April 26, 2016

Newsletter, April 2016

Answer the call! Howard health survey coming to a phone near you
Between April and June, Howard County residents may receive a call from an independent research firm to take a brief, confidential survey about the health needs of county residents. Please look out for 410-313-8255/”Howard Health” on your mobile or home phone and answer the call! Your answers will help identify critical health issues and improve the health of Howard County.
Three elementary schools kick off new fresh fruit & vegetable bars, more changes to come

The Howard County Public School System launched a new pilot program that is doubling the amount of fruit and vegetables at three schools with fresh, seasonal selections including strawberries, grapes, carrots and more. Created with Horizon support, the program also will promote physical activity, teach healthy habits and introduce a new lunch menu in the future.
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Horizon is proud to partner with the county, along with several Columbia institutions, to launch Howard County’s first bikeshare program. Seven bikeshare locations are slated to open in summer 2017. County Executive Allan Kittleman announced the new program at a ceremony last week.
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County establishes bicycle master plan & complete streets vision
Horizon commends Howard County lawmakers for passing a resolution that would establish the county’s first bicycle master plan and pave the way for a new “complete streets” approach to road design so that all residents can safely and easily travel whether by foot, bike or car. The resolution was proposed by County Executive Allan Kittleman.
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County Council Chairman Calvin Ball named “Public Health Legislator of the Year”
The Maryland Public Health Association presented Dr. Ball with the Michaeline R. Fedder Public Health Legislator of the Year Award in recognition of his leadership on policies that protect and promote public health in our state.
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Jean Moon & Associates wins Audrey Robbins Humanitarian Award
The Association of Community Services of Howard County (ACS) annually honors volunteers, employees and businesses in Howard County for their exceptional service to the community. This year, longtime Horizon friend and consultant Jean Moon & Associates has won “Business of the Year.” 
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Maryland legislature passes electronic advance directives bill
The bill, which awaits Gov. Hogan’s signature, will make it significantly easier for Marylanders to electronically document decisions on the health care they would like to receive at the end of life.
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Healthy vending bill falls short in Annapolis
Despite growing support from advocates, the Maryland Healthy Vending Machine Act fell short of gaining votes needed to advance the bill through the General Assembly. The bill, which was Sugar Free Kids Maryland’s top 2016 state legislative priority, would have expanded healthy options in vending machines on state property.
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