* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Holton
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
title
In Celebration of National County Government Month - 2010 Healthy Counties
FOR the purpose of joining NACo and more than 1,000 counties across the nation in celebration of National County Government Month (NCGM) to raise public awareness and understanding about the roles and responsibilities of county government; and endorsing the 2010 theme of "Healthy Counties" that promotes the essential health care services and healthy living and recreational programs that the nation's counties provide.
body
Recitals
In the introduction to Healthy Counties: National County Government Month, April 2010, the President of the National Association of Counties (NACo) states that: " County governments play an essential role in America's healthcare system. They are unique in their responsibility to both finance and deliver health services through public hospitals and clinics, local health departments, and long-term care facilities. In addition, counties provide mental health programs for the uninsured. As employers, counties provide health insurance benefits to nearly 3 million county employees and their retirees nationwide."
Baltimore City, a member of NACo as one of the 24 counties and county-equivalents in Maryland, like other members provides an array of health services to an estimated 630,000 citizens through the Baltimore City Health Department. Formed in 1797, the oldest, continuously operating health department in the United States provides clinics and health services for sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS, family planning, maternal health and infant health, immunizations, asthma, senior care, cancer screening, and lead poisoning prevention services.
During the past decade the accessibility of drug treatment services has increased significantly, and the Department provides a network of mental health services through Baltimore Mental Health Systems and works to address problem youth through the Office of Youth Violence Prevention. The Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response works with federal, state, and local government to develop plans and policies to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies, such as bioterrorist incidents, natural disasters, and disease outbreaks.
Baltimore City, through the Department, provides for the nutrition, food safety, healthy homes, and homeless services of its residents through Food and Nutrition Services, Food and Licensure Inspection, the Safe & Healthy Homes, Homeless Services, and Neighborhood Nuisances. In addition to human services, the Department continues to provide for the protection and safety of animals through the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter.
Since its inception in 1797, the Baltimore City Health Department has worked in partnership with agencies, health care providers, community organizations, the media, and contributors to improve the health and well being of Baltimore residents. Baltimore City's strong tradition of providing health services to its citizens proudly upholds NACo's Healthy Counties 2010 initiative.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That Baltimore City joins NACo and more than 1,000 counties across the nation in celebration of National County Government Month (NCGM) to raise public awareness and understanding about the roles and responsibilities of county government; and endorses the 2010 theme of "Healthy Counties" that promotes the essential health care services and healthy living and recreational programs that the nation's counties provide.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Honorable Chairs and Members of the Baltimore City Senate and House Delegations to the Maryland General Assembly, the President, National Association of Counties, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
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