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Community Health Services

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1. If my child is sick can I bring my child to the health department?

No. The health department does not have a medical provider available to examine and treat children or provide physicals. Contact your child's medical provider or an urgent care facility. If it is an emergency you should take your child to the emergency department at your local hospital.

2. I found a tick on my body, where can I have it tested for Lyme disease?

The health department does not test ticks or other insects for disease. You can contact the Maryland Cooperative Extension office at 301-600-1594 to inquire about testing availability.

3. Who are the people who provide the nursing services?

We are Public Health Registered Nurses and Health Professionals.

4. How do I get a car seat checked and installed?

We provide free car seat checks for the public to ensure that the car seats are installed properly. Our staff are Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians. Call us at 301-600-3326 to request a car seat check.

For more information, please check out Safe Kids Frederick County

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Environmental Health - Community Services & Developmental Review

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1. Who do I contact if I have been bitten by an animal?

Contact Animal Control at 301-600-1544. For questions regarding post-exposure rabies vaccinations, contact your physician, FHH Emergency Department at 240-566-3500 or the Community Health Services Division of the Health Department at 301-600-3342.

2. My pet bit someone! What do I do?

What if it’s your pet that bites someone? The best thing to do is to share your name and phone number so that if the person bitten goes to have the bite checked, Animal Control can make sure your pet is healthy and vaccinated. If you don’t want to share your information, another option is to report the bite to the Health Department directly and we can match it up to the bite reports that come in.

The big question - What happens to my pet now, are they in trouble? No, they are not in “trouble” but the Health Department does need to make sure they are healthy and vaccinated for rabies. Your pet will be put on a 10 day quarantine that you can do at home. The pet can play with family members and go out in the yard, but must be on a leash or within a fenced area; public activities should be postponed. They will also need to go to the vet to make sure they are healthy and the vet will complete a form that gets turned in; if the pet’s rabies vaccine is not up to date they will need to get one.

If you have questions or don’t know what to do, give us a call 301-600-1717. 

3. Can you apply for a burn permit online?

Burn permits may be applied for online as well as in person at the Frederick County Health Department. More information regarding burn permits can be obtained by calling 301-600-1717.

4. Do I need a burn permit to burn in a barrel?

Yes, you do need a burn permit to burn in a barrel. The barrel must also be located at least 200 feet from any structures and contain only brush.

5. Do you need a Certificate of Potability before obtaining a Use and Occupancy Permit?

Yes. Beginning in July of 2018 a Certificate of Potability is required from the Health Department prior to obtaining a Use and Occupancy from the County for a new or replacement dwelling. Water samples must be submitted to the Health Department where they are reviewed and approved prior to the Certificate of Potability being issued.

6. Who do I contact concerning mold?

Mold complaints are handled by the EPA Air Quality Division. They can be contacted at 800-438-4318.

7. How do you dispose of paint?

1.Remove lids and let the paint completely dry out.
2.You can add mulch or kitty litter to speed up the drying process.
3.Once completely dry, dispose of in your household trash.

8. Where do I get a permit to show animals at the Frederick Fair?

Permits to show animals can be obtained from the Maryland Department of Agriculture in Frederick

9. Who is responsible for the removal of dead deer?

Deer located along a county road will be removed by the County Highway Authority. Deer located along a state road will be removed by the State Highway Administration. Disposal of dead deer located on private property is the responsibility of the property owner.

10. Where do I go for questions concerning residential water and Fort Detrick?

Contact Fort Detrick at 301-619-3133 or contact the Fort Detrick Public Affairs Office at 301-619-2736.

11. Does the Health Department test for lead paint and radon?

No, for questions concerning lead, contact MDE at 800-633-6101 ext. 3825. For questions concerning Radon, contact the Radon Help Line at 800-557-2366.

12. Who do I contact regarding Community Service Hours?

Contact Alternative Sentencing at the Court House at 301-600-2224.

13. I am a renter having problems with my rental property that my landlord will not address. Who do I contact for help?

All renter concerns should be addressed with the Frederick County Code Enforcement Office at 301-600-3531.

14. Does the Health Department deal with complaints in Frederick City?

Complaints within the city limits of Frederick are handled by the City of Frederick’s Code Enforcement Office. They can be reached at 301-600-3825. Complaints within the town limits of Thurmont, Emmitsburg, Brunswick, and Walkersville are handled by each town office.

15. Does the Health Department take tall grass complaints?

There is no tall grass ordinance currently for Frederick County. Tall grass complaints due to safety concerns can be forwarded to the Fire Marshal's Office.

Fire Marshal's Office

16. Does the Health Department oversee dog feces complaints?

No, there are currently no regulations in Frederick County that deal with excessive accumulation of dog feces.

17. How do I make a complaint against someone that has trash in their yard?

The Frederick County Health Department requires a written statement from the complainant about the problem. This can be sent via mail, email, or fax. The written statement should include your name, your address, your telephone number, the address of the property being complained about and a statement of the problem. For more information regarding trash or other nuisance complaints contact Community Services at 301-600-1717.

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Environmental Health - Well & Septic

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1. What does the well and septic office regulate?

The well and septic office regulates well, septic systems, percolation tests, site plan review and building permit approvals. See COMAR Chapter 26

Note: Above is for both commercial and residential properties

2. Does FCHD accept credit cards?

Yes. Effective January 19, 2012 our office will accept Visa / MasterCard Only. Debit cards are not accepted at this time. We also accept cash and checks.
Please note: Checks that are returned for any reason are assessed a $25 charge.

3. Does FCHD have my well and septic records?

The Environmental Health Department has septic records as old as 1950. That does not ensure that we have yours.
To have a sanitarian start the research complete an Information Research Request Form.

Information Research Request Form

4. Can I fill out my permits online?

No, but you can come to the office and fill one out.

350 Montevue Lane
Frederick, MD 21702

5. How do I treat my well?

Find details on well water testing and disinfection here. 

6. What are the costs of the permits?

Fees: Fee Schedule

7. What is a percolation test?

This test is conducted to determine the absorption rate of the soil.
The type of septic is determined by FCHD sanitarian based on percolation, topography, geology, slope and usability of the septic system. Conducted where the septic system is located
Subdivision lots - Minimum 10,000 square foot area, it is common to have a greater than a 10,000 square foot area.
10,000 sq it to be intended for the original septic system and 2 replacement systems.

A backhoe operator is hired and required to dig no less than 3 holes.

The first hole is the observation hole. This is where we find the limiting factor which is usually >50% rock or water table.
The second and third holes are the perc test holes that are 4’ above the limiting factor.
The water has 30 minutes per inch to percolate for a conventional septic system and 60 minutes per inch in an infiltrometer for a sand mound test.

The FCHD sanitarian conducts the official percolation test and records (COMAR 26):

Perc time
Location of perc/observation holes
Depth of perc holes
Any other information pertinent to the solid and site characteristics of the property.

8. Where can I get a copy of a COMAR regulation?

Division of State Documents Code of Maryland (COMAR)

9. How often should I pump my tank?

3 - 5 years

10. When do I need a septic permit?

You need a septic permit when you are altering, installing a new septic system or repairing your septic system in anyway.

11. Where can I build my pool/addition?

Set back requirement are 30’ from the well and 10’ from the septic system or area. Other dimensions are determined by building restriction lines and county codes.

12. Can I build in my septic area?

No

13. Can I build over my well?

According to COMAR regulations, all dwellings must be 30’ from an existing well.

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FCDC Infants/Toddlers

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1. What is the Infants and Toddlers Program?

The Frederick County Infants and Toddlers Program provides early intervention services such as speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy and special instruction to infants and toddlers. We also provide service coordination and support services for the family. FCITP can help you and your family support and promote your child's development.

2. Who can participate in the Infants and Toddlers Program?

A child must be between the ages of birth to three and meet eligibility criteria such as having a delay in meeting developmental milestones or a medical diagnosis that places them at risk for a delay. Infants and Toddlers service providers will talk with the child’s family to hear about their concerns for their child and to learn about the child’s early health and development. A developmental assessment will be completed.

3. Who can refer a child to the Infants and Toddlers Program?

Most referrals come from families and pediatricians but anyone who is concerned about the development of a child can make a referral by calling our Single Point of Entry at 301-600-1612.

4. Is there a cost to participate in the Infants and Toddlers Program?

Services through the Infants and Toddlers Program are provided at no cost to children and their families who reside in Frederick County.

5. What happens during an assessment?

An assessment will be scheduled to look at all areas of a child’s development. The assessment team will come to your home to meet and play with your child. The reasons for the assessment are to find out if your child is eligible for early intervention services and to gather facts about your child’s strengths and needs that will help guide decisions about services.

6. Where are services provided?

That depends on the child and the family. Most children receive their services in their home, or the location where they spend most of their day including childcare centers, your neighborhood park or anywhere else the family chooses.

7. What happens when a child reaches his or her third birthday?

Frederick County Infants and Toddlers Program provides early intervention services until a child reaches the age of three. Based on their needs, some children may continue to receive services through Frederick County Public Schools when they turn three.

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Food Control

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1. I got sick after eating carryout food. How do I make a complaint?

If you have a complaint or concern about a food facility in Frederick County, contact us and select the Environmental Health Services Division. You may also contact the Food Control Office directly by calling 301-600-2542 during regular business hours.
Contact Us

2. How do I obtain a Temporary Special Food Service Facility permit to serve food at a public event?

For questions about Temporary Food Service at public events, see Temporary Special Food Service Facilities page.

Temporary Special Food Service Facilities

3. How do I start a food truck business?

Mobile Unit/Food Truck Guidelines

1. A mobile unit may operate at public events (fairs, festivals, etc.) by applying for Temporary Food Service Permits for each event. Requirements are less restrictive than annually licensed units that operate on a more regular basis. 

2. A mobile unit operating on a routine basis requires an annual Food Service License and the mobile unit must be in full compliance with Maryland’s Food Service Regulations (COMAR 10.15.03). Operating as an annually licensed mobile unit in Frederick County will also allow you to participate at public events in Frederick County without the need of additionally obtaining Temporary Food Service Permits.

To obtain annual licensure for a mobile unit

A) Have a mobile unit constructed. This option requires submitting plans to be reviewed and approved by the Frederick County Health Department Food Program prior to the start of any construction. (Plan review fee is required.) 

B) Purchase a pre-owned mobile unit that is already outfitted with necessary equipment. This option is more risky to the operator because mobile units licensed in other jurisdictions may not be automatically licensed in Frederick County. It is recommended that when shopping for pre-owned mobile units, pictures of the mobile unit (including equipment, sinks, and plumbing detail, etc.) are submitted for evaluation prior to purchase. 

All mobile units require a Base of Operations or Commissary in order to comply with COMAR 10.15.03. This is where the mobile unit will get potable water, dispose of gray water, dispose of grease from fryers (if need be), use the larger 3 compartment sink for cleaning and sanitizing equipment on the mobile unit, and where the mobile unit may have storage as needed. An additional license may be required for the “Base of Operations” if the kitchen is being used for more than clean-up, minimal storage, and/or minimal prep. 

• Facility must provide a Commissary Agreement Form indicating permission for the mobile unit operator to use the facility as its Base of Operations. 
• If facility is not located within Frederick County, a copy of the facility’s current Food License is also required.
• A menu must also be submitted for review and a HACCP plan will most likely be required ($75 review fee).
• Additional license may be required for the “Base of Operations” if the kitchen is being used for more than clean-up, minimal storage, and/or minimal prep.
• Waste water tank must be larger than the potable water tank.
• Exterior access to fresh water tank must be lockable.
• Operable windows require screens.
• AC may be required depending on equipment and operation during summer months.
• Licensed mobile units are not permitted to have food service outside the unit – including grills and smokers.

4. How do I open a new restaurant?

The procedures for opening or remodeling a restaurant in Frederick County can be found on the Plan Review Submission page.

Plan Review Submission Page

5. I want to make cookies in my home to sell at a farmers market. Do I need a food license?

Offering cookies at a farmers market would be considered a Cottage Food Business. The Farmers Market and Cottage Foods page has additional information and guidelines.
Farmers Market and Cottage Foods

6. Can I pay by credit card?

Yes. As of January 26, 2012, Environmental Health now accepts Visa/MasterCard (no debit cards) from 8 a. m. to 4 p.m. This applies to in person transactions only at this time.

7. Do I need a permit to give bottled water to the runners at 5K road race fundraiser?

Offering a commercially prepackaged food items such as bottles of water, individual packs of snacks or canned sodas does not require a Food service Facility permit/license as long as the products do not require refrigeration and the products will be opened by the consumer after purchase.

8. How do I wash my hands if a hand sink with running water is not available at my temporary event? Can I use hand sanitizer instead? Do I have to wear gloves?

• A temporary food service facility must provide a supply of potable warm water for hand washing by food service worker at all times during an event in the food service/prep area.
• In the absence of a sink, a closed container with spigot (such as drink cooler or coffee urn) filled with warm water is acceptable.
• A hand wash station must have a supply of hand soap, disposable paper towels and a catch basin to contain the grey water from hand washing.
• The use of hand sanitizers is not an acceptable replacement for proper hand washing by food service workers.
• Food service gloves are required by all food service workers handling ready-to-eat foods.
• Glove use is not a substitution for hand washing.
• Hands must be properly washed first to prevent contamination of the gloves.

9. Why must I list the source of the water to be used for a Temporary Food Service Facility? How much does a food license cost?

• All water used for food service activities must come from an approved source.
• This includes water used for hand washing, dish or utensil washing, and food preparations.
• Approved sources include:
* Public (municipal) water,
* Commercially purchased bottled water,
* And water from a well that has been tested and certified to be free from bacteriological contamination within the twelve months prior to an event.
• Certification of passing well water results must be attached to the temporary food service facility application.
• Frost free hydrants, found in some outdoor recreational areas, cannot be used to obtain water used for any food service activities.
• A frost free hydrant is not considered a source of potable water even when connected to a potable well since there is an area at the base of the hydrant that is not sealed and can allow for easy bacteriological contamination.

10. What if my event is cancelled due to inclement weather? Is my permit valid on another day?

• Temporary food service facility permits are only valid for the date(s) listed on the permit.
• Provide a rain date at the time of application for the permit if your event may be rescheduled in the case of bad weather.
• This rain date will be then noted on the approved permit.
• If no rain date is listed on a permit, then a new application and permit fee will be required prior to the rescheduled event.

11. Where can I find the food facility regulations for Frederick County?

COMAR 10.15.03 are the regulations for Food Service Facilities operating in Maryland. Frederick County Health Department Food Control office enforces COMAR 10.15.03. The link to these regulations is below.

12. I heard that the State of Maryland requires restaurants post allergen information for their employees. Is this correct?

Effective March 1, 2014, state law requires “a food establishment shall display prominently in the staff area of the food establishment a poster related to food allergy awareness that includes information regarding the risk of an allergic reaction." The following link provides additional information on food allergens:

OFPCHS - Food-Allergies

13. Does Frederick County require each food service facility to have a Certified Food Manager on Staff?

At the present time, a certified food manager is not required at food service facilities licensed in Frederick County.

14. The restaurant I went to last night allowed patrons to smoke at the bar. Is smoking allowed in public places?

• The Maryland Clean Indoor Air Act (CIAA) of 2007 prohibits smoking in virtually all indoor workplaces in order to “preserve and improve the health, comfort, and environment of the people of Maryland by limiting exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.”
• The law provides for fair and consistent statewide protection from exposure to secondhand smoke in indoor settings.
• People in Maryland will now have clean, smoke-free air while working, dining, shopping, or relaxing throughout the state.
• The CIAA went into effect February 1, 2008.
• Additional information about the Maryland Clean Indoor Air Act can be found here.
• If you have a complaint or concern about smoking occurring in a business in Frederick County, contact us using this link and select the Environmental Health Services division. You may also contact the Food Control Office directly by calling 301-600-2542 during regular business hours.

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Ft. Detrick Area Health Concerns

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1. What did the CDC’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) find in their 2009 Public Health Assessment?

Per the requirements of the Comprehensive Emergency Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund), ATSDR completed a public health assessment (PHA) on the area of Fort Detrick proposed to be placed on the US EPA’s National Priority List for long-term cleanup. ATSDR’s report on the Fort Detrick Area B Groundwater evaluated estimated exposures to the maximum measured TCE and PCE concentrations found in private drinking water wells around the Area B site. ATSDR concluded that these exposures were unlikely to produce any harmful health effects, including cancer. ATSDR’s Public Health Assessment estimated the TCE and PCE exposure doses to residents of those houses by using the maximum measured concentrations of the chemicals in 1992 (when potable use of the wells ceased). Evaluation of these contaminants and estimated ingestion doses of TCE and PCE for children and adults lead to the following conclusions: a) "Harmful effects are unlikely for users of the contaminated private wells based on maximum measured concentrations of PCE and TCE (cancer and non-cancer health effects). b) Residences with contaminated wells are currently being provided with alternate water. Current exposure to VOCs at these locations is limited to incidental use of the wells for irrigation or other outside uses. These exposures are unlikely to result in any harmful health effects. The full ATSDR report can be found here: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HAC/pha/FtDetrickAreaBGroundwater/FortDetrickPHAFinal12-09-2009.pdf

2. Who is responsible for collecting information about cancer?

The Maryland Cancer Registry receives information from health care providers, hospitals, and other entities about cancer cases in Maryland. Hospitals, laboratories, radiation facilities, and physicians report cancer and benign central nervous system tumor data quarterly to the Registry. They have 6 months from the date of diagnosis to report a case. Once received, the reports that come in from various sources are “consolidated” into one tumor report. Cancer registration in the US is finalized in each state two years after the end of the diagnosis year. This helps to assure the quality and completeness of the data. Once the data are finalized, the Registry prepares summary statistics for the state. Information on tumor reporting requirements in Maryland can be found at http://www.fha.state.md.us/cancer/mcr_home.cfm. Reports on Cancer in Maryland can be found at http://www.fha.state.md.us/cancer/surv_data-reports.cfm.

3. What is a cancer “cluster?”

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a cancer cluster as a greater than expected number of cancer cases within a group of people who are linked by some factors. They may be linked by geography, by type or place of work, or by some other factor such as time. The idea of a cluster is often that some common factor or exposure may be responsible for the cancer. However, this is often difficult to prove, for a number of reasons: (1) Cancer is a common disease; (2) All cancers are not the same, and their causes are often different as well; (3) There may be too few cases to achieve a reasonable level of statistical certainty; and (4) Many cancers have multiple causes.

When trying to determine whether a group of cancers is due to chance alone, or is a true “cluster,” some of the questions that should be asked include: (a) Is this the same type of cancer, or is it many different types?; (b) Are the cancers occurring in people who typically get this kind of cancer, or are these cancers happening in people who don’t typically get this type of cancer?; (c) Are the cancers occurring in people who are known to have a specific exposure?; (d) If an exposure is suspected of being related to a cancer, is there a reasonable period of time between when the exposure happened and when the cancer happened (because chemicals that are known to cause cancer typically take several years to several decades between when the exposure happens and when the cancer is finally apparent)?; and (e) Are the cancers common cancers, or are they very rare types of cancers?

4. How are cancer cluster concerns investigated in Maryland?

The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) works with local health departments, like the Frederick County Health Department, to investigate concerns about cancer. There is a protocol in which the Maryland Cancer Registry, DHMH Center for Environmental Health Coordination, and the local health department work together to address the concerns. The investigation may involve several stages, depending on the nature of the concern. Some questions can be answered very simply, using publicly available data. In other cases, more investigation with the Maryland Cancer Registry data is required. If the questions still cannot be answered, a more complex investigation may be initiated. Often, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), or the Maryland Department of the Environment may be needed to help with the evaluation of potential environmental exposures.

The Maryland Cancer Registry is an ongoing registry since 1992, and the data are used for many different purposes. For example, data are used to look at the numbers and rates of cancer by type of cancer, race, ethnicity, age, gender, and geographic residence. In addition to all of its other responsibilities, the Registry provides data to the counties, which use the data to target cancer surveillance, screening, and prevention activities in conjunction with local health care providers and organizations. The review of state cancer data, to determine whether any particular area has more cancer than would be expected under normal circumstances, is a complicated task that requires additional resources beyond the other activities of the Registry and the health department. However, both the state and county health departments are committed to providing resources to this review of Registry data, because of community concerns.

5. What is the relationship between cancer and environmental exposures?

Very few cancers are known to be caused solely by environmental chemicals. The best known example of this is a type of cancer called mesothelioma, which is almost always associated with asbestos exposure. However, most cancer is caused by some combination of genetic factors, personal behaviors, and environmental factors. This makes it hard in most cases to determine whether a particular cancer in one person is due to environmental factors. This question is also complicated because in many cases the exposure that might have caused the cancer took place years or decades before the individual developed cancer symptoms. Since the Maryland Cancer Registry reports contain the individual’s home address at the time of diagnosis, an investigation “looking back” at home residence locations in the Maryland Cancer Registry would be limited to cases residing in the area of interest at the time of diagnosis and would miss persons who may have lived elsewhere at the time of diagnosis. This makes it harder to figure out how to interpret current exposure information because the exposure that might have caused the disease took place years, even decades, in the past.

6. What are the cancer rates in Frederick?

Cancer is generally measured in two ways, by incidence (the number of new cases relative to the whole population) and mortality (the number of deaths relative to the whole population). In Frederick County as a whole, the incidence rate for all cancers is 541.4 cases of cancer per 100,000 persons, which is higher than the state average of 463.2 cases per 100,000 persons (based on 2002-2006 data from the state cancer profiles database of CDC). However, the mortality rate for cancer in Frederick County for the same period was 187.6 per 100,000 persons, which is similar to the Maryland state average of 193.3 deaths per 100,000 persons.
The CDC’s data site can be found at http://statecancerprofiles.cancer.gov/map/map.withimage.php?24&001&090&00&0&1&0 &1&5&0#map.

The Frederick County Health Department conducted a Community Health Assessment in 2007 by surveying Frederick County residents. Participants were asked about a past diagnosis of non-skin cancer and modifiable risk factors associated with the development of cancer. The responses were then reported out separately for respondents from Central Frederick County, Northern Frederick County, and Southern Frederick County. The full Community Health Assessment can be found at http://www.frederickcountymd.gov/index.aspx?NID=2371 .
For more information: Question and Answers about Cancer Clusters (Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene) http://fha.maryland.gov/pdf/cancer/mcr_combined_cancer_cluster.pdf

7. What was the scope of the preliminary cancer cluster investigation by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH)?

People who were living within what is approximately a 1-mile radius from the perimeter of Ft. Detrick Areas A and B whose cancers were diagnosed between 2000 and 2007 were included in the initial preliminary investigation using the Maryland Cancer Registry data, even if they have moved out of the area after diagnosis (one exception could be if they were active duty military and not seen in the civilian health care system). People who moved and whose residence at the time of diagnosis is out of the three Census Tracts were not included in the preliminary investigation.

The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene began its preliminary investigation using data that was already collected by the Maryland Cancer Registry. The initial cancer investigation is being conducted to answer questions and concerns that have been raised by Frederick County residents about cancer in the area, and proceeded independently of any ongoing issues related to environmental remediation at Fort Detrick. As additional concerns are raised as a result of this preliminary investigation and any future investigations, they will be addressed by the Frederick County Health Department, working together with the appropriate state and federal agencies.

8. Why was 2000 the earliest year of analysis in the preliminary report of the initial cancer cluster investigation?

The initial cancer cluster investigation by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene started with the three census tracts that immediately surround Fort Detrick, Areas A and B. Data in the Maryland Cancer Registry contains census tract identification only for cases beginning in 2000. The reason to use census tracts is because census tracts are smaller areas than ZIP code areas and we know the population of the census tracts (the population is counted in each decennial census). Knowing the population at a given time allows us to compare the actual number of cases of cancer in the census tracts with the number expected, based on Frederick County and Maryland cancer rates. In future analyses, additional cases could be added from 1992-1999, but these do not have census tract data, and the analysis will require considerably more data processing or a much bigger geographic area (zip codes). Cases that occurred before 1992 are not in the Maryland Cancer Registry. An investigation of cases before 1992 would require an entirely different (and more difficult) approach from that of the preliminary analysis utilizing the Maryland Cancer Registry.

9. What were the preliminary findings of the DHMH cancer data analysis?

Preliminary results were presented during the October 4, 2010 Community Cancer Concerns meeting by the Maryland Department of Health and mental Hygiene. The number of cases of cancer observed in the 3 census tracts examined (for the time period 2000-2007, using the Maryland Cancer Registry source of data, and for the cancers selected) were not statistically higher than what was expected based on Frederick County rates of cancer, but the number of all cases of cancer observed in the 3 census tracts examined was statistically greater than the number expected based upon the Maryland rate for all cancers in the same time period using the same source of data.

10. Is the risk of non-cancer health conditions being assessed?

Cancer is the condition that has been most often mentioned in connection with community concerns surrounding Fort Detrick. It is also a condition that must be reported to the state, so there is a Cancer Registry that can be used to provide valid, reliable data for the investigation. At this juncture, cancer data was deemed the most appropriate way of conducting the investigation as it was the only readily available source of verified health conditions.

11. If significant excess cancers are found in a specific geographic area within the county, then what?

If cancer in the area is found to be above what would be expected based on Frederick County and Maryland cancer rates, the next question would be to look at the types of cancer that are increased, and at what kinds of factors are known or suspected of being associated with increased risk of these cancer types. This could provide clues as to what might be involved in contributing to an increase in cancer cases. Ultimately, if there are environmental conditions that are thought to be contributing to an increased risk of cancer, the health department will communicate that fact to the community and appropriate agencies and work to correct the problem. If other factors are thought to be involved, the Frederick County Health Department will work with the community to reduce cancer rates through its cancer prevention program and the work of the Frederick County Cancer Coalition.

12. Who can I talk to for more information?

For questions about the cancer investigation, you can contact the Frederick County Health Department, at 301-600-7400. Questions about Fort Detrick work conditions or the environmental investigation and remediation should be directed to Fort Detrick. Employees who are concerned that their health may have been adversely affected by their work environment are encouraged to speak to their employer, personal health care provider, or the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health program.

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Harm Reduction

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1. What is Harm Reduction?

According to the Harm Reduction Coalition (HRC) Harm Reduction is:

• A set of practical strategies that reduce the negative consequences associated with high risk behaviors, such as drug use and unprotected sex.
• Harm Reduction accepts that for better or for worse, illegal and legal drug use is a part of this world and works to minimize its harmful effects rather than simply ignoring or condemning the people who use drugs.
• Harm reduction incorporates a spectrum of strategies from severe abuse to total abstinence and acknowledges that some ways of using drugs are clearly safer than others.
• Harm Reduction acknowledges that since needs are specific to individuals and communities, there is no universal definition or formula for implementing harm reduction.
• Harm reduction strategies meet people “where they’re at” but don’t leave them there.
• Examples of harm reduction strategies include: distribution of condoms, distribution of sterile syringes, distribution of naloxone/Narcan©, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) (Principles of Harm Reduction, 2018).

What Harm Reduction is NOT:

• Harm reduction does not mean “anything goes”.
• Harm reduction does not enable drug use or high risk behaviors.
• Harm reduction does not condone, endorse, or encourage drug use or sex work.
• Harm reduction does not exclude or dismiss abstinence-based substance use treatment models as viable options (Principles of Harm Reduction, 2018).

2. What overdose prevention strategies can a person who uses drugs implement to reduce their risk of overdose?

• No matter what drug they are using, ALWAYS HAVE NALOXONE/NARCAN. Fentanyl is frequently found in all drugs (cocaine, meth, street purchased pills, etc.)
• TEST THE SUPPLY. Knowing whether fentanyl is present in the drug can help guide decisions related to use.
• NEVER USE ALONE. Having someone with them allows them to call 911 and provide care if they overdose.
• IF THEY DO USE ALONE, HAVE THEM ASK SOMEONE TO CHECK ON THEM. There are many ways to do this. They can ask someone to check on them in 5 minutes (either by phone, text, in person).
• BE AWARE OF THINGS THAT PLACE THEM AT GREATER RISK OF OVERDOSE. These include a history of overdose, if they have not used opioids in a while (their tolerance drops fast), if they are sick (cold, flu, viruses make it easier to overdose), and if they are using other drugs at the same time (especially alcohol, benzos, and other opioids).
• USE SLOWLY. Using slowly allows their body to adjust and gives a person time to understand how the drugs may affect them.
• TRY SNORTING OR SMOKING INSTEAD. Injecting carries the highest risk of overdose. You can still overdose by smoking and snorting, especially with fentanyl, so start slow and use less to start.

3. What are fentanyl test strips?

Fentanyl test strips are a form of drug testing technology that have shown to be effective at detecting the presence of fentanyl and fentanyl-analogs in drug samples prior to ingestion. Based on the results of the test strips, people can choose to implement strategies to reduce the risk of overdose. Published literature supports that people are willing to use fentanyl test strips and change behavior as a result of a positive test.

The Frederick County Health Department distributes free fentanyl test strips to people who use drugs. Visit our page to learn more about our Syringe Services Program.

4. Is there legal protection for Syringe Service Program (SSP) participants?

Yes. There are significant legal protections for Syringe Services Program (SSP) Participants, Volunteers and Staff. Under Senate Bill 97, § 24-908. Immunity from prosecution; permitted prosecutions

Approved Program Activities Provide Significant Legal Protections to Staff, Volunteer and Participants whom:

“MAY NOT BE ARRESTED, CHARGED, OR PROSECUTED FOR VIOLATING § 5–601, § 5–619, § 5–620, OR § 5–902(C) OR (D) OF THE CRIMINAL LAW ARTICLE FOR POSSESSING OR DISTRIBUTING CONTROLLED PARAPHERNALIA OR DRUG PARAPHERNALIA WHENEVER THE POSSESSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTROLLED PARAPHERNALIA OR DRUG PARAPHERNALIA IS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE EMPLOYEE’S, VOLUNTEER’S, OR PARTICIPANT’S ACTIVITIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE WORK OF A PROGRAM AUTHORIZED UNDER THIS SUBTITLE.”

5. How do Syringe Services Programs (SSPs) benefit the community?

Syringe Services Programs (SSPs) have been shown to:

• Reduce the Spread of Communicable Disease, especially HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV)
• Increase Entry into Substance Use Disorder Treatment
• Reduce Overdose Deaths
• Save Money
• Reduce Needle Stick Injuries

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Health Department FAQs

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1. How Do I Get to the Health Department?

From points West and East, take I-70 to U.S. 15 North in Frederick

From points South, take I-270 North to U.S. 15 in Frederick

From points North, take U.S. 15 to Frederick

From Route 15, take the Rosemont Avenue Exit (turn right if coming north and left if coming south on 15). Montevue Lane is a left-hand turn at the traffic lights in front of Fort Detrick (third light on Rosemont).

2. What are Your Privacy Practices?

Provided is a notice which describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review carefully.

Notice of Privacy Practices

Notice of Privacy Practices (Spanish)

3. How can I obtain a Birth Certificate?

Bring a completed application along with your photo id and $20 (cash, check, MasterCard or Visa credit card) to the Administration Office. More Information

4. How do I file a complaint about a doctor in Maryland?

Fill out the Maryland Board of Physicians Complaint Form and return it to Maryland Board of Physicians Intake Unit

5. What is Public Health?

Public Health involves improving the health and well being of a community through programs that prevent disease and illness, promote wellness and safety, and protect the health of the population.


Watch this great video for some insight into how Public Health affects you.

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Immunizations

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1. Are childhood immunizations at the health department free?

Childhood immunizations are free for children without insurance or whose insurance does not cover the cost of immunizations.

2. Do I need to keep a copy of my child's immunization record?

Yes. You should always keep an up-to-date copy of your child's immunization record. It is a good idea to obtain a copy of the immunization record from your child's health care provider or school. Learn more.

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Maternal Child Health

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1. What is Maternal Child Health?

Maternal Child Health is a family centered approach to maternal and child health. Maternal Child Health provides moms, newborns, and families with the resources, support and help they need to develop a healthy pregnancy and a healthy birth. Our service is free for MCHP/MA eligible pregnant or post partum women and children < 2 years old.

2. What can a Maternal Child Health Nurse do for me?

Answer questions and concerns about:

• Pregnancy
• Motherhood
• Newborn care
• Scheduling doctor’s visits
• How to talk to your doctor
• Nutrition & safety
• Medical care for yourself & your children
• Understanding medical assistance

Your nurse can also discuss and provide contacts for:

• Your transportation needs
• Childbirth education
• Breastfeeding support
• Parenting support
• Counseling services
• Birth control
• Infant needs
• Quitting smoking
• Other community services

Learn more.

3. Why should I enroll in Maternal Child Health?

• It’s a smart thing to do.
• You will have someone to listen to your questions and concerns and give you detailed answers in order to get the information you need.

4. How do I enroll in Maternal Child Health?

Thinking about pregnancy? Are you pregnant now? Are you a parent of an infant or toddler? Call 301-600-3326, we are here to help you!

5. Who are the people who provide Maternal Child Health services?

We are Public Health Registered Nurses and Health Professionals.

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Medical Assistance

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1. Can I apply for MA if I have other insurance?

Yes, however income limits are different for insured individuals and your private insurance will always be considered your primary insurance.

2. Can I cancel my other insurance and apply for MA?

Yes you can in certain circumstances, but before you drop Health Insurance, please talk with a caseworker here at the Health Department.

3. I am between 19 and 21, can I apply for MA?

Yes you can but if someone is claiming you as a tax dependent, they must apply for you.

4. If my children receive MA through MCHP, do I qualify for MA?

You may (through Medical Assistance for Families), but note that income guidelines differ for parents and guardians.

5. Can adults apply for MCHP Premium subsidized programs?

No, MCHP Premium programs only provide healthcare for children.

6. What do I do once I get approved for MA?

Click here to view the process once you have been approved.

7. Can I come to the Health Department to make my MCO selection?

Yes you can. A Caseworker will meet with you to complete the MCO selection and process.

8. Can I bring my requested verifications to the Health Department to be scanned in?

Yes you can. A Caseworker will meet with you and scan your verifications into your application and compete the verification process.

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School Health

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1. Who is the health team at my child’s school?

A health team is assigned to all Frederick County Public Schools. The health team consists of a registered nurse and a health room technician. The registered nurse is assigned to more than one school and supervises the nursing functions delegated to the health room technician. The health room technician is both a certified nursing assistant and certified medication technician with additional training in CPR, AEDs and first aid School Assignments.

2. What if my child needs medication/treatment at school?

Parents/guardians must renew a child’s medication/treatment authorization forms at the beginning of each school year. FCPS has posted medication/treatment authorization forms at www.fcps.org/forms. They are also available at each school.

3. What if my child has a severe life-threatening allergy?

To assure the safety of your child please contact the registered nurse assigned to your child’s school immediately. If you child requires an EpiPen your child’s health care provider must complete an Authorization for Management of Anaphyalaxis Form. EpiPens are administered in accordance with the Frederick County Public School policy. The registered nurse will train the health room technician and designated FCPS staff on the administration of the EpiPen.

4. What immunizations does my child need to register for school?

Proof of immunizations is required to register your child for school. The immunization required for your child to attend school must be up to date prior to attending

Immunization School Requirements

5. Will my child receive vision and hearing screening at school?

Students in Pre-K, K (if not previously screened in Pre-K), 4th and 8th grades and special education students of ages comparable to those grades; new entrants who do not have documentation of previous screening in Maryland; and students referred with symptoms of possible vision and/or hearing problems will be screened during the school year. The screening is coordinated by the registered nurse and completed by a trained health room technician. Notification will go out prior to the screening from the health team.

6. If my child is not feeling well when do I keep them home from school?

Here are some helpful guidelines to help you decide when to keep your child home from school:

• a temperature of more than 100 for more than 24 hours
• nausea or vomiting
• stomachache
• diarrhea
• pale or flushed face
• headache
• persistent cough
• earache
• thick discharge from the nose
• painful sore throat
• rash or infection of the skin
• red or pink eyes

If the symptoms are severe or persist for more than 24 hours, you should contact your primary health care provider.

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Tuberculosis

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1. Am I at risk for Tuberculosis (TB)?

Anyone can get TB, but some people are at higher risk. Those at higher risk include:

• Infants and small children
• People who have close, frequent contact (such as family members, friends, coworkers) with someone who has TB disease
• People with low income who live in crowded conditions, have poor nutrition, and have poor health care
• Homeless people
• People born in countries where a lot of people have TB
• Nursing home residents
• Prisoners
• Alcoholics and injection drug users
• People with medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney failure, and those with weakened immune systems (such as HIV or AIDS)

2. Can I get a Tuberculosis (TB) skin test at the Health Department when it is required for my new job or for attending school?

No. The health department only provides TB skin testing for people who have risk of being exposed to active TB disease. Learn more.

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WIC

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1. How do I get to the WIC office?

From points West and East, take I-70 to U.S. 15 North in Frederick
From points South, take I-270 North to U.S. 15 in Frederick

From points North, take U.S. 15 to Frederick

From Route 15, take the Rosemont Avenue Exit (turn right if coming north and left if coming south on 15). Montevue Lane is a left-hand turn at the traffic lights in front of Fort Detrick (fourth light on Rosemont).

2. What do I need to bring to my appointment?

Here is the list of items you need to bring.

3. Where can I use my eWIC card?

You can use your eWIC in a variety of local stores. Check out our website for a list.