News Flash

The Frederick County Health Department (FCHD) is happy to announce the installation of a new health vending machine at the City of Frederick’s Department of Housing and Human Services location at 6040 New Design Road in Frederick, MD. This vending machine will provide naloxone, fentanyl test strips, xylazine test strips, personal hygiene kits, wound care kits, and additional resources for free. This and other locations with free naloxone can be found on the map here.

“We are excited to announce this newest location for free naloxone in the county which is possible thanks to our partnership with the City of Frederick’s Department of Housing and Human Services,” said Jessica Ellis, Harm Reduction & Diversion Programs Manager at the FCHD. “This vending machine has naloxone which can reverse an opioid overdose and save someone’s life. It also has a variety of other supplies that can help keep people safer.” 

Stuart Campbell, Director of the Department of Housing and Human Services, said, "The City of Frederick and HHS are proud to partner with Frederick County to provide free access to these life-saving products. As a vital access point for services that help residents with daily challenges, hosting this vending machine at our New Design Road location was a natural fit."

FCHD originally installed four boxes of naloxone throughout the county in the spring of 2024 as part of a pilot program. Since then, it has expanded to twelve boxes, increasing access to naloxone across the county. Since the first boxes were placed, more than 5,100 doses of naloxone have been provided to the public. Community members do not need to present any form of identification, do not have to speak to anyone, and do not have to verify their age or fill out any application to get naloxone. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, call or text 988.

FCHD offers free training on how to effectively use naloxone every Friday at 1 p.m. both virtually and in person at 350 Montevue Lane. Organizations can also request group trainings by calling 301-600-1777 or emailing HarmReductionServices@FrederickCountyMD.gov. For more information, visit Health.FrederickCountyMD.gov/ORT.

On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the Frederick County Health Department (FCHD) was notified that a groundhog picked up from near the intersection of West Patrick Street and McCain Drive in Frederick, Maryland, tested positive for the rabies virus.   On Friday, January 9, 2026, at about 8:50 p.m. a community member thought the groundhog had been hit by a car and moved it out of the roadway. Frederick County Animal Control was contacted that evening and picked up the groundhog.

People who may have had contact with this groundhog should consult their health care provider and notify the FCHD’s Community Health Services Office at 301-600-3342.  The FCHD reminds residents that wildlife can live in residential areas and recommends avoiding interaction or feeding wild animals.  

If a pet had contact with a wild animal, consult with your veterinarian and notify the FCHD’s Environmental Health Office at 301-600-1717.

Rabies is a viral disease that mainly infects mammals and is spread through the saliva of the infected animal, usually by a bite. Symptoms of rabies in animals may include fear of water, excessive salivation, failure to eat or drink, limping, unusually friendly or aggressive behavior, and/or other atypical behaviors such as nocturnal animals emerging during the daytime. The disease is nearly always fatal to humans if infected and no prompt post-exposure treatment is had.

Barry Glotfelty, Director for FCHD’s Environmental Health Services, advises, “Mammals can be infected with the rabies virus, so do not touch or play with unknown animals.  Also, make sure your pets are vaccinated.” 

If you or your pets have contact with a stray or wild animal, report it to Animal Control at 301-600-1544. For more information on rabies, visit Health.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Rabies.