November 1, 2022

Media Contact:

Chase Cook, Acting Director, Office of Communications, 410-767-8649

PHOTO RELEASE: Maryland Department of Health announces ​$1 million for Vision for Baltimore partnership

Baltimore, MD – The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today announced $1 million in funding for the Vision for Baltimore partnership to provide 8,000 vision screenings to elementary and middle school students at 62 public schools in Baltimore by the end of the 2022-2023 school year. 

The announcement came during a celebration of 10,000 pairs of glasses given away through a partnership with the Baltimore City Health Department, Baltimore City Public Schools, Johns Hopkins University, nonprofit provider Vision To Learn, and lifestyle brand Warby Parker.

MDH Minority Health and Health Disparities Director Dr. Mark Martin addresses students, staff, and guests at Vision for Baltimore partnership event, held at Ft. Worthington Elementary/Middle School.

Launched in 2016, Vision for Baltimore ensures elementary and middle school students across Baltimore receive glasses, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. 

Vision To Learn National Operations Director Wade Brown and MDH Minority Health and Health Disparities Director Dr. Mark Martin present a new prescribed pair of glasses to a Baltimore City student

“Families with lower incomes are less likely to have preventive care,” said MDH Minority Health and Health Disparities Director Dr. Mark Martin. “Barriers to essential services like vision screenings, eye exams, and prescription glasses significantly affect a student’s ability to learn. This new funding will continue a tremendous benefit to students and families, providing access to resources where the child already is – in the school building – in the heart of the community in Baltimore.”

MDH’s Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities (MHHD) has a mission to achieve health equity where all individuals and communities have the opportunity and access to achieve and maintain good health.​ To learn more, visit MHHD.

MDH’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) has a mission to reduce health inequities and improve the health and wellbeing of all individuals, families, and communities in Maryland. To learn more, visit MCHB.

### 

The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement.