Horizon Awards Howard County Government $273,000 Funding Supports Major Health Department Initiatives

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Howard County Government has been awarded $273,000 by The Horizon Foundation in support of key Health Department initiatives, Richard M. Krieg, Horizon President & CEO, announced today.

Dr. Peter Beilenson, County Executive Ken Ulman, Richard M. Krieg, Dr. Robert Sheff

"Under County Executive Ken Ulman and Health Officer Peter Beilenson, public health policy and practice in Howard County is undergoing a major transformation," Krieg said in making the announcement.

Citing the administration’s "unprecedented commitment to community health," as well as human services and environmental issues, Krieg said, "This grant confirms the strong support that our organization places in the county's health leadership." Krieg singled out County Health Officer Peter Beilenson for special praise, saying that Beilenson "has brought big city thinking to the very complex health issues this county faces. A number of those issues stem from the county’s increasing urbanization."

"We are doing all we can to make Howard County the model health community in the United States," said County Executive Ken Ulman, "but we can’t do it alone. The Horizon Foundation has been a valuable partner in our efforts and a catalyst in advancing the health and well being of those who live and work in Howard County. This County is lucky to have the support of the Horizon Foundation."

Funding for community readiness exercises focused on pandemic influenza accounts for $200,000 of the Horizon grant. "County wide pandemic planning is critical as it will enable us to upgrade readiness for the most profound health challenge that the county may face," Krieg explained. "The exercise series will test health care capabilities as well as governmental and community continuity of operations," he added.

In addition, Horizon has awarded the Health Department $42,000 to fund marketing and research for HealthyHoward, the county's multi-faceted program to improve the health and wellness of county citizens. Healthy Howard encourages institutions like restaurants, workplaces, schools, and recreation programs to incorporate healthy activities and healthy products as part of its everyday routine.

The remaining $31,000 of the grant will finance the transition of the Howard County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) from the Horizon Foundation and the Community Emergency Response Network to the Health Department. Over 50 volunteer physicians and other health practitioners are part of the MRC, which was established two years ago to assist first line responders in times of emergency.

The Horizon Foundation is a $92 million philanthropy that addresses health and wellness issues through strategic grantmaking and partnerships with private and public institutions.