Students of Saints Peter and Paul High School (SSPP) in Easton, Maryland, and Saint Andrew’s School in Middletown, Delaware, recently donated to For All Seasons, bringing hope and comfort to clients of the agency.

SSPP National Art Honor Students created and donated Mugs of Hope to first-time clients seeking mental health treatment. This heartfelt initiative was designed to remind individuals that they are not alone and to offer a tangible expression of care at a time that can feel overwhelming. Each hand-painted mug is a unique creation, lovingly filled with calming tea, hot chocolate, sweet treats, and a handmade bookmark carrying an uplifting personal message – small gestures of peace and encouragement.

While still a senior, Ember Theeke helped coordinate the donation effort to bring the work of For All Seasons to her community at Saint Andrew’s School in Middletown. Because Saint Andrew’s values networking and supporting the broader communities of its students, the vestry seeks out worthy causes for the school to support. Ember put forth For All Seasons as a possible recipient, spoke at one of the school’s services, and helped inspire staff and students to contribute.

Now an alumna, Ember reflects on the experience: “I believe that the work of For All Seasons should be shared as widely as possible. I was happy to talk about what the agency does with Saint Andrew’s. Our vestry was immediately on board with coordinating a staff and student donation. I have so much love for For All Seasons, for your amazing work, and for Saint Andrew’s for recognizing your value! I’m glad these two amazing places could connect,” shares Theeke, alumna of Saint Andrew’s School.

For All Seasons Behavioral Health & Rape Crisis Center offers mental health services, victim and crisis support, and education & outreach on Maryland’s Mid-Shore and throughout the state. The agency’s unique model of care ensures anyone can receive the highest-quality, trauma-certified mental health care when they need it, regardless of language or ability to pay. For information about For All Seasons walk-in hours, contact 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsInc.org.

University of Maryland Shore Medical Center (UM SMC) at Chestertown recently acquired a new state-of-the-art MRI machine at its diagnostics center located at 100 Brown Street. The new MRI replaces an older machine and represents substantial advancements in patient imaging technology.  

“The new MRI features an 80 cm. bore that will increase access and comfort for larger patients and for those who suffer from anxiety or claustrophobia,” said Kelly Bottomley, Regional Manager, Radiology, UM Shore Regional Health. “In addition, it produces high-quality images made possible by using the latest innovations in digital imagery, and with flex coil technology, we will be able to offer a wider array of exams.” 

“A full retrofit of the space housing the MRI was completed over the summer to ensure all safety standards were met or exceeded,” said Katelyn Roskosky, Construction and Facilities Manager, UM SRH.  “We are thankful to our project and construction teams, who worked tirelessly to bring MRI services back on-line in Chestertown so quickly.”  

The Chester River Health Foundation has committed $1.2 million toward the purchase and renovations, including an initial gift of $600,000. If you are interested in making a gift to support this important project for our community, visit umcrhf.org/donate. 

“The Foundation’s steadfast support is bringing our community the power of state-of-the-art MRI technology improving the ability to diagnose and care for more patients close to home,” said Zack Royston, Executive Director/VP of Rural Health, UM SMC at Chestertown. 

MRIs are now available on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. To schedule an MRI at Chestertown or any other UM Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) imaging location, call 443-225-7474. 

UM SMC at Chestertown is a University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) hospital; UM SRH is a member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System.

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About University of Maryland Shore Regional Health  

A member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of five counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore: Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot. UM SRH consists of approximately 2,000 team members, including more than 600 health care providers on the Medical Staff, who work with community partners to advance the values that are foundational to our mission: Compassion, Discovery, Excellence, Diversity and Integrity. For more information, visit https://www.umms.org/shore. 

 

About the University of Maryland Medical System 

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is an academic private health system, focused on delivering compassionate, high quality care and putting discovery and innovation into practice at the bedside. Partnering with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore who educate the state’s future health care professionals, UMMS is an integrated network of care, delivering 25 percent of all hospital care in urban, suburban and rural communities across the state of Maryland. UMMS puts academic medicine within reach through primary and specialty care delivered at 11 hospitals, including the flagship University of Maryland Medical Center, the System’s anchor institution in downtown Baltimore, as well as through a network of University of Maryland Urgent Care centers and more than 150 other locations in 13 counties. For more information, visit www.umms.org. 

 

 

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Do you live in Dorchester County and get SNAP benefits or SunBucks?

Do you want to add more fresh, local produce to your meals?

Register now and get a box of local fruits and vegetables ($10 value) for just $4 SNAP or SunBucks!

Your produce box will be ready from 11am-12pm every Tuesday through Sept. 30 at the Shore Community Engagement Center, upstairs at the Packing House, 411 Dorchester Ave., Cambridge, MD.

Sign up TODAY at https://www.docosnapfarmer.com.

This program is a collaborative effort of Dorchester County Health Department, University of Maryland Eastern Shore Extension’s Small Farms Program, University of Maryland Extension’s SNAP-Ed Program, Round Stone Farm, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, and Eastern Shore Wellness Solutions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2023, suicide was among the top eight leading causes of death for people ages 10 to 64 and the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34. To address this urgent issue in our community, For All Seasons is launching its annual suicide prevention campaign under the theme “I’m Fine” Isn’t the Whole Story – a message reminding us that the people we care about might be struggling silently behind words that seem reassuring.

So often, when we ask someone how they’re doing, we hear “I’m fine.” But, what if that’s not the whole story? What if, underneath that response, there’s something more serious they don’t know how to share?

For many, talking about suicide is scary and uncomfortable. It can feel like there’s a “right” thing to say, but what if you say the wrong thing instead? Here’s the truth: talking about suicide doesn’t make things worse. Starting the conversation shows you care and might be a relief for someone who has been afraid to talk about what they are experiencing. It may help save a life.

The Mayo Clinic Health System emphasizes the power of reaching out, saying, “It improves mental health outcomes and the likelihood that the person will seek treatment. If someone is in crisis or depressed, asking if they are thinking about suicide can help, so don’t hesitate to start the conversation.”

A small, compassionate question can be the start of something life-changing: “Hey. You’ve seemed off lately. Are you okay?” “I’m worried about you. Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”

When we look past the words “I’m fine” and trust our instincts, we often notice signs that something isn’t right. Most people show warning signs before a suicide attempt. And, while we can’t be responsible for someone else’s actions, we can be the person who helps them get to a safer place.

The National Institutes of Health and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offer five steps that can guide you when you suspect someone is struggling with suicidal thoughts:

1. ASK. Say it out loud: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Don’t sugarcoat it. Don’t tiptoe around it. Just ask. Research shows that this doesn’t make things worse; it helps.
2. BE THERE. No judgment. No fixing. Just listen. Try something like: “I’m really glad you’re telling me this. Thank you for trusting me.” You don’t need to have all the answers. Just be present.
3. KEEP THEM SAFE. If someone says they’re thinking about suicide, ask: “Do you have a plan?” If the answer is yes, help reduce access to anything dangerous. Stay with them. Talk it through. Get support.
4. HELP THEM CONNECT. Let them know they’re not alone. Acknowledge their pain and offer:
   “This is a lot. Let’s talk to someone who can help.”
   “We can call 988 together. I’ll stay with you.”
   Help them connect to a therapist, a parent, a school counselor, a spiritual advisor, or a friend. You can also call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
5. FOLLOW UP. The conversation doesn’t end when the moment passes. Supportive, ongoing contact can play an important role in suicide prevention. Check in tomorrow, the next day, and the week after. A simple message like “thinking of you” or “want to grab lunch?” can remind someone they matter.=

What If You See Something Online?
If someone posts something online that feels like a cry for help, don’t scroll past. Most social media platforms have tools to report concerning posts and send support. Learn more about that at 988lifeline.org/help-someone-else/support-on-social-media. If you’re concerned about someone, don’t wait. Trust your gut. Check in. Because sometimes, the people who say “I’m fine” are the ones who need us most.

For All Seasons’ 24-Hour Crisis Hotlines:

• English: 410.820.5600
• Español: 410.829.6143
• English/Español Text Line: 410.829.6143
• National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

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Each September, For All Seasons launches its annual “No Matter What… You Matter” suicide prevention campaign. For more information, please visit www.NoMatterWhatYouMatter.org. For All Seasons Behavioral Health & Rape Crisis Center offers mental health services, victim and crisis support, and education & outreach on Maryland’s Mid-Shore and throughout the state. The agency’s unique model of care ensures anyone can receive the highest-quality, trauma-certified mental health care when they need it, regardless of language or ability to pay. For more information about For All Seasons, please call (410) 822-1018 or visit www.ForAllSeasonsinc.org.

University of Maryland Shore Regional Health’s (UM SRH) Palliative Care Program has named Christina Ball, MS, AGACNP-BC, as the practice’s director. Ball has been a nurse practitioner with the practice since 2020. UM SRH is a member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System.

“Christina has been an integral part of our team, demonstrating exceptional clinical expertise, deep compassion for patients and families and an unwavering commitment to improving quality of life for those facing serious illness,” said Timothy Shanahan, DO, Medical Director, UM Shore Medical Group. “In this new leadership role, Christina will guide our palliative care program’s growth, ensuring that our patients continue to receive comprehensive, patient-centered care that reflects our mission and values. We are confident that Christina’s vision, leadership and dedication will strengthen our services and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals and communities we serve.”

Ball has been a nurse practitioner with the UM Shore Regional Palliative Care Program, working collaboratively with patients’ primary care and specialists’ teams to relieve the stress and symptoms of serious or chronic illness, for the past six years. She previously worked as a nurse practitioner at Bayleigh Chase in Easton,and with Peninsula Regional Medical Center’s Neurology Department, was the University of Maryland Medical Center’s Comprehensive Stroke Center Coordinator in Baltimore and positions as staff nurse, clinical coordinator and neuroscience specialist with UM SRH. In 2012, she was recognized as the recipient of the UM SRH Outstanding Achievement in Professional Nursing Award.   

For more information or to request a palliative care consult, please contact the UM Shore Regional Palliative Care Program at 410-820-4434 or visit umshoreregional.org/palliativecare.

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About University of Maryland Shore Regional Health 

A member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of five counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore: Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot. UM SRH consists of approximately 2,000 team members, including more than 600 health care providers on the Medical Staff, who work with community partners to advance the values that are foundational to our mission: Compassion, Discovery, Excellence, Diversity and Integrity. For more information, visit https://www.umms.org/shore.

 

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is an academic private health system, focused on delivering compassionate, high quality care and putting discovery and innovation into practice at the bedside. Partnering with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore who educate the state’s future health care professionals, UMMS is an integrated network of care, delivering 25 percent of all hospital care in urban, suburban and rural communities across the state of Maryland. UMMS puts academic medicine within reach through primary and specialty care delivered at 11 hospitals, including the flagship University of Maryland Medical Center, the System’s anchor institution in downtown Baltimore, as well as through a network of University of Maryland Urgent Care centers and more than 150 other locations in 13 counties. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

Compass proudly celebrated another successful year of Camp New Dawn, marking the 31st year of this unique program that helps children, teens, and families navigate grief in a safe, supportive environment. 

Held each summer, Camp New Dawn brings together children and teens who have experienced the loss of a loved one, offering them a place to share their stories, build resilience, and find comfort among peers who understand. With the guidance of trained counselors and compassionate volunteers, campers participate in traditional camp activities— arts and crafts, swimming, games, and team challenges—blended with grief support sessions designed to promote healing and hope. 

“Grief can feel isolating for children, but Camp New Dawn reminds them they are not alone,” said Rhonda Knotts, Director of Grief Support Services.“For more than three decades, this camp has provided a safe haven where young people can honor their loved ones, express their emotions, and begin to rediscover joy.” 

Volunteers, too, experience the power of Camp. Longtime volunteer, Jane Anthony, shared: “The only thing I can say is that it was a supercalifragilisticexpealidocious camp! I saw healing. I saw connections being made, both campers and volunteers. I saw one big family 

just loving each other through the tough moments. I saw things that just make me want to come back year after year!” 

This year’s camp welcomed 53 campers, whose strength and openness inspired the entire Compass team. Many campers return year after year, forming lasting friendships and connections that extend well beyond camp. 

Many campers and volunteers spoke about their experiences at Camp New Dawn and the profound impact it had on them, their children, and their families. One family shared,“By the end of family camp, we are all just a little bit lighter. The loss is still there, the heartache is still present, but now we have a number of tools to help us cope with our grief on our own terms and in our own time.” 

Another supporter reflected,“At Camp New Dawn, I met some of the bravest little souls who showed up to heal their hearts from the pain of grief. I witnessed courage in teens and young adults continuing their own healing while walking alongside the younger campers. I saw bravery in the adults who pour their time and love into making this camp a meaningful, successful healing process.” 

Group leader Hayden Rhodes expressed,“Year after year, I have the privilege of witnessing something truly remarkable over three unforgettable days. This is not just a camp—it’s a place where children who have experienced deep loss come together, surrounded by compassion, understanding, and hope. The most beautiful part is watching transformation unfold—by the last day, the same faces that carried such visible grief are glowing with the light of new friendships, deeper understanding, and a renewed sense of hope. Camp New Dawn is a sacred space where healing begins, where hearts mend little by little, and where God’s presence feels close and real.” 

Camp New Dawn is made possible through the generosity of community supporters, donors, and dedicated volunteers who give their time, energy, and hearts to ensure each child feels seen and supported. 

As Compass reflects on 31 years of Camp New Dawn, one thing remains constant: the power of community to bring light into even the darkest seasons of grief. With the support of volunteers, donors, and families, Camp New Dawn will continue to provide a safe, compassionate space where children and families can find healing, hope, and connection. 

Compass 

Since 1985, Compass has empowered patients to spend their final months as they choose, guiding loved ones through life-limiting diagnoses and teaching healthy ways to manage grief. 

Today, Compass is a regional provider of hospice care, supportive care, and grief services in Caroline, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties. Whether serving patients in private residences, skilled nursing facilities, or Compass’ residential center in Centreville, our staff and volunteers are dedicated to ensuring that individuals facing the end of life can live their days fully and meaningfully. 

Media Contact: 

Hayley Greenwood, Media and Communications Coordinator 

443-262-4100, ext. 177 

[email protected]

University of Maryland Shore Regional Health’s (UM SRH) Palliative Care Program recently announced the addition of nurse practitioner Megan Morrison, PhD, ARNP, FNP-BC, ACHPN, and Teresa “Terry” Rudman, LCSW-C, a licensed clinical social worker, to the team. UM SRH is a member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System. 

Morrison and Rudman will provide support for patients in the UM SRH Palliative Care Program, which works collaboratively with a patient’s primary care and specialists’ team to relieve the stress and symptoms of serious or chronic illness.

“Megan brings a breadth of experience and knowledge in the palliative care specialty and Terry brings incredibly valuable experience to serve our patients,” said Christina Ball, director, UM Shore Regional Health’s Palliative Care Program. “I have confidence that both will continue to complement our existing team and work diligently to serve our community in a positive way.”

Morrison is board certified as a family nurse practitioner and an advanced certified hospice and palliative nurse. She joined UM SRH from Inova Fairfax Hospital in Fairfax, Va., where she was a nurse practitioner. She has also worked as a nurse practitioner at Kaiser Permanente in Renton, Wash. Her clinical background includes critical care nursing, cardiac and hospice care, as well as in hospital, office and home-based palliative care. She has held teaching positions at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in Baltimore, Md.; Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Wash, and Seattle University in Seattle, Wash. She has been a part of extensive research into improving end-of-life care as well as research that focuses on patients with advanced heart failure who are living with left ventricular assist devices and has published many peer-reviewed journal articles. Morrison completed her post-master’s certificate in advance palliative nursing at the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Center in Aurora, Colo., and her PhD at the University of Washington and the Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence in Seattle, Wash.   

Rudman, who recently relocated to the Eastern Shore, has extensive experience in addressing complex psychosocial issues with individuals and families. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va., and her Master of Social Work from New York University in New York, N.Y.  She will provide support for the psychological, social and spiritual needs of patients and families.

For more information or to request a palliative care consult, please contact the UM Shore Regional Palliative Care Program at 410-820-4434 or visit umshoreregional.org/palliativecare.

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About University of Maryland Shore Regional Health 

A member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of five counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore: Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot. UM SRH consists of approximately 2,000 team members, including more than 600 health care providers on the Medical Staff, who work with community partners to advance the values that are foundational to our mission: Compassion, Discovery, Excellence, Diversity and Integrity. For more information, visit https://www.umms.org/shore.

 

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is an academic private health system, focused on delivering compassionate, high quality care and putting discovery and innovation into practice at the bedside. Partnering with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore who educate the state’s future health care professionals, UMMS is an integrated network of care, delivering 25 percent of all hospital care in urban, suburban and rural communities across the state of Maryland. UMMS puts academic medicine within reach through primary and specialty care delivered at 11 hospitals, including the flagship University of Maryland Medical Center, the System’s anchor institution in downtown Baltimore, as well as through a network of University of Maryland Urgent Care centers and more than 150 other locations in 13 counties. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

 

As our children transition from summer to the new school year, For All Seasons – the region’s behavioral health and rape crisis center – wants parents to know ways that they can build their child’s coping toolbox for some of the stressors that come with going back to school.

Mental Health America says that changing friendships, getting your brain back into “learning mode,” and balancing school with other responsibilities are just some of the ways that starting a new school year can be stressful. The coping toolbox is a collection of skills, techniques, items, and other suggestions that your child can turn to as soon as they start to feel anxious or distressed.

Creating your toolbox can be as simple as writing a list of what helps, like breathing exercises or playing with a pet – this way, when children are struggling with their mental health they don’t have to remember what to do or search for tips – they know what works best for them. Physical toolboxes could include such items as a stress ball, written notes of encouragement, or even photos that make them feel happy. This could be kept in a child’s bookbag or locker for access when they need reassurance.

Other ideas for coping with stress as school resumes could include mood boosters, such as:

• Watching a funny YouTube video
• Reorganizing your room
• Playing a game outside
• Watching a movie you loved when you were younger
• Repeating affirmations like: I believe in myself. Fear doesn’t control me. I let go of my sadness. I am safe.

According to the Child Mind Institute, the biggest changes are those starting kindergarten, middle school, and high school. These transitions involve new schools, new routines, and lots of unfamiliar faces. It’s understandable for kids (and parents) to be a bit anxious, but these new beginnings are opportunities for them to develop important academic and social skills and a stronger sense of self.

For students starting kindergarten:

• Practicing things like opening snacks, using the bathroom solo, and packing a backpack
• Teaching kids strategies they can use to calm down when they’re nervous that are part of their personal toolbox

For students starting middle school:

• Helping students learn time management and study skills for changing classes for the first time and the increased school workload with color-coded folders, calendars, and checklists
• Helping students learn to regulate emotions and handle friendships as they navigate the social and emotional challenges that come with puberty

For students starting high school:

• Helping encourage students’ independence in completing tasks without your reminders and teaching them self-advocacy skills
• Providing proactive guidance to students for how to handle situations involving sex and substances

For further information, visit Building Your Toolbox https://mhanational.org/back-to-school-with-mental-health-in-mind/. If you or your child needs additional support, reach out to a local mental health provider.

For All Seasons Behavioral Health & Rape Crisis Center offers mental health services, victim and crisis support, and education & outreach on Maryland’s Mid-Shore and throughout the state. The agency’s unique model of care ensures anyone can receive the highest-quality, trauma-certified mental health care when they need it, regardless of language or ability to pay. For more information about For All Seasons, please call (410) 822-1018 or visit www.ForAllSeasonsinc.org.

The University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) Board of Directors recently welcomed four new members: Aaron Gabrielian, CFP®; Pamela Metz Kasemeyer; Michael Molino and Kevin M. Morgan. The Board’s membership includes representatives from the five counties served by UM SRH, the regional physician community and the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), of which UM SRH is a member organization. In addition to these new members, the following members have been elected as new officers on the Board: Steve Satchell has been elected to serve as chair and Marlene Feldman as vice chair.

Gabrielian, of Easton, Md., is Senior Vice President – Branch Director, Senior Portfolio Director of the Coastal Private Wealth Group at RBC Wealth Management in Easton. He began his career as a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley and prior to joining RBC, worked at a leading independent advisory firm providing family-office style investment advisory services, business succession planning and estate preservation strategies to some of the nation’s most successful business-owning families, institutions and endowments. He has extensive experience managing individual investment portfolios on a discretionary basis and providing multigenerational wealth planning to corporate executives and business owning families. 

Gabrielian graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance where he played baseball and was the recipient of the Towson University Tiger Leadership Award for his efforts on and off the baseball field. He went on to graduate study in financial planning through New York University. He holds active volunteer roles with several local organizations including The Mid-Shore Community Foundation Board of Directors, The Sultana Education Foundation Board of Directors and UM SRH Board of Directors, which he serves as Chair of the Finance Committee.

Kasemeyer, of Easton, Md., and Columbia, Md., currently serves as Director of the Office of Government Affairs for Baltimore County, Md. She was formerly a partner with Schwartz, Metz, Wise and Kauffman, P.A. in Baltimore, Md., representing business, professional and trade associations before Maryland’s legislative and executive branches.

Before joining Schwartz, Metz, Wise and Kauffman, P.A., Kasemeyer held several positions, including associate attorney at the Law Offices of J. William Pitcher, Executive Director of the Maryland Delaware Solid Waste Association and Director at the Maryland Association of Health Maintenance Organizations.

Kasemeyer earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law, a Master of Health Services Administration from George Washington and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy Studies from Duke University. Her bar admissions include the Maryland Court of Appeals, the United States District Court – District of Maryland and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Kasemeyer is Chairman of the Board for Sisters Circle, a mentoring organization in Baltimore City, and serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for CASA on the Mid Shore.

Molino, of Saint Michaels, Md. is Executive Vice President, Corporate Growth for SeaCorp, an engineering and technology company that builds electronic systems for submarines and related technology solutions, where he oversees corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions, business growth and federal government affairs.

Before joining SeaCorp, Molino served in similar positions at ASRC Federal and Leidos, both government contracting firms. Prior to working in the private sector, Molino served in the U.S. Army, handling various logistics roles and leading deployment exercises, natural disaster relief and training programs. He continues his military service by volunteering on the Army Science Board, where he reviews Army projects involving robotics, personnel management, nuclear testing and technology. 

Molino earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a Master of Business Administration from Cornell University.

Morgan, of Cambridge, Md., currently serves as Regional Health and Wellness Senior Director for Sam’s Club Inc., based in Annapolis, Md. In this role, he oversees a large network of pharmacies, as well as optical and hearing centers, across 12 states. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Morgan played a key role in the vaccine rollout within Walmart, collaborating with Walmart Supercenters, Sam’s Club, and Neighborhood Markets to deploy immunization services across the various retail platforms supporting all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

Morgan served as a commissioner on the Maryland Board of Pharmacy from 2016 to 2024, including 3 terms as board president. He has also represented Maryland as a delegate to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) and contributed as a member of multiple NABP committees. He holds a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from Shenandoah University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Environmental Studies from St. Lawrence University. His professional certifications include APhA immunization delivery, American Board of Opticianry and basic life support.

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About University of Maryland Shore Regional Health 

A member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of five counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore: Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot. UM SRH consists of approximately 2,000 team members, including more than 600 health care providers on the Medical Staff, who work with community partners to advance the values that are foundational to our mission: Compassion, Discovery, Excellence, Diversity and Integrity. For more information, visit https://www.umms.org/shore.

 

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is an academic private health system, focused on delivering compassionate, high quality care and putting discovery and innovation into practice at the bedside. Partnering with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore who educate the state’s future health care professionals, UMMS is an integrated network of care, delivering 25 percent of all hospital care in urban, suburban and rural communities across the state of Maryland. UMMS puts academic medicine within reach through primary and specialty care delivered at 11 hospitals, including the flagship University of Maryland Medical Center, the System’s anchor institution in downtown Baltimore, as well as through a network of University of Maryland Urgent Care centers and more than 150 other locations in 13 counties. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

Department Seeks Youth Programs for Teen Pregnancy, STI Prevention Efforts Applications, parent consent forms are due by 5 pm Sept. 11

The health department invites programs serving Dorchester County youth to apply to offer a teen pregnancy and STI prevention course to county teens.

Two programs will be awarded $3,000 to teach the “Making Proud Choices!” curriculum to at least ten (10) Dorchester County youth ages 10 to 19.

The evidence-based curriculum has eight one-hour lessons. These lessons are designed to help young people:

• Get the facts they need to understand these issues.
• Feel confident that they can make safer choices about sex.
• Learn how to understand and manage their own feelings and thoughts.
• Learn how to talk to others and act in ways that lower their personal risk.
• Think about their beliefs about risks and what could happen. They will also learn to look at behaviors or situations that increase their risk of pregnancy, HIV, and other STIs.
• Be motivated to use these skills in their daily lives.

People who lead these programs will be trained to teach the lessons correctly.

This money can be used for things like supplies, paying staff, facility costs, and small gifts for participants. The program must be finished by April 30, 2026.

Go online to https://dorchesterhealth.org/about/#bids to download the application instructions, the application form, and a parent consent form template.

The application and completed parent consent forms are due by 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025.

If you have questions or need help filling out the application, please contact Asiha Blake at [email protected] or 410-901-8158.