District 6 Weekend Reader | #ENewsYouCanUse - New Era of Opportunity and Access, COVID-19 Vaccine Resources, Constituent Resources

On June 12, we will usher in a new era in quality healthcare services in Prince George's County with the long awaited opening of the University of Maryland Capital Region Health in the heart of Downtown Largo (read ‘We have to get it right’: Inside UM Capital’s soon-to-open Largo hospital — and what comes next, by Sara Gilgore  –  Staff Reporter, Washington Business Journal).

The state of the art facility will replace the current Prince George's Hospital Center, constructed as part of a strategy to transform the County's healthcare system into an efficient, effective and financially viable healthcare delivery system, bringing a Level II Trauma Center, emergency care, dedicated floor for Women’s and Infant Health, a heart & vascular Institute, a designated stroke center, an orthopedics center and much more. While the COVID-19 pandemic has created many uncertainties, the arrival of the University of Maryland Capital Region Health will provide a level of security in knowing that the need for greater access to healthcare has been met, a testament to the Prince George's County Council's commitment to health promotion and disease prevention; a level of access that should be afforded to every resident.

In addition to increased access to quality healthcare, it is important to note its impact on the local economy, with a projected $397 million dollars in economic activity in Prince George's County directly generated from the Medical Center. As the County continues to recover from the economic impact of COVID-19, the arrival of the University of Maryland Capital Region Health creates additional opportunities for job creation and community investment.

While current circumstances have not provided many opportunities to celebrate, it is my hope that my fellow Prince Georgians will join me in marking this new era of opportunity and access as win for the County and for the region. For more information on the final relocation of medical services from UM Prince George's Medical Center to the University of Maryland Capital Region Health, please click the embedded weblink. This is more than health care. It's a movement. UM Capital Region Health is here to changeUP our health. Residents are also invited to join the movement by viewing the :30 second promo celebrating the arrival of UM Capital Region health to Downtown Largo.

It is my hope is that you continue find this weekly offering informative and useful, as we continue operate under virtual circumstances. 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. I encourage you to review this week's edition of the Weekend Reader for information on upcoming Council sessions, community forums, constituent resources as well as infographics and updated information on COVID-19 data trends.

Stay safe. Stay well. Stay informed.

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

• With the continuous increase in vaccination rates, the County reports  that 81% of 
  its seniors ages 65 – 84 have been vaccinated, followed by 77% of seniors ages 85 and older,
  72% of residents ages 60 – 64, over two-thirds of residents ages 50 – 59, 60% of residents
  ages 40 – 49, 50% of residents ages 30 – 39, 44% of residents ages 20 – 29, and 30% of residents ages 12 – 19.
• Additionally, the total number of Hispanic residents receiving at least 1 dose of the COVD-19 vaccine has now surpassed all other ethnicities in the County except for Black/African American residents.
• The Six Flags mass-vaccination site will close operations on July 17. A limited number of no-appointment, drive-thru vaccinations are still available for residents
  ages 12+.
  
  

Progress Towards Vaccination Goals

• Over 748,000 vaccines have been provided to County residents. 446,983 County residents
  have received at least one dose of a vaccine, and 370,642 residents are fully vaccinated.
• There are an estimated 707,865 adult residents in the County (ages 18 and older).
• Our goal is to have 460,112 residents 18 and older vaccinated by this summer, or 65% of this population and 80% by this fall.
• We are now at 92.7% of our summer goal for adults.
• When including all residents ages 12 and older, 57.5% of residents have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Stay updated with the latest information about the COVID-19 vaccine using the following tools:

The COVID-19 Data Dashboard: Stay informed of the progress the County is making with vaccine distribution.

Frequently Asked Questions Get answers to your questions about COVID-19 vaccines.

Latest Updates: The latest updates will be posted at mypgc.us/COVIDVaccine.

Communications Toolkit: Help us spread the word about COVID-19 vaccines to family and friends so
we can ensure every Prince Georgian is #ProudToBeProtected.

To view this week's COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin in its entirety, click on the COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin 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.

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, May 29 and Sunday, May 30 at multiple locations throughout the county:

Saturday, May 29, 2021, 10:00am

• New Home Baptist Church (8320 Landover Road, Landover, MD 20783)
• First Baptist Church of Highland Park (6801 Sheriff Road, Landover, MD 20785)
  
  

Sunday, May 30, 2021, 10:00am

• Community of Hope AME Church (3701 Branch Avenue, Temple Hills, MD 20748)

Residents are invited to attend the County's Stand Up & Deliver grocery distribution and vaccination event at National Harbor on June 18, 2021. The event will albe a job fair opportunity and plenty of prizes like Capital Wheel tickets.

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

Click on the flyer above to review additional information.

Residents Invited to
Support the Capital Market
(June - October, 2021)

Attention Residents,

The Capital Market returns for its fourth season to Capitol Heights AND Suitland! Mark your calendars for Fridays and Sundays through late October, 2021 to support this local healthy, affordable food initiative.

In partnership with Gethsemane United Methodist Church (GUMC), a 40-year old anchor institution in Capitol Heights, the Capital Market (TCM) is a community-based farmers’ market that:

• provides healthy, affordable food options to our neighbors in the Capitol Heights neighborhood and surrounding vicinity;
• supports the growth of local-businesses and farms owned and operated by people of color;
• advocates for equitable and culturally-aware food systems.

The market was formed to serve residents in Health Enterprise Zones and Healthy Food Priority Areas in Prince George’s County. Residents living in 20743 are primarily African American and Hispanic, and lack access to healthy affordable foods. Residents also have the highest number of diagnoses of cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes, and hypertension in the County. Moreover, organizers are residents of Capitol Heights and surrounding communities who are committed to creating a space where everyone can not only shop, but also connect with their food and neighbors in a meaningful way.

For more information, visit The Capital Market online via the web, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Apply for Rental Assistance
through the Prince George's
Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Reminder: There is still plenty of funding available through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which can provide rent relief and/or utility payments to tenants in Prince George’s County. Landlords may apply on behalf of tenants experiencing financial difficulties due to the pandemic.

To learn more and begin gathering documents needed for the application, visit: hcd.mypgc.us.  Click on the graphic to the left to view additional details and to download the flyer.

EDC Personal Services E-Business Grant

Through the Economic Development Corporation, personal services professionals in Prince George’s County are eligible for $5,000 grants to establish or expand business technical capabilities.

Eligible use of funds may also include reimbursement of equipment or services purchased for/or related to businesses online/e-commerce sustainability, appointment scheduling software, purchasing personal computers.  As upgrades to some businesses online platforms and e-commerce capabilities have already taken place, this grant program allows for reimbursement after March 2020.

Common use of funds that may apply to businesses seeking technical upgrade capabilities:

• Website Development/ Enhancements
• Target Marketing
• Establish E-Commerce Functionality
• App Integration

There is a SHORT application period between June 1 and 15. Learn more and prepare to apply early: www.pgcedc.com/ebusiness.

2021 Domestic Violence Open House

The Prince George's Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (DVCC) presents the 2021 Domestic Violence Open House: Extending Out Reach in the Age of COVID-19.

DATE:
June 10, 2021, 3:30pm-6:00pm
*This is a virtual event which will take place on Zoom.*

It is encouraged that all invitees register for the virtual event in advance: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-dvcc-domestic-violence-open-house-2021-tickets-153980510853.

Representatives from various agencies and organizations serving domestic violence survivors and their families will discuss and provide resources available within the community.

To participate, please click the link below to join the event: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81439231338

Webinar ID: 814 3923 1338

One tap mobile:
US: +13017158592,,81439231338# or +13126266799,,81439231338#

Or Telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 301 715 8592, +1 312 626 6799, +1 646 558 8656, +1 253 215 8782, +1 346 248 7799,
+1 669 900 9128

Join the Department of Family Services
for the Father's Day Pledge Initiative (6/17/2021, 6:00pm)

Father's Day is a celebration honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. In an effort to improve the community and the adverse impact domestic violence has on individuals, families and neighborhoods the Department of Family Services invites you to partner with fathers, father figures and men in the Father’s Day Pledge Initiative. 

The initiative will be held virtually on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at 6:00 pm live on Majic 102.3; 92.7 and YouTube.

The Father’s Day Pledge Initiative is an opportunity for men to take action understanding that violence affects everyone, in every zip code, every ethnicity, every religion, and every gender.  Fathers, father figures, mentors and men are invited to pledge with their partners to create and maintain relationships that are healthy and respectful for a community free of domestic violence.

This year the Department will focus on the wholeness of men in our community (spiritual, mental, financial nutritional and physical) through an interactive panel discussion and father’s day community awards. Fathers, men, young men, elected officials, and community leaders can use their influence to effect, impact, encourage and stimulate others to end domestic violence and sexual assault.

For more information call the Department of Family Services Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Division on 301-265-8423.

Community Conversations: Improving Opportunity
for Children To Grow Up Stronger (June, 2021)

Children’s National Hospital and HSC Health Care System, non-profit hospitals serving children and families in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia, are working collaboratively to understand how neighborhood conditions help children develop in a healthy way, including factors related to education, health, and economic opportunities.

Residents are invited to participate in Community Conversations, Tuesday & Thursday Evenings or Saturday Mornings in June 2021, for an online 60-minute community conversation with other parents & caregivers to discuss their experience with schools, health, and economic opportunities in their respective neighborhoods (click on the flyer to view additional details).

Both entities are interested in speaking to community residents and organizations from Prince George's County to provide first-hand insight to provide first-hand insight for both
systems to better understand opportunities or barriers for children reaching their full potential. These conversations will enable both entities to focus their resources so that, together, they are able to improve a child’s opportunity to thrive.

You are also able to provide your perspective by completing  Community Input Form at https://rb.gy/pj6yt5 or scanning the QR on the flyer above (please click to enlarge).

To register email vania@singletaryandassociates.com or call 240-503-8470.

REMINDER:
Prince George's County Lifts Mask Mandate

Due to a rapid decline in key COVID-19 metrics, as well as increasing vaccination rates in the County, Prince George’s County will follow CDC guidance and lift the mask mandate on Friday, May 28 at 5:00 PM.

Per CDC guidance, masks are still required on public transportation and in schools, child care settings and health care settings. Unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to continue wearing a mask until they are fully vaccinated, and are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Individuals that choose to continue wearing a mask are free to do so. Residents are encouraged to be respectful of community members who continue to wear a mask, and of people's personal space.

* - “Fully vaccinated” means the individual has received all required dosages as applicable to the vaccine received, including two weeks post the date of the last dose.

#DidYouKnow that appointments are no longer necessary at all COVID-19 vaccine clinics operated by the County Health Department? Individuals who live or work in the County can walk up to County Health Department vaccination clinics with no appointment needed. However, should residents wish to book an appointment in advance, they can visit mypgc.us/COVIDVaccine.

Vaccination Sites

While the County Health Department currently operates four 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. We encourage you to sign up at these other sites to increase your options to receive a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

Who Is Eligible?

Who can receive a COVID-19 vaccine? All Marylanders over 12 years of age! Getting the vaccine protects you, your loved ones, and your community.


For County Regulated Sites:

Appointments are no longer necessary at all COVID-19 vaccine clinics operated by the County Health Department. Individuals who live or work in the County can walk up to County Health Department vaccination clinics with no appointment needed, or book an appointment in advance online at mypgc.us/COVIDVaccine.

Prince George’s County Health Department

Locations: Southern Regional Technology & Recreation Complex, , Sports & Learning Complex, and Mobile Vaccination Units.

For State Regulated Sites:

While the County Health Department currently operates three 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. We encourage you to sign up at these other sites to increase your options to receive a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

Please remember that the County does not manage nor control appointments, or distribution for any sites besides those operated by our County Health Department.

Important Six Flags Vaccine Site Update
The last day to receive the first dose of a Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine at the Six Flags America Theme Park site in Upper Marlboro is June 26th.  The first date for Pfizer second dose vaccines only at this site, is June 29th. Johnson & Johnson single dose vaccines will be offered at Six Flags from June 8th to July 3rd.   The last day of operation at this vaccine site will be July 17th. For as long as they remain in operation, all sites will continue to offer no-appointment vaccinations.
 

Greenbelt Metro Station (Not County-Operated)

• Appointments:  Sign up for appointments by visiting covidvax.maryland.gov and select Greenbelt Metro Station as a preferred site. This site is currently only offering Johnson & Johnson vaccines for first dose appointments. 
• Individuals can also call the Maryland Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccination Support Center at 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829) to schedule a vaccine appointment.
• Walk-ups Welcome:
  • Monday – Tuesday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
  • Wednesday – Thursday, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
  • Friday – Sunday, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
• Location: 5717 Greenbelt Metro Drive, Greenbelt, MD
  
  

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

• Appointments:  State operated mass vaccination sites no longer require pre-registration. Visit covidvax.maryland.gov to schedule an appointment. Vaccinations are available for ages 12+.
• Individuals can also call the Maryland Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccination Support Center at 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829) to schedule vaccine appointments at mass vaccination sites.
• Drive-ups Welcome: A limited number of Drive-thru, no-appointment vaccinations are available at the Six Flags mass vaccination site, Monday - Saturday from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
  
  

Additional Non-County Operated Sites 

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

Please remember that the County does not manage nor control appointments, or distribution for any sites besides those operated by our County Health Department.