• English
    X

    Google Translate Disclaimer

    The Maryland Department of Information Technology (“DoIT”) offers translations of the content through Google Translate. Because Google Translate is an external website, DoIT does not control the quality or accuracy of translated content. All DoIT content is filtered through Google Translate which may result in unexpected and unpredictable degradation of portions of text, images and the general appearance on translated pages. Google Translate may maintain unique privacy and use policies. These policies are not controlled by DoIT and are not associated with DoIT’s privacy and use policies. After selecting a translation option, users will be notified that they are leaving DoIT’s website. Users should consult the original English content on DoIT’s website if there are any questions about the translated content.

    DoIT uses Google Translate to provide language translations of its content. Google Translate is a free, automated service that relies on data and technology to provide its translations. The Google Translate feature is provided for informational purposes only. Translations cannot be guaranteed as exact or without the inclusion of incorrect or inappropriate language. Google Translate is a third-party service and site users will be leaving DoIT to utilize translated content. As such, DoIT does not guarantee and does not accept responsibility for, the accuracy, reliability, or performance of this service nor the limitations provided by this service, such as the inability to translate specific files like PDFs and graphics (e.g. .jpgs, .gifs, etc.).

    DoIT provides Google Translate as an online tool for its users, but DoIT does not directly endorse the website or imply that it is the only solution available to users. All site visitors may choose to use alternate tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use DoIT content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk. DoIT is not liable for any loss or damages arising out of, or issues related to, the use of or reliance on translated content. DoIT assumes no liability for any site visitor’s activities in connection with use of the Google Translate functionality or content.

    The Google Translate service is a means by which DoIT offers translations of content and is meant solely for the convenience of non-English speaking users of the website. The translated content is provided directly and dynamically by Google; DoIT has no direct control over the translated content as it appears using this tool. Therefore, in all contexts, the English content, as directly provided by DoIT is to be held authoritative.

    Maryland Department of Health
    Office of Population Health Improvement

    ​​​​​

    ​​Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Grant to Maryland Department of Health

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Grant to Maryland Department of Health

    National Initiative to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities Among Populations at High-Risk and Underserved, Including Racial and Ethnic Minority Populations and Rural Communities


    Federal Funding Amount: $21,211,178​

    Rural carve out: $1,160, 221

    Project Period: June 1, 2021- May 31, 2024


    Goals: The intended outcomes of this funding opportunity are to 

    1. Reduce COVID-19-related health disparities

    2. Improve and increase testing and contact tracing among populations at higher risk and that are underserved, including racial and ethnic minority groups and people living in rural communities

    3. Improve state, local, US territorial, and freely associated state health department capacity and services to prevent and control COVID-19 infection (or transmission) among populations at higher risk and that are underserved, including racial and ethnic minority groups and people living in rural communities​​


    The Maryland Department of Health is working towards these goals through collaboration across the Department, implementing various activities described below. Please feel free to reach out to Program Manager, Gabrielle Nichols, with any questions at gabrielle.nichols@maryland.gov. 


    Description of Services: A summary overview of MDH’s plan in alignment with the CDC strategies is outlined below. (Activities are subject to changes) 

    1. Increase/improve data collection and reporting for populations experiencing a disproportionate burden of COVID-19 infection, severe illness, and death to guide the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    • Build on existing statewide data exchange through the state-designated health information exchange (HIE) by adding clinical, demographic, social, and quality data extraction from provider EMRs. Analyze and use the data to provide dashboards to providers and public health officials to visualize patient and community-level disparities to inform and guide programs, policies, and patient interventions, including support needed for contact tracing, testing, and vaccinations. This work aligns with the State Integrated Health Improvement Strategy under the Total Cost of Care Model which aims to reduce health disparities and improve outcomes with a focus on diabetes, opioids, maternal and child health, and other issues with clear racial and ethnic impacts.

    • Support implementation of tools to enhance social determinants of health (SDoH) data collection and referral process for populations most impacted by COVID-19 to enable improved connection with current community services and community-based organizations (CBO) directory sites (e.g. 211).

    • Provide leadership, education, and technical assistance to providers, CBOs, local health departments, and social service agencies to optimize the use of information provided by the statewide SDoH data program to identify and address health disparities.


    1. Build, leverage, and expand infrastructure support for COVID-19 prevention and control among populations that are at higher risk and underserved.

    • Increase the Capacity of the Community Health Worker Workforce through investments in Recruitment, Training Availability, and Culturally Appropriate Services

    • Improve understanding of the healthcare workforce across Maryland to support current and future training, recruitment, and retention programs to improve healthcare access and health outcomes for high-risk and underserved populations.

    • Implement the Maryland Rural Health Infrastructure Initiative in partnership with the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), supporting a community-based workforce and training to improve uptake of COVID-19 vaccines and other evidence-based practices to prevent and treat COVID-19, while maintaining an emphasis on building rural health capacity for the future.

    • Enhance LHD capacity and implementation to address COVID-19 related health disparities and partnerships with organizations focusing on outlying and/or hesitant populations.

    1. Mobilize partners and collaborators to advance health equity and address social determinants of health as they relate to COVID-19 health disparities among populations at higher risk and that are underserved.

    • Facilitate Community Based Organization (CBO) representing underserved and increased risk populations in their efforts to address COVID-19 related health disparities.

    • Partner with training organization(s) to provide technical assistance to support CBOs and LHDs in sustainably addressing COVID-19 health disparities.