Talbot County Partners to Address Needs Caused by Coronavirus

The Talbot County community is continuing to partner with local agencies and businesses to address the needs of individuals and businesses during the COVID-19 health crisis.

“As our agencies and community organizations provide COVID related information it is important for the public to tune in on a daily basis for updates to maintain a good understanding of current events,” said Clay Stamp, Talbot’s emergency services director and assistant county manager.

Talbot County Council President Corey Pack said Mid-Shore counties are collaborating and that individuals and businesses are developing creative strategies to cope with shortages as well as with the growing anxiety of residents.

“We are reaching out to our faith-based community and other volunteers to help address some of the worries and fears of our residents. It’s important that we not only address the physical needs of our citizens, but the mental health needs as well.”

Following is a summary of measures Talbot County’s community partners are taking in response to this developing situation.

Meal Distribution

• FREE meals are being distributed for children ages 2 through 18 at the following expanded list of locations from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday: Easton Middle, Easton Elementary-Dobson, the corner of Dover and Aurora Streets, Magnolia Meadows, Pippin Farms, the Neighborhood Service Center, Unionville Church, St. Michaels Middle High, St. Michaels Police Dept., Chapel District Elementary, White Marsh Elementary, and Tilghman Elementary. Meals include breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack.

• Meal packs for 600 children were distributed on March 19, including emergency and satellite site deliveries. This represents a total of 1,200 meals and a 500 percent increase in one day.

• CHILDREN MUST BE PRESENT and be between the ages of 2 and 18. Adults cannot accept meals on behalf of children. No names need to be provided.

• Children do not have to be eligible for free and reduced-price meals.

• CarePacks will be delivered to as many sites as possible on Fridays to provide weekend meals, depending on supply.

• If families are unable to get to one of the sites due to an emergency situation (lack of transportation, work schedule conflict, illness in the family, etc.) to pick up meals or CarePacks, please use this link to sign up for meal delivery: https://tcpsforms.org/TCPS/view.php?id=439535 (Please note we cannot guarantee that delivery will be available). You may also email Ms. Emily Moody at [email protected] to set up a CarePacks delivery on Fridays.

Talbot County Department of Social Services

To slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maryland Department of Human Services has announced that each of the 24 local Departments of Social Services (DSS), including the Talbot County DSS Office, are closed to the public effective at noon on March 18, 2020.

Talbot County Department of Social Services is providing services through the following:

• Call 410-770-4848 with questions. Child support customers should start with the DHS Call
Center at 1-800-332-6347.

• DHS online portal (MyDHR) should be used when possible to apply for SNAP (Food Stamps) and all
emergency cash assistance programs (https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us/

• Applications can also be submitted by mail (301 Bay St, Unit 5, Easton, MD 21601), by email
([email protected]), or by fax (410-820-7117)

• Medical Assistance or health insurance applications can be submitted on the Maryland Health
Connection website. The Maryland Health Connection has opened an emergency enrollment period. Information and online application access can be found on the Maryland Health Connection website (https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/).

• Long Term Care Medical Assistance applications can be submitted at https://mymdthink.maryland.gov/home/#/home

• Child Support information and/or questions can also be submitted by email at [email protected]. Child support payments can be made by mail, phone or online.

If making payment by mail, include your name and child support case number on the payment and mail to: Maryland Child Support Account, PO Box 17396, Baltimore, MD 21297.

To make a one-time credit card child support payment over the phone, call 1-844-324-3855.

Child Support payments may be made online at https://www.mdsmartchildsupport.com. At this link, you can establish a one-time or recurring automatic draft from your savings account or pay using Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express.

• Reports of suspected child or vulnerable adult abuse or neglect should continue to be reported to 410- 770-4848.

Easton Utilities

Easton Utilities understands the importance of supporting our community efforts during this unprecedented time. While we continue to provide the essential services our customers rely on every day, we want to follow the recommendations of our state and local agencies to protect the health of the public and our employees.

In addition to the recommended precautions we are currently following, below please find the additional changes as of March 19:

• Employees are no longer entering customer homes unless it’s an emergency.

• For Easton Velocity issues (internet, cable, phone), technicians will work with the customer remotely to troubleshoot problems.

• The Customer Service Center and Lobby are CLOSED to all customers and visitors. The drive-thru will remain open.

• Customers are encouraged to utilize online bill pay, phone or mail for transactions.

• Please contact our Customer Service Reps if assistance is needed to set up an online account.

• As always, we remain flexible and willing to work with customers facing financial hardships during this
time.

• We will continuously monitor and update our policies to ensure we are providing the best possible service to our customers while maintaining the safety of all concerned. Thank you for your patience and flexibility during this time. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Customer Service at 410-822-6110.

Talbot County Free Library

• County residents that do not have a library card may now register for a temporary library card number that will allow them to access eBooks, audiobooks, movies, music, magazines, and other eResources. Go to www.tcfl.org and click on the “find” dropdown menu to find information on online registration for a temporary library card number. This number will allow new patrons to use the library’s eResources at home, 24/7. Once the library reopens, new patrons may come in and register for a regular library card that will allow them to use a computer and check out all sorts of physical library materials as well.

• All patrons are encouraged to try the library’s eLearning opportunities and downloadable resources. For more information, about any of these eResources visit www.tcfl.org.

Talbot County Council President Corey Pack added that the Council wanted to thank everyone for stepping up to help whether it is as frontline personnel in our agencies and healthcare facilities who are showing up every day for work, or volunteers and local businesses who are coming up with creative solutions to solve developing needs. He shared the example of the local Lyon Distilling Company in St. Michaels, which is producing 30 gallons of hand sanitizer a day.

“This is just one of the many creative efforts we need to happen to continue to address the needs arising in our community during this crisis,” Pack said.

Where to Find More Information

• CDC COVID-2019 Website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

• Talbot County COVID-19 Information https://www.talbotdes.org/covid19.asp

• Maryland Department of Health Website: https://health.maryland.gov/pages/home.aspx

• Talbot County Health Department Website: https://health.maryland.gov/talbotcounty/Pages/home.aspx

• Talbot County Health Department Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalbotHealthMaryland

• Talbot County Department of Emergency Services Website: https://www.talbotdes.org/default.asp

• Talbot County Department of Emergency Services Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talbotdes