[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6220413,"mediaKeyId","3617603-633266e131e3281c5e1b446e3ca8250f","parentId",3617603,"title","Carroll County Health Department presents county health ranking, highlights mental‑health and access gaps","audioSeconds",867,"startMs",2908000,"endMs",3775000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3617603-633266e131e3281c5e1b446e3ca8250f&start=2908&end=3775","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3617603-633266e131e3281c5e1b446e3ca8250f/thumbnail_2908000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6220413/Carroll-County/Maryland/Carroll-County-Health-Department-presents-county-health-ranking-highlights-mentalhealth-and-access-gaps","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6220413-ba4cd80b8aaae752d4033c970992bdec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146680&Signature=Ndy9toFZfyYW4ozaynEHtBwKRwTdTRFHFVYWLb-sq0ohT-qR1weu98wxqEZChZI0Y9tmXbt~34BtN-azNYOI0vdwUQWodabbDyuMelEZVoL9nIER1oLV6FcbdXKuuJy2vqHTmSGr2dHODIrZkJcxnK-GWtsR-BPDLJ71BgeKy-lAX2pR16tV4S1jQkQyEddvw1JdPsvNya3dJnsriC86rOJJDRCf0pIj1DeK-h6Jm6RxGoef-TukoxxI-28QqHHjRKa8SgDGZ9p7qJI0P0~Mi7dRknofJj2kYrDfY6v5GRig6jvqPfrimbof7nIOHoRrS6Cv7galBaQIFj0F92n4Fg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-29T15:24:57Z","article","The Carroll County Health Department presented the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps 2025 and local public‑health data at the May 29 commission meeting, telling commissioners the county generally fares better than state and national averages on many metrics but faces pressing behavioral‑health, access and long‑commute challenges.

The presentation, led by Amy (the county epidemiologist) and Maggie (the department’s public‑information and strategy lead), summarized the 29‑metric ranking and local datasets used to shape the department’s strategic planning. Amy said, “Carroll County is faring slightly better than the average county in Maryland for population health and well‑being, and better than the average county in the nation.”

Why it matters: Commissioners said the results matter for where the county should focus limited resources. The department identified particular community strengths — high school completion, low uninsured rates and improvements in mammography screening and air quality — and pointed to persistent gaps: high percentages of workers who commute more than 30 minutes alone, a declining ratio of primary‑care physicians per resident, and troubling youth mental‑health indicators from school surveys.

Department staff walked commissioners through community‑condition measures the rankings use, including health‑infrastructure metrics (providers per population, screening rates), physical‑environment metrics (air quality, broadband access) and social‑economic factors. Amy flagged the primary‑care physician ratio as a concerning trend: the county’s ratio rose from about 2,120:1 in 2020 to about 2,260:1 in the latest report.

The presenters and commissioners spent the most time on behavioral health and school survey participation. The health department cited youth survey results showing elevated levels of sadness and suicidal ideation among middle‑ and high‑school students; staff noted the survey is opt‑out and that response rates vary. Commissioner Rostein said the opt‑out approach hampers planning: “I feel like we are turning a blind eye to mental health and behavioral health by this opt out type of a scenario.” Commissioners and staff discussed ways to increase survey participation and to route limited resources toward school‑based identification and services.

Staff also noted pockets of higher need within the county — census tracts around Westminster, Union Bridge and Taneytown show relatively higher poverty, food insecurity and chronic‑disease burdens — and described targeted outreach already underway, including a CareFirst‑funded nutrition education pilot with Westminster Rescue Mission.

Next steps and requests: Health‑department staff asked the commissioners for guidance on strategic priorities to carry into a new multi‑year plan and said they would expand public information about available services. The department plans a “Here for You” outreach campaign and will work with community partners, the hospital and local coalitions to coordinate programs. Commissioners asked the department to return with prioritized options tied to specific resource requests and measurable targets.

The presentation materials cited the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps (University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, 2025) and the department’s 2024 community health needs assessment as primary data sources; staff said the national rankings program is searching for funding and its future releases are uncertain.

The meeting segment concluded with commissioners thanking staff for providing data in advance so they could review it before the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of County Commissioners Open Session May 29, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Carroll County Health Department presented the County Health Rankings and local data on May 29, showing overall strengths in education and insurance coverage but calling attention to long commutes, fewer primary‑care providers and elevated youth mental‑health indicators.","taxTitle","Carroll County, Maryland","taxId",7748,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6220393,"Commissioners approve several contracts and purchases totaling about $1.16 million",1062,3635000,4697000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3617603-633266e131e3281c5e1b446e3ca8250f&start=3635&end=4697","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3617603-633266e131e3281c5e1b446e3ca8250f/thumbnail_3635000.jpg","/articles/6220393/Carroll-County/Maryland/Commissioners-approve-several-contracts-and-purchases-totaling-about-116-million","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6220393-d0ff5ea37d52c307e9909da2775ba357/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146680&Signature=nkcPG86WSxyuuyf-N~1Pg5Es2kjkNXAZdWrHTXzmP7VLPOIKvm7oSCXMmLtdDobTrn1etfjnMxHxFmpkLwoZJeXwKb~LefnC7Ftr5YE3clDxr7z4Lb1UxWd-vsJA7HJQI2O6zyOowHVYDnzp6h8fGe38sau8NosUkcg99O0kjFZsgUwOgunTMLnnNuZJMNP8jxQ~kP2GxkZNt-mU19MyAGQ-dh2szuWBvuFeWRvIfO6MdU~55K3K6TC6he8v2LLRrhENeHLHVfOlIVXaPkRrQtU2~al6fSIHWqm4BHwdj2B1-xt6fyq5bfp4GT-~9zleMypV0Ge33jH5btJrLcixDQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Carroll County Commissioners approved a package of contract awards, purchases and change orders at their May 29 meeting. Major items approved by motion included contracts for EMS medical‑director services, facilities energy‑management work, a computer‑room UPS replacement and several operational purchases or change orders. Commissioners recorded affirmative votes for each item during the open session.

Summary of approved items (motion language paraphrased from meeting):

- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine — medical director contract for Carroll County EMS, not to exceed $149,100 for the next contract year; the arrangement provides a designated medical director (Dr. Stephanie Kemp) and access to additional Johns Hopkins physicians when needed. (Motion approved.)

- Bound Tree Medical (via Fairfax County cooperative contract) — purchase of routine medical supplies and accessories for Fire/EMS, $36,565.57; FY25 budgeted. (Motion approved.)

- LOSAP (Length of Service Award Program) administrative change — the board approved a change to start monthly benefit payments in the month the volunteer turns age 60 rather than using semiannual start dates; staff and the LOSAP chair estimated modest savings for the current and next calendar years. (Motion approved.)

- Universal Utilities — emergency generator rental for Freedom District Water Treatment Plant, $29,455; the rental covered a seven‑week period while the plant’s generator was repaired. (Motion approved.)

- HTI Contractors — change order for additional work on replacement of water service valve bolts (Freedom District), $23,390; the change order exceeded the original 10% contingency and required commission approval. (Motion approved.)

- Johnson Controls (term contract) — encumbrance of funds for energy‑management control services for county buildings and Carroll Community College, total $612,900 ($458,372 county buildings; $154,528 Carroll Community College); FY26 encumbrance. (Motion approved.)

- Universal Utilities — purchase and installation of one ASCO Series 300 manual transfer switch at the County Office Building, $31,500; FY25 budgeted. (Motion approved.)

- Graybar (Omni Partners cooperative contract) — replacement of the computer‑room uninterruptible power supply (UPS), $276,985.99; lead time estimated at 12–15 weeks. (Motion approved.)

Each item was presented by the responsible department (Fire/EMS, Procurement, Facilities, Utilities or Technology Services). Commissioners asked clarifying questions — for example about sole‑source designations, contract terms, equipment lead times and the availability of budgeted funds — and staff answered. All motions recorded a positive ‘Aye’ vote during the meeting.","At the May 29 meeting the Carroll County Commissioners approved multiple contract awards, purchases and a contract change order across departments, including EMS medical director services, facilities energy‑management encumbrances, a major UPS replacement and other procurement items; the board recorded motions and carried votes on each item.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6220398,"Residents launch petition drive; commissioners reiterate opposition to utility‑scale solar on farmland",3256,1448000,4704000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3617603-633266e131e3281c5e1b446e3ca8250f&start=1448&end=4704","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3617603-633266e131e3281c5e1b446e3ca8250f/thumbnail_1448000.jpg","/articles/6220398/Carroll-County/Maryland/Residents-launch-petition-drive-commissioners-reiterate-opposition-to-utilityscale-solar-on-farmland","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6220398-22da0da573f828edd6f89353f37fd30d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146680&Signature=IZ~9LLwb7zRKqaC2GJotnwTfO9ztC5FqeVgA703-NGt5X9srQTgPI0s-C4xrfXeRxcqUhRhJvrUhuxrNDCHGrj9E5oULyM-9AhuPKBIHCgce8D~1PKXMw6zycuWTtQpucqY8gdBSB4HJySM2t5oO6M~jG11xbIauk6H29BWW610SQE4uwvoSLqlJ1mvSbQFOLt-O3oUZ~rbnbrzNMb9mhESEp0XBiDzr4sGsQyQ43eOkLqP5QUrxjwVouxPuvpDbcmVke8UkjxAo2g~AlmwtxEyKsxS3wpT9ACOjAbnCjTvXppCsELcZ0dzRuYRDZG1qTQmln~qNfRmOnFO0Vlz6pw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A caller identified as Sally Taylor used the public‑comment period on May 29 to urge Carroll County residents to sign a petition opposing provisions of SB931 that supporters say expand opportunities for large solar installations on agricultural land.

Taylor told commissioners the petition is part of a larger, statewide referendum effort led by the Farmers Alliance for Rural Maryland and that organizers need an initial set of signatures by the coming Monday. She said she created a Facebook page, “sb931 petition drive,” with details about local collection points and the statewide campaign; she urged those who oppose utility‑scale solar on preserved farmland to sign quickly.

Earlier in the meeting several commissioners discussed the recently enacted state measure and said they oppose siting utility‑scale solar on productive agricultural ground. Commissioners noted Carroll County supports rooftop and parking‑lot solar and commercial projects but said they do not want fertile farmland converted to large solar arrays; one commissioner directed viewers to the petition website on the meeting screen and encouraged residents to sign.

The public comment and commissioners’ remarks reflect a continuing local debate over state solar siting policy. The petition effort cited on the call is intended to place a referendum on the 2026 ballot; organizers told the commission that volunteers from across the state are coordinating signature drives.

No formal action by the board was recorded during the public‑comment segment.","A caller asked residents to sign an emergency petition referencing SB931 to limit large solar installations on agricultural land; commissioners present earlier in the meeting expressed opposition to siting utility solar on productive farmland and noted a Farmers Alliance petition effort.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6220403,"Carroll County launches inaugural agritourism passport with 21 sites, prizes through October",202,2514000,2716000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3617603-633266e131e3281c5e1b446e3ca8250f&start=2514&end=2716","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3617603-633266e131e3281c5e1b446e3ca8250f/thumbnail_2514000.jpg","/articles/6220403/Carroll-County/Maryland/Carroll-County-launches-inaugural-agritourism-passport-with-21-sites-prizes-through-October","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6220403-4969b0eb94c10b2ae238c14dd3ac650a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146680&Signature=RuV-Jo7b3mFi7UFdppWWzvUAkvmeaaIBuEolAFfPSPwkiek8W3SKumu9VWkGq4EUjit0yz6iaJPB3eAGDq0kHO8-qtjba06~NK5ZKNCxEyRq-XrogE9Mw5RQoQYJ~fyQEgoO0N-LWsJKN02KXK5tQlf8Azr5vSLrhXNq1wOZAi3HLPwAxuYGL0~dRTRfkSf3sbrTE7fm5hW~e5OVfFiP3sR7Lxpxn2ZjlLif9F-xac84Dm9KXThGC0IN66hyJK3JjRqjjG2udEPzmlLBovJr9mXLmhFZlTsEd8VxyZplBYKFwqydGS8cKFjrcbMp~IywEhj56~6cSThlOTbqdG1fCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Carroll County’s Department of Economic Development announced the inaugural Agritourism Passport program on May 29, inviting residents to visit participating farms and agricultural venues across the county this summer and fall.

Director Denise Beaver and agriculture development specialist Diana Hare said the program includes 21 participating sites. Visitors use a pocket passport to collect site stamps; passports turned in at any Carroll County Public Library branch or the county visitor center qualify for participation prizes and a grand‑prize drawing in November. The program runs June through October; hours, reservation requirements and site‑specific rules are indicated on the passport.

Hare summarized the program’s mechanics: “Your passport to summer fun is as easy as, visit stamp repeat,” and urged visitors to check each venue’s hours and reservation instructions before visiting. Staff said the county will deliver passports and posters to participating sites and will track venue participation to assess whether the program increases farm visits and local agritourism traffic.

Denise Beaver said the idea came from a local venue and county staff expanded it into a countywide campaign; organizers asked participants to limit one passport per group, family or individual. The passport includes an optional short essay prompt asking visitors to name their top three favorite locations and why; staff hope that feedback will help the county evaluate and improve the program for future years.

Commissioners and staff encouraged participants to share photos from visits on social media to help promote the county’s agricultural venues.","The county’s economic‑development office unveiled a free ‘passport’ program running June–October to encourage visits to 21 farms and agribusinesses; completed passports earn participation prizes and entries into a November grand‑prize drawing.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6220408,"Commissioners approve $29,938.86 sole‑source purchase of wall‑mounted bunk beds for detention center",434,1997000,2431000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3617603-633266e131e3281c5e1b446e3ca8250f&start=1997&end=2431","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3617603-633266e131e3281c5e1b446e3ca8250f/thumbnail_1997000.jpg","/articles/6220408/Carroll-County/Maryland/Commissioners-approve-2993886-solesource-purchase-of-wallmounted-bunk-beds-for-detention-center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6220408-eb413df124cf5e56f51f6bf8da869ee4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146680&Signature=ScgEvHjOfOgNloN8MZOJIsjLgRz3MU6PnTDUIfTAcScorxeQ3k3NwgDwspcP-nuEEZHyyundUeCUmQkns3Iu1SDU3BfVtl00dulO7DeL1poyR3E2ZucOXdb4s9le6Iy2B05f-gY8cbDAHN13HCneipoDOj49u5shjEkFglM1dIGsrNLPK2Zsrsbaiwd6jukdC7BJBhfkI2-xvmlMZ2SxMGzg2h2dPebCqVs8M1mvBbhT0n3VxcHcnP-7MusLgsz~6dBhEuBMrzvUbddt-OX~60fhD0ouu9OYX7U2a6PAOOlv-XMTKvPS-tcu5A-mI2b0zlGtV1jJcuDb8wKv-HGjzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Carroll County Commissioners approved a sole‑source purchase on May 29 for two MaxSecure wall‑mounted bunk beds to be installed in high‑risk housing units at the county detention center.

Procurement staff told the commission the purchase and installation will total $29,938.86 and is funded in the fiscal‑year 2025 budget. County staff characterized the units as specialized security furnishings designed to reduce opportunities for contraband concealment and self‑harm, and to limit use of fixtures as weapons.

A correctional facility spokesperson explained the bunk beds differ from household furniture: they are sealed, anchored to eliminate gaps and exposed hardware, and built to reduce the risk that an inmate could conceal items or inflict self‑harm. The spokesperson said the quote includes a 10‑year warranty and that the vendor must measure each installation area for a final fit and price.

Procurement described the purchase as a sole‑source procurement because the vendor holds a proprietary design and the county has been satisfied with prior installations. Commissioners noted the cost but said public‑safety considerations in known high‑risk housing areas weighed in favor of moving forward.

The motion to approve the purchase carried; commissioners voted in favor and staff said no additional funding beyond the FY25 budget appropriation is expected to be required.","Carroll County commissioners approved a sole‑source purchase and installation of two MaxSecure wall‑mounted bunk beds for high‑risk units in the county detention center, citing safety, contraband reduction and a 10‑year warranty.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Carroll County Health Department presents county health ranking, highlights mental‑health and access gaps

Commissioners approve several contracts and purchases totaling about $1.16 million

Residents launch petition drive; commissioners reiterate opposition to utility‑scale solar on farmland

Carroll County launches inaugural agritourism passport with 21 sites, prizes through October

Commissioners approve $29,938.86 sole‑source purchase of wall‑mounted bunk beds for detention center