Correctional Facility Gets Great Grade
There is good news for the Prince George's County Department of Corrections.
This week, the Maryland Commission on Correctional Standards (MCCS) gave the Department of Corrections accreditation after the department achieved 100 percent compliance on all 80 required standards following a recent inspection.
"I am proud that our Department of Corrections has once again been recognized as a leading correctional facility in the State of Maryland," County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III said. "This is a testament to the dedicated men and women at our facility who have a call to service to provide security, quality care and rehabilitation for those in our custody."
Eight inspectors from MCCS spent three days at the facility in February 2011 during which time they toured the building, reviewed emergency security and fire safety standards, and observed inmate healthcare services and visitation practices.
"I'm proud of my staff for working diligently to ensure that we meet and maintain full compliance with MCCS standards," Department of Corrections Director Mary Lou McDonough said. "Standards are important in every field, but they are especially important in corrections because we are responsible for caring for those in our custody.
Telephone Survey on Health Care in the County
County residents may soon be getting telephone calls this month from the University of Maryland School of Public Health. The calls are part of a telephone survey to find out residents opinions on county health care services.
The feedback from residents will help the county evaluate and make changes to its current health care system. A redesigned county health care system may include a new regional medical center and a comprehensive outpatient care network.
The calls will originate from telephone number 301-405-0000, a University of Maryland exchange. Questions will revolve around issues of health and wellbeing, healthcare behaviors and experiences, perceptions of health care available in Prince George's County, and attitudes toward county hospitals. A random sample of 1,000 county residents will be polled, and survey participants will be asked for their opinion about the health care needs of their family and of the county. The survey is completely anonymous.
"This survey will make a significant contribution to a new primary health care delivery system for Prince George's County," said University of Maryland President Wallace Loh. "It is another demonstration of our university's land-grant mission as our School of Public Health seeks to improve the health of the people of our state, especially the residents of our home community."
'Iron Man' Coming to National Harbor
The Iron Man 70.3 event is coming to National Harbor on Aug 5. While it may seem too early to announce, advanced registration is already underway for the 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run. Produced by Washington Sports & Event Management, the Washington, D.C.-based producers of the Nation's Triathlon, and Washington D.C. Triathlon, The Iron Man competition will span areas in Prince George's County and Charles County.
The swim passes all three spectator Piers at National Harbor and Gaylord Resort and ends at the beach. The bike is a 56-mile single loop rolling-hills style course through Maryland's countryside and the run is a paved 13.1-mile single loop along the Henson Creek. The finish line is in downtown National Harbor (National Harbor Plaza) right in front of the Awakening statue.