Registration is free, but required to attend. Click here to register.

Our July Quarterly Meeting is your chance to reconnect, get inspired, and stay plugged into what’s happening across Frederick County’s health equity work. We’ll be sharing the latest updates from the Frederick County Health Department (FCHD) and hearing progress updates from our four Local Health Improvement Process (LHIP) Workgroups:

• Affordable Healthy Food

• Affordable Housing

• Institutional and Systemic Racism

• Mental Health

This meeting will feature special guest speaker, Rachel Harrison, LCPC, NCC founder of Trauma Specialists of Maryland, LLC.

Whether you’re a longtime partner or looking to learn more about what we do, this meeting is a great way to hear what’s moving forward, where our volunteers are making a difference, and how you can be part of the action. Come for the updates, stay for the connection, and leave with a clearer picture of how our community is working together to build a healthier Frederick County.

We hope to see you there!

ASL interpretation will be offered. If you would like Spanish interpretation, please let us know on the registration form by July 15.

Registration is free, but required to attend. Click below or here to register.

Source: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/J5OTTRrKTRW_ZTYAJvBl7Q#/registration

Multilingual children face unique challenges in disclosing and seeking help for child sexual abuse (CSA). Language barriers, cultural stigma, and differing norms around communication and authority can influence a child’s and family’s ability to access support.

This presentation explores the experiences of multilingual children of Latino/Hispanic and Asian descent, while drawing broader implications for children from diverse minority backgrounds. The session will equip professionals with tools to navigate the complexities of CSA within multilingual families through the lens of cultural humility and trauma-informed care. Understanding one’s own identity is pivotal to practicing cultural humility and fostering trust with children and families from multilingual backgrounds.

Learn more and register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/supporting-multilingual-children-in-abuse-prevention-and-response-tickets-1990427297628?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join Play Frederick for a morning of yoga for the whole family. This will be a fun morning full of movement, laughter and relaxation for all ages. All that is required is a yoga mat and/ or towel as well as a water bottle. Please take part in this free opportunity to start your day with some positivity. Hope to see you there!

When: Sunday, July 19th, 2026

Time: 9:30am - 10:15am

Where: Baker Park; 200 Carroll Pkwy, Frederick MD 21701

Learn more at playfrederick.com

A free monthly distribution of seasonal produce, canned goods, and shelf stable products in a farmers market style setting every 3rd Friday of Every Month from Noon until all food is distributed. 

All Frederick County residents age 60+ with an income below $1,600 per month are eligible to participate. Bring photo ID to register for the first time. 

Learn more: https://www.frederickcountymd.gov/8337/Groceries-for-Seniors

Join Asbury United Methodist Church in one of their most cherished and impactful community traditions—the Annual Community Block Party, taking place on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This vibrant, family-friendly event will be held on the 100 blocks of West All Saints Street and is completely free and open to the public.

Each year, the Community Block Party brings together thousands of our neighbors, families, children, and community partners for a day filled with connection, celebration, and care. The block comes alive with food, games, music, entertainment, crafts, health screenings, prayer, and meaningful interaction with local organizations that serve Frederick with heart and purpose.

Nonprofit organizations are invited to reserve a booth (table and chairs will be provided). Email Nina Rollins at nina.rollins@cfablue.com to register.

The public is invited to share feedback that will help shape how Frederick County invests funding from the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF). The Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund is a state program that directs cannabis tax revenues and conversion fees back into the communities most impacted by past cannabis prohibition.

Public input is essential to ensure that CRRF dollars are used effectively and transparently. As the County develops its reinvestment plan, community perspectives will guide decisions regarding programs, services, and projects that can deliver long-term impact.

Drop in at one of two public information sessions in the Trust Room of the C. Burr Artz Library to share comments with Frederick County Government staff. The first session will take place on Thursday, July 16 from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. and the second session will take place on Saturday, August 1 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

No advance registration is required. Participants will have the opportunity to share comments, ask questions, and learn more about CRRF, including eligible uses and next steps in the planning process.

Learn more at: https://www.frederickcountymd.gov/CRRF

Members of the public are invited to review and comment on Frederick County’s Community Development Block Grant 2026 Annual Action Plan. The public comment period will remain open through the close of business on Tuesday, July 21. Residents are encouraged to review the draft plan and provide their feedback.

An in-person and virtual public hearing will be held by the County Council on Tuesday, July 7 at 5:30 p.m. in the First Floor Hearing Room of Winchester Hall, 12 East Church Street in Frederick, MD. The purpose of the hearing is to gather the public’s feedback on the proposed plan. Members of the public will be given an opportunity to voice their opinions, with each speaker allotted three minutes to provide comments.

Frederick County is designated an urban county eligible to receive yearly federal funds through the Community Development Block Grant Program. The initial Consolidated Plan covering Federal Fiscal Years 2025-2027 was accepted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in September 2025.  The three-year plan outlines a strategy to address housing and community development needs, sets goals, and explains how the funds will be used to help low- and moderate-income residents. This 2026 Annual Action Plan outlines the activities to help make communities stronger by supporting housing, local services, and other community projects.

To view the draft plan, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Housing. For more information or to submit comments, please contact Susan Brown, Department Head – Community Programs, Division of Housing, by phone at 301-600-3530 or via email at SBrown@FrederickCountyMD.gov.  

Free and confidential HIV testing is available each month on the first Wednesday at the Golden Mile Health Department office between 3:00 - 7:00 pm. Individuals can call 301-600-2337 to schedule their appointment.

Healthy Hearts is a no-cost program for adults with high blood pressure. Participants receive a free home blood pressure monitor with instruction on how to use it, and support for developing the habit of routinely taking their BP at home. The program also provides nutrition education and group support and encouragement for making healthy lifestyle changes.

This summer class will meet every other week on Wednesday mornings 9-10:15am at the Frederick County Health Department. Participants must register in advance and attend one of two Orientation sessions: Wed, June 17 or Wed, June 24. The 4-month program will start on July 1 and end on Oct 7, 2026. See flyer for more details.

Pre-registration is required by signing up here: https://health.frederickcountymd.gov/FormCenter/Healthy-Hearts-BPSM-Program-12/Healthy-Hearts-Interest-Form-60

(Note: This class is for English-speakers, but our next class for Spanish-speakers is coming soon!)

Frederick County's State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is hosting a free in-person Medicare workshop. Learn how to navigate open enrollment, the different parts of Medicare, the difference between Medigap, Supplemental Insurance, and Medicare Advantage and more. Registration required. Free lunch provided.

Call 301-600-1234 or email DAI@FrederickCountyMD.gov. Free lunch provided by the Division of Aging and Independence. Registration closes Thursday, June 18th, or when spots are full.

If you need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication or reasonable modification, contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA@FrederickCountyMD.gov as soon as possible and preferably 10 business days before the activity or event.

Frederick County's State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is hosting a free in-person Medicare workshop. Learn how to navigate open enrollment, the different parts of Medicare, the difference between Medigap, Supplemental Insurance, and Medicare Advantage and more. Registration required. Free lunch provided.

Call 301-600-1234 or email DAI@FrederickCountyMD.gov. Free lunch provided by the Division of Aging and Independence. Registration closes Thursday, June 4th, or when spots are full.

If you need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication or reasonable modification, contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA@FrederickCountyMD.gov as soon as possible and preferably 10 business days before the activity or event.

Registration is free, but required to attend. Click here to register.

Our April Quarterly Meeting is your chance to reconnect, get inspired, and stay plugged into what’s happening across Frederick County’s health equity work. We’ll be sharing the latest updates from the Frederick County Health Department (FCHD) and hearing progress updates from our four Local Health Improvement Process (LHIP) Workgroups:

• Affordable Healthy Food

• Affordable Housing

• Institutional and Systemic Racism

• Mental Health

This meeting will feature special guest speaker, Richard Amador, Health Care Access Maryland’s Outreach Manager for their Connector Program. Richard will share information on how to navigate the changes in public health insurance eligibility and how we can connect residents to the best information and resources available to obtain affordable health insurance.

Whether you’re a longtime partner or looking to learn more about what we do, this meeting is a great way to hear what’s moving forward, where our volunteers are making a difference, and how you can be part of the action. Come for the updates, stay for the connection, and leave with a clearer picture of how our community is working together to build a healthier Frederick County.

We hope to see you there!

ASL interpretation will be offered. If you would like Spanish interpretation, please let us know on the registration form by April 16.

Registration is free, but required to attend. Click below or here to register.

Join us for our first Quarterly Community Health Meeting of 2026 on Wednesday, January 14 from 9:30 - 10:30am via Zoom as we come together to light the spark for change in 2026! This is the perfect time to reconnect, recharge, and reimagine what’s possible for a healthier Frederick County.

Hear the latest updates from the Frederick County Health Department and get inspired by progress from our four Local Health Improvement Process (LHIP) Workgroups, who will help set the tone for an impactful year ahead.

LHIP Workgroups:

• Affordable Healthy Food

• Affordable Housing

• Institutional and Systemic Racism

• Mental Health

This gathering is a great way to start the year in community as we continue collaborating, learning, and sharing ideas that move us all toward health equity and well-being for everyone.

ASL interpretation will be provided. If you would like Spanish interpretation, please confirm on the registration page.

Registration is required. Click below to register today!

Mark your calendar! Join us for our October Quarterly Community Health Meeting on Thursday, October 16 from 9:00 - 10:00am at the Frederick Health Village or tune in via Zoom, whichever fits your fall schedule best!

This hybrid gathering is your front-row seat to the latest community health updates from Frederick Health Hospital, the Frederick County Health Department, and our four Local Health Improvement Process (LHIP) Workgroups:

• Affordable Healthy Food

• Affordable Housing

• Institutional and Systemic Racism

• Mental Health

Each will share how they are driving meaningful change within our community and how you can stay connected. Whether you’re a longtime partner or newly curious about community health, we’re sure this meeting will leave you inspired and informed.

We are thrilled to share that Dr. Cheryl Cioffi, Frederick Health’s new President and CEO, will be joining us to share about her exciting plans of action for strengthening not only the hospital, but our entire community, in her new role. Doors will open at 8:30am for a chance to network with Dr. Cioffi and to enjoy some coffee.

Registration is required. Click below to register.

ASL interpretation will be available. If you would like Spanish interpretation during the meeting, please contact Summer at Summer@healthierfrederick.org by Monday, October 6.

Beyond the Stigma: Understanding, Acceptance, Action, is a collaborative initiative between the Coalition for a Healthier Frederick County and the Msingi Institute dedicated to advancing hope, support, and equity in mental health.

Held during September, a month that honors both National Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Month, this seminar is more than a gathering; it is a shared commitment. A commitment to breaking down the barriers that stigma has instilled in our society. A commitment to listening, learning, and leading with compassion. Above all, a commitment to championing the voices and journeys of those living with and recovering from mental health challenges.

Our seminar offers an engaging opportunity for stakeholders across disciplines, communities, and lived experiences to connect, exchange ideas, and drive collaborative solutions that advance health equity. Through open dialogue, thoughtful panels, and hands-on sessions, we aim to increase awareness, confront discrimination, and advocate for mental health equity on par with other forms of healthcare.

Beyond the Stigma features…

• Keynote Speaker: Shannon Parkin, Learning to Embrace Joy after Decades of Depression and a Disabling Suicide Attempt

• Workshop: Dr. Sharon Holder and Dr. Sarita Battish, Msingi Institute, Building Stigma-Free Communities: Understanding, Acceptance, and Action 

• Men’s Mental Health Panel Discussion: Moderated by City of Frederick Council Member Derek Shackelford, Breaking Barriers: Centering Male Voices, Peer Support & Cultural Challenges in Seeking Help

• And more!

Your presence is part of this story and your voice matters in shaping the path forward. We look forward to your participation and hope this day leaves you empowered, enlightened, and encouraged!

Please RSVP by clicking below.

Join us for our next Quarterly Community Health Meeting on Thursday, July 17, from 11:00am - 12:00pm. Everyone is welcome!

This virtual gathering will include updates from the Frederick County Health Department and Healthier Frederick, as well as exciting announcements about the future direction of our 4 Local Health Improvement Process (LHIP) Workgroups:

• Institutional and Systemic Racism Workgroup

• Affordable Healthy Food Workgroup

• Inadequate Affordable Housing Supply Workgroup

• Mental Health Workgroup

Each of the LHIP Workgroups will present a high level overview of the draft logic models they're currently working on together and offer a glimpse into proposed future projects.

Whether you're already involved or interested in learning more about how to support collaborative, community-driven health efforts, we encourage you to attend and be part of the conversation.

ASL interpretation is available. If you need Spanish translation services, please email Summer at Summer@HealthierFrederick.org by July 9.

Registration is required. Click below to register today!

As a passionate community member, you are invited to join us on Thursday, April 24 from 8:00am - 9:00am to hear important and exciting updates from the Frederick County Health Department and Healthier Frederick’s three Local Health Improvement Process (LHIP) Workgroups: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Type 2 Diabetes, and Mental Health. We will also be welcome special guest speakers Jay Hessler and Hillary Gross from the Frederick County Health Department as they share the latest data on suicide in Frederick County.

What makes this meeting special?

Healthier Frederick will share more about the following selected priorities for the 2025-2028 LHIP cycle, including how to get involved in addressing them:

• Food & Nutrition: Lack of Access to Affordable Healthy Food

• Housing: Inadequate Affordable Housing Supply

• Mental Health: Lack of Awareness of Accessibility of Resources

• Mental Health: Stigma Around Mental Health

• Racial Equity & Justice: Institutional and Systemic Racism

Each LHIP Workgroup will share a comprehensive wrap-up of their achievements throughout the 2022-2025 LHIP cycle. We hope that hearing the meaningful impacts they have made will inspire our community members to be apart of the action towards creating a healthier, more equitable, and more resilient Frederick County.

Registration is required. Click below to register!

If you are in need of a Spanish interpreter to join our meeting, please contact Summer at Summer@HealthierFrederick.org by Thursday, April 17.

The Coalition for a Healthier Frederick County, the Frederick County Health Department, and Frederick Health have been working together and with the community for over a year on the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). This process was based on the guidance of NACCHO’s (National Association of County and City Health Officials) MAPP 2.0 (Mobilizing Action through Planning and Partnerships) and included more community involvement and input than ever before. The culmination of this process is the selection of the new 2025-2028 local health improvement priorities for Frederick County, which are:

• Food & Nutrition: Lack of Access to Affordable Healthy Food

• Housing: Inadequate Affordable Housing Supply

• Mental Health: Lack of Awareness of Accessibility of Resources

• Mental Health: Stigma Around Mental Health

• Racial Equity & Justice: Institutional and Systemic Racism

Do you have questions or want to learn more about the 2025-2028 Local Health Improvement Process (LHIP) priorities? The Coalition will be hosting a webinar on Friday, February 14 at 2:00pm to review the new priorities, share next steps, and answer questions live. Click the button below to register for the webinar.

The Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) Public Input Session, hosted in partnership with the Frederick County Health Department, Frederick Health, and the Coalition for a Healthier Frederick County, invites you to share your insights to help shape Frederick County’s health priorities over the next 3-year Local Health Improvement Process (LHIP) cycle.

The event will take place on Wednesday, January 22 from 9:00am - 12:00pm at the Frederick Health Village. This will be a hybrid event. The snow date is Tuesday, January 28 from 9:00am - 12:00pm, same time and location.

Based on primary and secondary data, the four identified pressing health issues in Frederick County that will be discussed, along with the subject matter expert who will be speaking on each, are as follows:

1. Racial Equity and Justice: Dr. Denise Rollins, Founder, Whole Heart Center, and Danielle Haskin, Director, Frederick County Health Department’s Equity Office

2. Housing: Vincent Rogers, Director, Frederick County Division of Housing

3. Food/Nutrition: Alysia Feuer, Executive Director, Farm to School Frederick

4. Mental Health/Social Isolation: Andrea Walker, Director of Behavioral Health Services, Frederick County Health Department and Suzi Borg, Director of Crisis Services Division, Mental Health Association of Frederick County
   

All are welcome to attend! Refreshments and light breakfast items will be generously provided through a donation from Wegmans, with additional support from the Coalition for a Healthier Frederick County.

To enter the Frederick Health Village:

Please park in the West Lot (follow the signs), walk through the long white canopy, and someone will be at the door to grant you into the building.

To attend in-person or virtually, register at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0udO2qrj4sHtJ30IHLQcUHqiT7FPDzmGL9.

Support your employees and strengthen your business by creating a recovery-friendly workplace. This series provides businesses with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to address mental health and substance use disorders (SUD) effectively. Each session stands alone, so you can choose one or attend all three to earn progressive recognition levels and exclusive resources. 

What You’ll Gain by Participating 

• Frederick County and Maryland Recovery-Friendly Workplace Status: Receive a certificate, digital badge, and cling to showcase your commitment to recovery-friendly practices. 

• Business Cost Analysis and Recovery-Friendly Assessment: Gain insights into the financial and cultural impact of supporting employee recovery. 

Recognition Levels 

• Attend One Session: Bronze-Level Maryland Recovery-Friendly Workplace. 

• Attend Two Sessions: Silver-Level Maryland Recovery-Friendly Workplace. 

• Attend All Three Sessions: Gold-Level Maryland Recovery-Friendly Workplace. 
  

Session 1: Foundations of a Recovery-Friendly Workplace, January 16 from 9:00am - 11:00am

Session 2: Building Recovery-Friendly Practices, January 23 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Session 3: Sustaining a Recovery-Friendly Workplace , January 30 from 9:00am - 11:00am

Choose one or attend all three sessions to gain practical tools, resources, and recognition for your business’s commitment to recovery-friendly practices. 

Members of the Mental Health Workgroup will be presenting at Session 1 on January 16.

Learn more by clicking here. Register here.

The Coalition for a Healthier Frederick County is opening up a request for proposals (RFP) proposals for our Health Equity Initiative.

We will be holding an Information Session on Wednesday, January 15 from 11:00am - 12:00pm EST via Zoom to review the RFP, explain what will be required of the chosen vendor, and address any questions you may have.

Please register here.

It is apparent that health disparities affect Frederick County, adversely impacting some groups more than others. Because of that, we are seeking support to:

• Develop and Implement a Health Equity Framework and Toolkit: Collaborate with the Health Equity Committee, Coalition board, and Coalition staff to create a comprehensive framework that incorporates health equity principles, best practices, and a toolkit to guide internal operations and external communications, fostering shared understanding and equitable outcomes. Deliverables include a phased project plan, training model for staff and board, and strategies for integrating health equity techniques into Workgroup action plans.

• Establish Reporting, Evaluation, and Accountability Structures: Define benchmark metrics, create internal and external reporting frameworks to assess progress, and ensure transparency through monthly project summary reports and lessons learned repositories.

The selected partner will play a vital role in advancing health equity by collaborating with our Coalition, stakeholders, and the community to ensure measurable and meaningful impact.

For additional details about the Health Equity RFP, visit https://healthierfrederick.org/healthequityrfp. Please contact Malcolm Furgol, Executive Director, at Malcolm@HealthierFrederick.org with any questions.

Join us at Hood College on Thursday, November 21 from 1:00 - 2:30pm for their November Public Health Seminar Series in the Hodson Auditorium located in Rosenstock Hall.

The seminar will feature leaders from the Coalition for a Healthier Frederick County's Local Health Improvement Process (LHIP) Workgroups. Hear about the Workgroups' impact on the community, their personal and professional journeys, ways to get involved, and more.

You won't want to miss it! Registration is not required.

Join us to hear updates from the Coalition and our dedicated partners, the Frederick County Health Department and Frederick Health. We will also hear from the Local Health Improvement Plan (LHIP) Workgroups; Type 2 Diabetes and Mental Health.

Stay up to date on important initiatives taking place in our community.

The meeting will take place at the Frederick Health Village with both virtual and in person attendance options. Light refreshments will be offered.

Use the button below to register. Registration is required. A meeting link will be sent to the provided email.

Join us to hear Frederick County community health updates, as well as the progress of the community LHIP workgroups.

For any questions or comments, please reach out to Summer at Summer@HealthierFrederick.org

Registration is required to receive the zoom information. Click the button below to register!

Data disaggregation is not just a technical matter; it's a crucial step towards equity and fairness in healthcare and beyond. By disaggregating data, we uncover hidden disparities and ensure that all voices are heard and represented. 

We are extending this invitation to all Maryland Local Health Improvement Coalitions (LHICs), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and local and state representatives. Your presence and insights are crucial as we work together to address data equity issues in our communities. 

Colors of Pride will serve as an exciting launch to Pride Month, aiming to address the stigma surrounding mental health and emphasize the transformative potential of artistic expression in fostering a healthy and diverse community. Through an array of engaging events, including the highly anticipated Community Arts Celebration, this campaign will shine a spotlight on local Queer artists, organize interactive workshops, and create a welcoming space that promotes well-being and acceptance.

We invite you to join us in breaking barriers, celebrating diversity, and discovering art's profound impact in constructing a thriving community!

Click the button below to register!