Community Connections Newsletter, August 15

Prince George’s Proud:

An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks

Dear Prince Georgians, 

We are excited to join the nation in recognizing National Black Business Month. This month, we celebrate and acknowledge Black-owned businesses not just here in Prince George’s County, but all over the country. National Black Business Month was established in 2004 to support the now more than 2 million Black-owned businesses across the nation. It’s important for us to support our local entrepreneurs, and that is why we are excited to officially proclaim this month as National Black Business Month in Prince George’s County.

This is a particularly exciting time as our County continues to be the economic engine of the Washington Metropolitan region and the State of Maryland. We know that small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and Black-owned businesses play an important role in supporting our community and the economic success of Prince George’s County. These businesses have long been an important driving force in creating jobs, making investments, and creating opportunities that have shaped the business landscape of our County.  

Many businesses would not be where they are today without the continued support of the community, especially over the last two years with the number of unexpected challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When minority businesses flourish, so does our community. That’s why it’s encouraging to see the growth and entrepreneurship represented in the growing number of Black-owned businesses that call Prince George’s County home.

Looking forward, we are continuing to work to ensure that Black-owned businesses can open, grow, and thrive here in Prince George’s County. We are Prince George’s Proud to support our local Black entrepreneurs during National Black Business Month, and we encourage Prince Georgians to join us in supporting them not only during this month, but throughout the year.

Additionally, this week is National Farmers Market Week, a week dedicated to showing how much value farmers markets bring to our communities. Prince George’s County has a number of farmers markets, some of which operate for part of the year and others that operate year-round. The State of Maryland has a listing of some of those farmers markets here. We encourage residents to utilize our County’s farmers markets during Farmers Market Week and throughout the year.  

Yours in service,

Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive

Christopher Waddy

COVID-19 Vaccination Update

Vaccine Supply & Administration

Christopher Waddy
  • The County Health Department has provided over 224,900 vaccinations, including more than 27,000 additional doses to those fully vaccinated.
  • The County Health Department has provided over 260 vaccinations at the Cheverly Health Center and Maternal/Child Health Center at Laurel to date in August.
  • Our mobile units have provided over 60 vaccinations in the community to date in August, focusing on homebound and senior residents.
  • More than 19,300 vaccinations have been provided to children ages 5 to 11 years since the vaccine became available for that age group in November 2021.
  • More than 200 vaccinations have been provided to children under the age of 5 since the vaccine became available for that age group in June 2022.

Vaccination Locations

Proud to Be Protected

The County Health Department no longer operates a standing mass vaccination clinic. The COVID-19 vaccine is available through the County’s mobile vaccination units or at the Cheverly Health Center and Maternal/Child Health Center at Laurel, by appointment only. There are a number of vaccination sites available in Prince George’s County that are not operated by the County. Please remember that we neither manage nor control appointments or distribution for any locations not operated by the County Health Department.

Prince George’s County Health Department

  • Cheverly Health Center and Maternal/Child Health Center at Laurel: To schedule an appointment, individuals should visit the County Health Department website here.
  • Mobile Vaccination UnitsThe County’s mobile vaccination units are typically reserved for homebound residents and other high-risk residents who require assistance in getting access to the vaccine. Individuals who are interested in our mobile vaccination units should call PGC311 and press # for assistance.

Additional Non-County Operated Sites

  • Please use our County Vaccine Locator to find additional vaccination sites operated by pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare partners.

Progress Toward Vaccination Goals

Christopher Waddy
Over 1,695,000 vaccinations have been provided to 710,236 County residents, including 597,108 second doses and 388,356 additional doses.

As of August 10, the CDC is reporting 95% of adults ages 18 and older have received at least one vaccination in the County, and 85.9% are fully vaccinated.

When including all residents ages 5 and older, 95% of residents have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 81.8% are fully vaccinated.

The CDC reports 50.7% of residents ages 18 and older who are fully vaccinated have received a booster or additional dose as of August 10.

Approximately 35.4% of County residents ages 5 to 9 years and 65% of County residents ages 10 to 19 years are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.


County News For You

Creating Resilient Communities Webinar Series

Christopher Waddy

The Office of Homeland Security/Office of Emergency Management continues its Creating Resilient Communities Webinar Series on Tuesday, August 16 at 7:00 PM! This webinar will discuss the impacts of COVID-19 and quarantine on the mental health of young adults. The mental health of young adults was challenged due to changes in plans and missed significant life events, social isolation, anxiety, and depression. Participants will learn about symptoms, warning signs, and how to help young adults manage these challenging times. Register today for this free webinar by clicking here.

Free August Immunization Clinics

Christopher Waddy

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), in collaboration with the County Health Department and the Maryland Partnership for Prevention, will host a series of free immunization clinics from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM each day at four (4) PGCPS locations to assist families with meeting immunization requirements. Please note that families must register online for an appointment.

LOCATIONS AND DATES

Bladensburg High School (August 8-12)

  • 4200 57th Avenue | Bladensburg

Oxon Hill High School (August 15-17)

  • 6701 Leyte Drive | Oxon Hill

Fairmont Heights High School (August 18 & 19)

  • 6501 Columbia Park Road | Landover

Northwestern High School (August 22, 24 & 26)

  • 7000 Adelphi Road | Hyattsville

*The County Health Department has additional dates and times daily.

Register now by clicking here. Visit the PGCPS website here for more information.

Back2School Drive & Dash

Christopher Waddy
Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) is hosting a Back2School Drive and Dash FREE backpack giveaway on Saturday, August 20, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (or while supplies last) at THREE (3) PGCPS

LOCATIONS:
Charles H. Flowers High School
10001 Ardwick-Ardmore Road, Springdale

High Point High School
3601 Powder Mill Road, Beltsville

Oxon Hill High School
6701 Leyte Drive, Oxon Hill

Musical entertainment will be provided by WHUR 96.3! For more information, click here.

Join PGCPS as a Substitute Teacher!

Christopher Waddy
Substitute teachers and paraprofessionals are a critical part of our school community, and PGCPS is hiring short and long-term substitutes for the upcoming school year! Apply today to learn more about available positions and significant pay increases. Learn more here.

Reduce Waste at the Source

Christopher Waddy

It can be difficult figuring out what goes in what waste bin when we’re done with it. To make things easier, consider these sustainable alternatives, which last longer and aren’t immediately trashed or recycled.

  • Start small by using reusable bags, bottles, and straws.
  • Buy items loose and with the least amount of plastic packaging as much as possible.
  • When picking up take-out food, refuse utensils and only take condiments you’ll use for that meal.
  • Clean and repurpose food containers to shop in the bulk section for grains, spices, and more.

Curbside Bulky Trash Services

Christopher Waddy
Residents with County-provided trash AND recycling services can place UP TO 2 standard bulky items at the curb, next to your trash cart, for collection on your regular trash day. Appointments for white goods/appliances and scrap tires are still required via PGC311. Before placing bulky items at the curb, consider donating to one of the many non-profits or organizations that accept donations. County residents can place UP TO TWO (2) standard bulky items at the curb, no appointment is needed. For more details, click here.

Holiday Waste Collection Schedule

Christopher Waddy
County Government offices, with the exception of public safety agencies, will be closed on Monday, September 5, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.
Curbside collection of food scraps and yard trim will be suspended Monday, September 5, to observe the holiday and will resume Monday, September 12. Regular trash, bulky and recycling collection services remain on a regular schedule for residents receiving County provided services. For more information on waste collection services, visit the Department of the Environment website here.

Senior Fitness Day & Picnic

Christopher Waddy
Join the Department of Family Services in partnership with M-NCPPC Parks and Recreation for the annual Senior Fitness Day and Picnic on Friday, September 16, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, at Watkins Regional Park. Prince George’s County seniors 60 years and older are encouraged to register and participate. There will be dancing, fitness, food and local vendors in attendance. Register from August 1 until September 10 by clicking here. For assistance with registration or more information, call 301-265-8421.

Summer Car Safety Tips for Pets

Christopher Waddy

As a reminder, the Prince George’s County Animal Control Ordinance Section 3-180 titled “Animal Cruelty and Neglect” says all domestic animals except livestock are prohibited from being kept outdoors when the heat index is 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, as determined by the National Weather Service. Any person who inflicts unnecessary suffering or pain upon the animal may be charged in accordance with the provisions of Subsection (b). For more information or to view a copy of the Animal Control Ordinance, click here.

If you see a pet in a hot car:

  • Write down the car’s make, model and license plate number.
  • Ask nearby businesses to make an announcement to find the car’s owner.
  • If the owner can’t be found, call your local police or animal control and wait by the car for them to arrive.

What else can you do?

  • Ask local store managers, shopping malls, restaurants, and other businesses to post signs asking customers not to leave their pets in cars while shopping or dining. You can download a flyer from the Humane Society website here.
  • Be prepared to help. Keep phone numbers for your local animal control agency, police department, and emergency veterinary clinic in your wallet or phone.

To report an animal experiencing neglect or cruelty in Prince George’s County, contact the Animal Services Division at 301-780-7200, and select “0” after the emergency message.

CINS Summer Enrichment Closing Program

Christopher Waddy
On July 22, the Department of Family Services, Children Youth and Families Division capped off another successful run for the Children in Need of Supervision program (CINS). The 8-week diversion program focuses on redirecting youth in a positive direction to prevent them from entering or progressing further into the juvenile justice system. The CINS program also serves as a support group for parents to join a network of other parents traveling through similar journeys. The objective of the program is to help teens and their parents navigate through life’s challenges in a healthy way. For more information about the CINS program, click here.

Summer Youth Get Environmental

Christopher Waddy
The County’s Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP) offers County youth and young adults ages 14 to 22 a constructive summer work experience through a six-week paid program working in a government agency. The Department of the Environment (DoE) had the pleasure of hosting 11 students who have been busy touring County facilities and learning about stormwater management, gardening, litter reduction efforts, and providing care to pets. The students also drafted social media content tailored to their peers to be used on DoE’s social media platforms to encourage them to live and be green. Thank you to the students that joined DoE this summer!

Freedom Day

Christopher Waddy
July 30 was World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness about victims of human trafficking. In recognition, the Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Task Force (PGCHTTF) hosted its first Freedom Day video program. The virtual program can be viewed here. Prince George’s County’s leadership and the faith-based community are leading the fight to stand up against human trafficking.
To learn more about this serious global problem or to become a member of the PGCHTTF, please visit their website here.

Spotlight On Prince George’s

Fox5 Zip Trip Showcases the Sights, Sounds, Personalities, and Places to Visit in Bowie!

Christopher Waddy
Photo Courtesy of Experience Prince George’s
The Fox5 Zip Trip to Bowie on Friday, August 5, introduced viewers to some of the most sought-after places within Bowie. Click here, and then here, to check out what’s happening, see the must see stops, find some amazing places to eat, and much more.

Former NFL Player Turned Chef to Open Restaurant in Prince George’s County

Christopher Waddy
Photo Courtesy of Huncho House
We are Prince George’s Proud to share the wonderful news that we will soon be welcoming the first chef’s table style restaurant to Prince George’s County, The Huncho House! The restaurant is owned by a proud Prince Georgian that grew up in Riverdale, Chef Tobias Dorzon. Read the story from WTOP here.