ONE-ON-ONE WITH COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN ULMAN

When County Executive Ken Ulman was elected, he set out come clear priorities.  Howard County was in a strong position back then, and by all accounts, it is getting stronger.

What has the county executive and his team accomplished in the past year?  What things are most important to him? And what does he look forward to as he continues to improve county government? (View::)

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PREVENTION & PROGRESS – HEART DISEASE IN HOWARD COUNTY

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. What is heart disease? Are you at risk? What can you do about it? And what are some of the exciting innovations in this important field? (View::)

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THE  GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND COUNTY COUNCIL – NEWS FROM THE LEGISLATIVE FRONT

2007 was an active year for both the Maryland General Assembly and the Howard County Council.  Both bodies grappled with needs – and the ability to finance them. Likewise, the Howard County Council will be working actively on the legislative front.  Among other issues, 2007 was noteworthy for an access to health care plan introduced by the County Executive.  It’s drawn national attention because it is practical and innovative.  By combining the elements of existing state and federal programs – and stressing partnerships – the program doesn’t rely solely on government.  The County Council will need to review this vital program in the months ahead. (View::)

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A VIBRANT COMMUNITY: HISPANIC HEALTH IN HOWARD COUNTY

The Hispanic population is one of our largest and most vibrant ethnic communities.  With people from Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador as well as other Central and South American Countries, our Hispanic residents add much to the county’s social and cultural life.What are the health concerns of Hispanics? Can the community do better in responding to these needs?  And what can you do to help?  (View::)

 

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ORGAN DONATION: THE GIFT OF LIFE

Every 16 minutes a new name is added to the national organ transplant waiting list. Each year thousands of Americans could benefit from a heart transplant. But far less transplants are actually carried out done. How critical is the organ donation issue? What are the problems related to donation? And what do you need to know about organ donations and transplants?  (View::)

 

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LIVES ON THE LINE: HOWARD COUNTY'S FIRST RESPONDERS

When a disaster strikes, first responders step into action. We expect the police, firefighters and public health workers to be there for us. These professionals are trained to operate in an environment of risk. They’re prepared for a variety of situations. And with terrorism in the picture - they may be asked to deal with the unexpected. Who are Howard County’s first responders? How are they getting ready for future disasters? And how can you volunteer in the vital area of disaster response.  (View::)

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HOWARD COUNTY GENERAL HOSPITAL

Howard County General Hospital is growing. And you’d have to have a pretty severe medical condition not to notice the workers and machinery that are fixtures on the busy hospital campus. Will Howard County General be able to meet the growing demand for patient services? What other challenges does it face? And how can you support this vital community institution?  (View::)

 

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HEALTHY AGING IN HOWARD COUNTY

Over the next fifteen years, the number of county residents age 65 and older will dramatically increase.  In fact, senior population growth here will outstrip every other Maryland county.  The experts say that as the population ages, it will be necessary to retread the healthcare system.  What are the health needs of seniors living in the county?  Does the current service delivery system need to adapt? And how might these changes affect you and your family? (View::)

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HOWARD COUNTY'S COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

We are very fortunate in Howard County to have many nonprofit organizations, a good number of which provide its citizens access to a vast array of human services.  These range from domestic violence services -- to crisis intervention -- to services supporting populations at risk.  The agencies offering these services face serious challenges, especially with regard to funding.  As budgets tighten and competition for philanthropic dollars continues to increase, nonprofits are being called upon to do more to address community needs.  (View::)

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ON THE FRONT LINES OF EDUCATION – THE PRINCIPAL'S ROLE IN HEALTHY SCHOOLS

It takes a special person to be a school principal. Few jobs offer the challenges - or the pressures -- of a high school or middle school principal. What’s it like to be a public school principal? What are the challenges faced? And how can you become an asset to your local public school principal?  (View::)

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LIVING WITH DYING – THE POIGNANT STORY OF END-OF-LIFE CARE

People sometimes say that in this lifetime, the only things we can be certain of are death and taxes. But while most of us prepare for taxes . . . people are often unprepared for death. What is hospice care? How does it integrate with other types of health care? And how can you handle the momentous events that often accompany the death of a loved one? (View::)