Western Maryland Partners Unite to Coordinate Donations for Those Impacted by Recent Flooding Events in Garrett and Allegany Counties

By Lindsay Broadwater, Garrett County Local Management Board Administrative Officer

In response to the recent devastating flooding across Garrett and Allegany Counties, a coalition of Western Maryland partners has come together to support those affected. Essential supplies, including food, baby food and products, laundry items, and hygiene products, have been collected and delivered directly to impacted families thanks to the collective efforts of community organizations and public health partners.

The supplies were gathered at the Garrett County Health Department through a coordinated effort between the Garrett County Local Management Board, Local Behavioral Health Authority, and numerous community donors. The donation drive exemplifies the power of local collaboration in times of need.

Transport of the supplies to flood-impacted areas was generously provided by Maryland Physicians Care, ensuring that critical resources reached those most in need quickly and efficiently.

Agency leaders and collaborators shared comments on this experience:

“This initiative shows how deeply our community cares. We’re proud to stand beside our neighbors in Garrett and Allegany Counties,” said Jennifer Hare, Garrett County Health Officer.

“Helping our neighbors in need is second nature in Garrett County, where our community regularly reflects on the shared value of ‘taking care of our own’ – especially in challenging times,” said Shelley Argabrite, Chief Health Strategist at the Garrett County Health Department.

“Helping deliver these vital items to families recovering from disaster is a reflection of our commitment to the health and well-being of Western Maryland,” said Lorena de Leon, Senior Director of Population Health and Social Determinants of Health at Maryland Physicians Care.

“We’re grateful to the many local folks who made this possible,” said Fred Polce, Local Management Board and Local Behavioral Health Authority Director. “These contributions reflect the giving spirit of Garrett County.”

This coordinated donation effort highlights the strength and compassion of Western Maryland’s regional partnerships and their commitment to lifting up neighbors during times of crisis.

For more information or to learn how to help, contact the Garrett County Local Management Board/Local Behavioral Health Authority at 301-334-7440 or visit https://garretthealth.org/core-services-agency/. More information about Maryland Physicians Care is available online at http://mpcmedicaid.com/.

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Pictured above, from left to right, are Matt Thomas of Maryland Physicians Care, Fred Polce representing the Garrett County Local Management Board and Local Behavioral Health Authority, and Jennifer Hare from the Garrett County Health Department. Shelley Argabrite, also a key partner in this effort, was unavailable for the photo.

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Additional Information Provided by Maryland Physicians Care: