of shareholder dollars to help those in need, including support to local emergency funds, small businesses and students impacted by the pandemic. In June 2020, Pepco announced that it would provide $400,000 to support students at The University of the District of Columbia, Montgomery College and Prince George’s Community College. The company also announced expanded support for local business recovery by providing grants totaling $850,000 to relief funds supporting small businesses that are struggling due to the effects of the pandemic.

To learn more about Pepco, visit The Source, our online newsroom. Find additional information by visiting pepco.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/pepcoconnect and on Twitter at twitter.com/pepcoconnect. Pepco’s mobile app is available at pepco.com/mobileapp.   

Financial Assistance For WSSC Customers

Attention Residents,

WSSC has enhanced its financial assistance programs to extend its reach to more customers and make arrangements for customers to significantly reduce their WSSC Water bills.

Need help right now? 
Need long term assistance with your WSSC bill?

Contact WSSC's Customer Service Line at 301-206-4001.  WSSC Customer Services Advisors are available to determine a payment option that will fit your situation.  Learn more about bill adjustments, flexible payment options, the Customer Assistance Program (CAP) and WSSC's Water Fund.

To learn more about WSSC Water’s customer financial assistance programs, please visit: www.wsscwater.com/assistance. For information in Spanish, please go to ww.wsscwater.com/asistencia.  Click on the graphic above to view additional details and to download the flyer.

Dine Prince George’s – Voting Open

Voting is now open for your favorite County restaurant in the Dine Prince George’s Contest! Every week for the next seven weeks, the top three vote-getters will receive a cash prize and bragging rights, so vote for your favorite restaurant now. Restaurants are eligible for a chance to win up to $3,000! 

You can vote every minute to help elevate your favorite local restaurant. Vote at: https://www.pgcedc.com/dineprincegeorges.

Community Partners Meeting (April 7, 2021)

Residents, be sure to register for the upcoming virtual Community Partners' Spring Meeting on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. 

Community Partners' Meetings are held in collaboration with County staff from the offices of the Department of the Environment (DoE), Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) and the Department of Permitting, Inspection and Enforcement (DPIE) for citizens and residents of Prince George’s County.

All members of the public are invited to join this virtual public meeting.  To register, please visit the following weblink: http://ow.ly/ZLYr30rBo86.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

To ensure there is time to answer your questions during the meeting, please provide questions in advance by emailing Brittani Garner at BGarner@co.pg.md.us by April 5th.  There will be a Q & A after presentations.

Curbside Bulky Trash Collection
Accepting May Appointments

Remember Residents! 

Items that are too big to fit in your trash bin won’t be hauled away in your regular curbside trash collection. Schedule your curbside bulky trash appointment today by calling 311 or visiting: bulkytrash.princegeorgescountymd.gov. 

To view a larger version of this flier, click the graphic to the left.

Prince George’s County Beautification Committee

The Prince George’s County Beautification Committee is now accepting applications for the 2021 Prince George’s County Beautification Awards. 

Through the Beautification Awards Program, Prince George’s County honors those who have contributed to the community through excellence in gardening and landscape design. The Beautification Committee is dedicated to the protection of the environment and the preservation of Prince George’s County as a healthy and pleasant place to live and work.

The Council District 6 Team would love to see our District 6 communities be recognized for their work throughout the County.

Additional information can be found at pgcbeautification.com.  You can also access the site by clicking on the graphic to the left.  Questions can also be directed to Prince George's County Beautification Committee member, Brooke Westby, by dialing 301-627-7758 or emailing pgc.beautification@gmail.com.

Summer Jobs for
Prince George's County Youth (Ages 14-22)

The Prince George's County Youth@Work Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP) provides an opportunity for young people across the County to receive career development, job readiness training and employment.

This year’s program will include virtual learning opportunities for youth, as well as limited in-person employment opportunities.  These opportunities differ based upon the applicant's age.  The application window for the 2021 installment is now open and will conclude on March 31, 2021. 

For more information and to apply, potential applicants are asked to visit syep.mypgc.us.

Click on the flyer to the left to review the flyer in further detail, to download and to scan the QR code for a direct link to the SYEP website.

Prince George's County Arts Study
2021 Virtual Teen Forum

Art is what you make it!

Join the Prince George's County Cultural Arts Study Team for its Teen Forum for teens 13-18 years old, Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.

TEENS WILL DISCUSS:

• How to make the County more creative and vibrant
• How to use arts and culture to energize neighborhoods
• How your involvement in arts and culture will impact the County's future

Register here: https://pgccasteenforum.eventbrite.com

#PGCCulturalArts

Construction Trades Hiring Event

Employ Prince George's and the Prince George's County Public Schools Department of Career and Technical Education (CTE) invite your company to participate in the first Annual (Virtual) Hiring Event for students entering the workforce from the CTE Construction Trades Programs.

The event will be held on April 15, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. To register, please visit mwe.jobs.maryland.gov, click sign-in, scroll down and click on "Employers and Agents" to begin your registration.

Be sure to review the latest edition of Community Connections, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks' newsletter for additional youth employment opportunities and resources.

Click on the graphic to the left to view additional details and to download the flyer.

Which Vaccine Is For Me?

All FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. 

When it is your turn to be vaccinated, know that the Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines all provide the fife-saving protection you need against COVID-19.

Remember....

• Moderna and Pfizer vaccines both require a second does, so be sure to keep your second dose appointment.
• The Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine is safe and effective against COVID-19. Check out the fact sheet below to learn more about it and how it can help protect you and your loved ones.

Johnson & Johnson COVID-19
Vaccine: What You Should Know

The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine is effective in working to protect individuals against COVID-19 sickness and it only require one dose.

Clinical trials in the U.S. showed the vaccine is 72% effective at preventing moderate COVID-19 illness and 85% effective at preventing severe COVID-19 illness. In addition, Dr. Anthony Fauci is quoted as saying the clinical trials showed the vaccine is "virtually 100% protective against hospitalization and death."

ICYMI: Dr. Fauci joined Prince George’s County to discuss why COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETsIIekGDis&t=10s

Click both graphics to view additional details and to download both flyers.  Learn more and pre-register at mypgc.us/COVIDvaccine.

COVID-19: Myth vs. Fact

Please note that the County’s current focus remains on ensuring that those individuals that fall within Phase 1  are vaccinated. 

Once residents are eligible to receive the vaccine, residents will be contacted by the Prince George's County Health Department.

While many of us desire to receive the vaccine, there are also those who remain hesitant and skeptical to their effectiveness.

1. The vaccines – Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson – do not contain any live virus. 
2. You cannot catch COVID-19 from getting the vaccine.
3. Your best protection against the virus is getting vaccinated. 

Once residents are eligible to receive the vaccine, residents will be contacted by the Prince George's County Health Department.

The rollout has been difficult from top to bottom but PLEASE don't let that discourage you. Please note that your County officials continue to work through the leadership, managerial, and administrative faux paus that we've experienced so WE can get to OUR NEW NORMAL!  Know the truth about COVID-19 vaccines by visiting our COVID-19 Section towards the bottom of the page to review the full length Myth vs. Fact flyer and reviewing the latest edition of the COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin.

COVID-19 2nd Dose Appointments:
What You Need To Know

What To Know

• As appointment become available based on vaccine supply, staff will follow up with individuals who have pre-registered to schedule appointments via phone.
• Due to limited supplies of vaccines, it may take several weeks or longer for eligible individuals to received appointments.

Current COVID-19 vaccines require two doses given several weeks apart.  You should not receive your second dose earlier than recommended.  The CDC advises second doses should be given as close as possible to the recommended timeframe since the first dose was administered. 

For more information on the 2nd dose timing between the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines as well as details surrounding the 2nd dose appointment, click on the graphic to the left.  Information and common questions about the newly released Johnson & Johnson can be found by viewing the following video narrated by Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.  Click on the graphic to the left to view additional details and to download the flyer.

COVID-19 Vaccine Reminder

Residents,

If you receive a COVID-19 vaccine appointment link from our County Health Department, please do not share that link with family, friends and colleagues.

The Health Department uses the pre-registration list to send appointment links to eligible individuals as appointments become available based on vaccine supply.

What happens when you share your appointment link with your friends, family and colleagues?  The Health Department must manually delete those individuals that are not currently eligible to receive the vaccine.  When individuals who are not currently eligible to receive the vaccine schedule an appointment, this creates delays in scheduling individuals who are eligible, and also creates longer lines at our clinics.  Click on the graphic to the left to view additional details and to download the flyer.