May 4, 2021
The St. Mary’s County Equity Task Force is pleased to announce official state recognition of the two new school-based health centers (SBHCs) in the county, as well as a $650,000 grant awarded to the St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) to support clinical service delivery at the SBHCs.
Following a review of operational plans and a joint site visit from the Maryland Department of Health and the Maryland State Department of Education, the newly constructed SBHCs at Spring Ridge Middle School and Margaret Brent Middle School have been approved as aligned with Maryland’s school-based health standards for Level III SBHCs. This will allow SMCHD to begin developing clinical services at these sites, including telehealth capacity.
April 25, 2021
The St. Mary’s County Equity Task Force, in partnership with the Housing Authority of St. Mary’s County, Maryland (HASMC), is pleased to announce plans for a future Behavioral Health Hub for St. Mary’s County. The 6,200 square-foot, former PNC Bank branch located on Great Mills Road in Lexington Park, was donated by PNC Bank to HASMC with the intent it would be used as a community Behavioral Health Hub by St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) and St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO).
Included among a wide range of services to be provided on-site are COVID-19 testing and vaccinations for frontline and essential workers and community members, particularly those residents who are older or with chronic health conditions. The launch of the facility helps to ensure easier accessibility to critical health services in the community, particularly for an area challenged by significant health disparities.
March 8, 2021
The St. Mary’s County Equity Task Force is pleased to announce the launch of the BreatheWell St. Mary’s initiative, a comprehensive air quality monitoring and health education initiative for St. Mary’s County.
Through BreatheWell St. Mary’s outdoor air quality sensors will be installed across the county that will measure particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and other elements that may contribute to poor air quality and respiratory illnesses. Indoor air quality sensors and air purifiers will also be used to promote occupational health in 24/7 first responder facilities and the county libraries.
Real-time outdoor air quality data and recommended protective health actions will be noted on the St. Mary’s County Health Department Air Quality Dashboard at: www.smchd.org/breathewell. Additionally, schools will fly color coded flags that indicate air quality index and corresponding outdoor activity recommendations for students, as illustrated here.
The school-based health centers will initially offer school nursing, behavioral health services, preventive care and health education programming. Future plans for these centers include specific primary care services, key to improving health outcomes for students who face barriers to accessing health care.
“Lack of consistent health care and accessible mental health services can create barriers to regular school attendance,” said Dr. Scott Smith, Superintendent of St. Mary’s County Public Schools. “School Based Health Centers and our proactive partnership with the St. Mary’s County Health Department can address this need.”
“We are eager to get these School-Based Health Centers operating immediately to support our COVID-19 pandemic response and students as they return to school.” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “In the future, these health centers will serve as primary care access points for students, school staff, and the surrounding c