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SHAYLA ADAMS-STAFFORD ELECTED TO COUNTY COUNCIL
 The County Council is set to officially welcome its 11th member, returning to a full complement for the first time in about a year. Democrat Shayla Adams-Stafford was elected to fill the District 5 Council seat in a recent special election, a position vacated in December when Council Member Jolene Ivey moved to an At-Large seat. Council Member-elect Adams-Stafford, a former school board member, received around 92% of the vote on Tuesday, according to unofficial election results. She is set to be sworn in on June 17 at 9:30 a.m.
“I am so excited for the future of our County Council and the direction we are heading with the addition of Shayla Adams-Stafford,” said Council Chair Edward Burroughs III (District 8). “I was honored to serve alongside her on the Prince George’s County Board of Education where her work ethic was unmatched. I know her bold ideas and commitment to positive change will continue to shape our county for the better, and that she is prepared to hit the ground running.”
HHSPS COMMITTEE BRIEFED ON OPIOID ABATEMENT, MOVES FAVORABLY ON PUBLIC HEALTH IMPACT STUDY
 Millions of dollars in opioid remediation is on its way to Prince George’s County. On Thursday, June 5, the Prince George’s County Health Department and its Opioid Abatement Task Force briefed the Health, Human Services, and Public Safety Committee. Opioid Program Manager Samantha Karon shared data with Council Members, including the fact that between 2006 and 2019, 2.2 billion painkillers were prescribed in Maryland, and because of that, Prince George’s County is set to receive $45 million in opioid settlement money. At least 85% of that money must be spent on opioid remediation in categories including prevention, harm reduction, treatment, recovery, and public safety. After nearly a year of speaking with community members impacted by opioid use disorder and industry professionals, the task force is preparing to recommend spending priorities for the settlement funds.
 Additionally, on Thursday, the Committee moved favorably on CR-54-2025, a resolution that combines legislation put forward by Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha (District 7) and Council Member Sydney Harrison (District 9). The resolution directs the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and the Prince George’s County Health Department to work together to create a Health Atlas outlining prior land use decisions and current public health data to better inform future legislation and development in the county. The resolution also directs the County Health Officer, Dr. Matthew Levy, to use the Health Atlas to investigate the public health impact of convenience, tobacco, and liquor stores on their surrounding communities. According to Council Member Harrison, Prince George’s County leads the state of Maryland in fast food saturation and 54% of county businesses fall into that category. He would like to see a larger emphasis placed on attracting healthier businesses to the county. “We’ve been pretty much abused by the type of businesses that have said, ‘We’re going to come and put our business in your community,’ that deteriorates our quality of health and impacts our families,” said Council Member Harrison.
PHED COMMITTEE DISCUSSES OPIOID TREATMENT CENTERS
 The Planning, Housing, and Economic Development Committee is also discussing the impact and treatment of opioid use disorder in the county. At its meeting on Thursday, June 5, the Committee discussed CB-27-2025, a bill proposed by Council Members Tom Dernoga (District 1) and Jolene Ivey (At-Large) aiming to change county zoning to allow for the construction of state licensed medical clinics for opioid use treatment. Currently, there is only one opioid treatment center in the county and the only way new facilities can be approved is through a special exception. Due to substantial changes to the proposed legislation, the Committee elected to return the bill to the Planning Board for a second review before voting to take a position.
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CHAIR BURROUGHS JOINS FORT WASHINGTON FOOD PANTRY EVENT
 
Chair Edward Burroughs (District 8) joined the Fort Washington Food Pantry as it continues to address food insecurity in the region. Recently, community members donated nearly 300 pounds of food, including much-needed peanut butter donations from Southern Prince George’s County Community Charities and Grace Lutheran Church. Chair Burroughs was thrilled to join volunteers and community leaders at St. John’s Church and commends the organization for their great efforts helping those most in need.
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COUNCIL MEMBER BLEGAY WELCOMES GOV. MOORE, VISITS ECO CITY FARMS, CUTS RIBBON FOR BRAIDING BUSINESS
 Council Member Wala Blegay (District 6) welcomed Gov. Wes Moore to Longfields Elementary School in Forestville! His visit comes after the passage of the Excellence in Maryland Schools Act, an education reform measure that aims to improve the state's public school system. Our students, educators, and families are the heart of our community, and we are proud to see them celebrated and supported at the highest level.
 Additionally, Council Member Blegay had the pleasure of visiting ECO City Farms, a gem in the community and home to an incredible urban farm incubator that is cultivating not only crops, but a new generation of food leaders. What made the visit even more special was reconnecting with her college friend Maya, who is now one of the amazing farmers here! Council Member Blegay also had the had the honor of cutting the ribbon for Nadine’s Hair Braiding in Bowie alongside County Executive-elect Aisha Braveboy. Nadine started with just a dream and a few chairs. Now she has opened a 120-chair hair braiding facility, serving clients as early as 3:00 a.m. because the demand is that high!
COUNCIL MEMBER HAWKINS CO-HOSTS ANNUAL SENIOR LUNCHEON
 The Senior Spaghetti Luncheon, hosted by Council Member Calvin Hawkins (At-Large) and Roy “Monk” Wilkins of the FCCA (Friends, Coaches, Cheerleaders, Athletes) was a huge success! Council Member Hawkins appreciates everyone who came out to Newton White Mansion to share a meal, laughter, and some community spirit.
 At the event, Council Member Hawkins honored Lieutenant Calvin Charles, M-NCPPC (Park Police Division); Basileus Shawn Estelle, Phi Nu Nu Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; Basileus Thomas Boone, Theta Xi Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; Lindsay Watts, the Council’s Senior Director of Communications, in addition to the Council’s entire Office of Communications.
COUNCIL MEMBERS JUDGE YOUTH COMPETITION
  Council Members Sydney Harrison (District 9) and Calvin Hawkins (At-Large) recently attended the Jack & Jill, Inc. Battle of the Gavel event where they had the honor of serving as judges. The Council Members were truly inspired by the exceptional speeches delivered by the youth. Each one showcased remarkable confidence, passion, and leadership. The future is undeniably bright with these young voices leading the way!
COUNCIL MEMBER IVEY JOINS NONPROFIT LAUNCH AND YOUTH ORGANIZATION FUNDRAISER
 Council Member Jolene Ivey (At-Large) joined her friend Jennifer Floyd, who has turned her grief into advocacy following the loss of her son, Donnell G. Floyd Jr., who died in a motorcycle crash. Jennifer has now launched the D Torch Foundation to spread education and awareness to prevent motorcyclists from losing their lives due to motorists’ unsafe driving habits. Council Member Ivey also sponsored the VineCorps 4th Annual Fundraiser, joined by District 5 Council Member-Elect Shayla Adams-Stafford. Vinecorps provides educational support and youth development programs for teens, especially those struggling to gain traction academically. As federal services are being cut, the organization is doubling down on its mission to serve the community and find ways to empower young people.
COUNCIL MEMBER FISHER ATTENDS COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP AND FRATERNITY AWARDS PROGRAM
 Council Member Wanika Fisher (District 2) connected with neighbors in Forestville during state Sen. Nick Charles’ community clean-up. She also loved attending the Kappa Epsilon Lambda Education Foundation’s 2025 Inaugural Awards Program where it was incredible to see so many young minds soaring to greater heights.
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