Baltimore, MD (April 10, 2009) - Maryland’s top-ranked immunization programs will receive nearly $4 million in grants and vaccines as part of President Barack Obama’s commitment to public health written into the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, according to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH).  

“These dollars mean we can keep our public health professionals on the job, doing the work that’s made Maryland the nation’s leader in childhood immunizations,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “This is another common sense investment by our federal partners in making government work to improve the life and health of every Marylander, especially our children.” 

The funding announcement made yesterday by Vice President Joe Biden during Public Health Week, will allow DHMH to expand current vaccination efforts and maintain its top ranking for childhood and other vaccination programs. 

“This investment meets a critical need in tough times since every child and adult we immunize ultimately saves money for Maryland families,” said DHMH Secretary John M. Colmers. “The announcement is particularly timely during Public Health Week when we recognize the hard work of staff and partners who help make Maryland a healthier state.” 

Maryland DHMH officials recently brought home three top awards from the 43rd National Immunization Conference sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Dallas, Texas: 

• The CDC Coverage Award - Presented to the Maryland Immunization Program in recognition of its extraordinary accomplishment in achieving 84.6% coverage for the basic immunization series among two year old children. Maryland tied with New Hampshire for the highest rates in the U.S. according to the 2007-2008 National Immunization Survey.

• The Natalie J. Smith, M.D. Award - Presented to Greg Reed, Maryland Immunization Program Manager, in recognition of his commitment to excellence, accomplishments and visionary leadership that have had a significant impact on achieving city, state, territory, and/or national vaccine-preventable disease goals.

• 2009 Immunization Excellence Awards - Presented the Coalition Campaign award from the National Influenza Vaccine Summit (NIVS) to the Maryland Partnership for Prevention.

“These dollars will help us go further at what we do better than just about anyone else,” said Frances Phillips, DHMH Deputy Secretary for Public Health. “Under the leadership of Governor O’Malley and Secretary Colmers, we’ll use this opportunity to do even more for children and adults, including seniors.” 

For more information on ARRA vaccination funding visit, http://transparency.cit.nih.gov/RecoveryGrants/grant.cfm?grant=vaccines. 

For more on ARRA funding and health care visit, http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/ 

Vice President Biden’s announcement: Biden Announces $2.3 Billion in Recovery Act Funds to Help Care for Children, Prevent Disease