April 30, 2009 A Message from the Governor Preparedness for Swine Flu Yesterday, I joined with Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) Secretary John M. Colmers, Deputy Secretary Frances Phillips, and State Epidemiologist Dr. David Blythe to discuss the latest developments for the swine flu in Maryland. Thus far, there are over 100 cases of this virus in the country, and there are eight "probable" cases in Maryland, the results of which we expect in the next day or so from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Earlier this week, we opened our Swine Flu Command Center in Baltimore. And today, we announced an advisory board made up of some of the best minds in medicine, infectious disease and pediatrics to advise us as we deal with the probable cases in Maryland. These individuals have already provided invaluable advice and guidance, and will continue to assist us as we work through this situation. While we are making every preparation we can as a state, the decisions ahead may broadly impact the lives of all Marylanders. Each member of this advisory board brings the scientific, clinical and academic guidance that will be immensely valuable in this decision-making process. We fully expect to see more cases of swine flu in Maryland, and will continue to provide the public with the latest information possible. Martin O'Malley, Governor Preventing the Flu We encourage Marylanders to visit our web site for the latest information, including warning signs, symptoms, and prevention of the virus. The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) is working to protect the people of Maryland, and as they do, it is important that our citizens remain up to date with timely, accurate information. Preventing Foreclosures in Maryland Yesterday, Governor O'Malley joined housing counselors, pro-bono attorneys and homeowners from Prince George's County in a roundtable discussion about foreclosure prevention in Maryland. At this event, the Governor announced the latest federal, state and local funding awards totaling more than $2.5 million to help prevent foreclosures in Maryland. The State moved swiftly when this crisis began to enact an array of strategies and reforms, which the Washington Post called some of the most sweeping in America. And during this time of economic uncertainty, state and local officials are working hard to protect middle class families and keep families in their homes. Putting Maryland Neighborhoods First The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has launched a new 30-minute radio show hosted by Secretary Raymond Skinner and Wiley Hall to highlight available resources and services for Maryland families in these difficult economic times including foreclosure prevention, affordable housing, weatherization, state resources to help community businesses, and what President Obama's Recovery and Reinvestment Act means for homeowners. The show airs Saturdays in the Washington, DC metro area on WOL 1450 AM from 3:30 - 4:00 PM, and Saturdays in the Baltimore metro area on WOLB 1010 from 8:00 - 8:30 AM. The show will also be posted on DHCD's web site in case you miss it. Tune in this weekend. | In This Issue Preventing the Flu
Preventing Foreclosures in Maryland
Putting Maryland Neighborhoods First
Maryland Events Southern Maryland Spring Festival, 16th Annual April 30-May 3, Thurs. and Fri. 5-11pm, Sat. 10am-11pm, and Sun. 10am-6pm at St. Mary's Fairgrounds. Carnival entertainment, tractor pull, hay rides, face painting, raffles, silent auction, arts & crafts, food and more. World of Possibilities Disabilities: Healthy Aging and Independent Living Expo May 1-2, 10am-5pm at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. Disability-senior related equipment, services and resources for persons with disabilities, families, health care, and education professionals. Decoy and Wildlife Art Festival, 28th Annual May 1-3, Fri. 6-9pm, Sat. 9am-5pm, and Sun. 10am-4pm at the Decoy Museum, Havre de Grace Middle School and Activity Center. More than 150 carvers, collectors and artists; live auction, special exhibits, retriever demos, carving competitions. Mayfest/First Saturday May 2, 5-9pm at Market and Patrick Streets (Shab Row/Everedy Square). Free flowers, live entertainment and more than 60 shops, galleries and restaurants in Downtown Frederick. Denton Spring GALA May 2, 5-9pm at Downtown Market Street. Stroll or take a carriage ride throughout Denton to enjoy local art, music, food and wine. Museum Ramble in Washington County May 2-3, 1-5pm at various locations throughout Washington County. Enjoy self-guided tours of county museums; special event at each location National Day of Prayer May 7, Lawyer's Mall, 100 State Circle in Annapolis. All Marylanders can come together on this day to "pray" for wisdom and intervention. Please RSVP with Cheryl Hill, chill@goci.state.md.us. Related Links Office of the Governor Office of Community Initiatives Read last week's One Maryland |