October 9, 2012: Governor Martin O'Malley announced that the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) has earned a top score in public health emergency preparedness from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The annual review and evaluation process was conducted earlier this year.

DHMH earned a score of 100 (out of a possible 100) in its 2011 evaluation. This is the fourth straight year that DHMH has improved its rating. DHMH started with a score of 67 in 2008 and earned a score of 96 in its 2010 evaluation. See DHMH Press Release for more information.

August 9, 2012: Frederick County Health Department scored 100% on the Technical Assistance Review (TAR) of its Strategic National Stockpile Plan, up from 99% last year. The review was conducted by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH). This achievement could not have been possible without the collaboration and support of our many Frederick County partners.

Are you prepared for a Zombie Pandemic? The CDC has started a campaign to help you prepare for zombies... or for any other public health emergency that might happen. The great thing about being prepared is that you need the same things if you're preparing for zombies, a hurricane, or winter weather! Get a kit, make a plan, be prepared!

For more information about preparing for zombies (or whatever might happen!), check out the CDC's graphic novel, "Preparedness 101: Zombie Pandemic."