Let’s move forward together, Howard County.
In case you missed it, Howard County recently celebrated a huge achievement – we were ranked 8th in the nation in the U.S. News and World Report’s Healthiest Communities report. As Howard County’s community health foundation and the largest independent health philanthropy in the state of Maryland, we were thrilled by this news.
Not surprisingly, we ranked high in categories for social determinants of health like higher education and a good economy. We have also worked diligently to ensure our residents have access to insurance, and we have helped influence the reduction of risky behaviors like smoking and sugary drink consumption. However, despite some progress, one area where we still have a long way to go is health equity.
Whether in witnessing the past year of protests over racial justice or our own work in the Howard County Equity Collaborative, we’ve learned that the only way to advance racial equity in our communities is if we work together to demand systemic change.
Read more in this month’s blog from Kenitra Fokwa, our senior program officer who runs our racial equity and grantmaking portfolios.
New resource available for COVID-19 vaccine information
Are you searching for where to get your COVID-19 vaccine? Looking for information about potential side effects? Feeling skeptical or worried about getting your shot? Want to learn the latest about how to keep yourself and your family safe? In partnership with Howard County, we are proud to launch a new website, Howard County Vaccines, that will help answer your questions and help you make the choice that’s right for you.
Have a big idea? Applications now open for the 2021 Changemaker Challenge!
We are joining with the United Way of Central Maryland, Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County and the Community Foundation of Howard County to host the third Changemaker Challenge! This social impact competition looks to foster entrepreneurs and their ideas for social change in Howard County. A total of $60k will be awarded for fresh social innovation concepts that will drive change for good in our community.
Think your big idea has the power to create social change? Submit your application today for a chance to compete!
Apply now>>
Learn about past finalists and winners>>
Save the date!
Mark your calendar and join us for a listening session on September 13th and/or 14th (details to come later). The Foundation wants to hear from county organizations to better understand what policies and community issues are most pressing and ripe to change as we all seek a more equitable community.
Later this year, the Foundation will commit resources to strengthen the advocacy and organizing capacity of organizations so they can better change policies and advance health equity throughout Howard County. Dismantling structural racism is hard work and collective action is the only way we’ll see change happen. These conversations will help inform our equity grantmaking later in the year.
Stay tuned for more details soon!
