For Immediate Release: December 3, 2007
Contact Person: Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, 301-334-7730
Residents Encouraged to Listen and
Give Feedback to Maryland 's Rural Health Plan
Garrett County residents have an opportunity to learn about and give feedback to Maryland 's Rural Health Plan during a "Listening Session" scheduled for December 10th. The meeting is the last in a series of Listening Sessions scheduled throughout the rural areas of Maryland. The session is being held for local residents to learn about the State Office of Rural Health's recently published rural health plan and give feedback on implementing the plan.
Garrett County's Listening Session will be held on Monday, December 10th, from 6-8 p.m. at the Garrett County Health Department, 1025 Memorial Drive, Oakland, Maryland.
The Maryland Rural Health Plan was published in 2007 in response to requests from rural health advocates for a comprehensive plan to outline a vision, goals, and strategies that could be helpful in improving the rural health in Maryland. The plan outlined the following four priority areas as vital to improving the health of rural Maryland:
o Access to primary and specialty care
o Access to oral health
o Behavioral health (mental health and substance abuse)
o Improvement in behaviors leading to a healthier lifestyle
The MRHA is conducting the Listening Session in collaboration with the Maryland State Office of Rural Health. Maryland's Rural Health Plan can be accessed at http://www.fha.state.md.us/ohpp/ruralhlth/pdf/DHMH_Rural_Health_Plan_07.pdf .
If you are interested in how health can be improved in your rural community please take advantage of this free listening session. Refreshments will be served. Bring a friend!
Call the Health Department at 301-334-7700 or 301-895-3111 for more information on the session.