Dorchester County Health Department

Dorchester County Health Department The Dorchester County Health Department is the public health agency for Dorchester County, MD. What is public health?

Our mission: Working for and with our community to improve the health and safety of all people in Dorchester County. The Dorchester County Health Department is the county's leader in public health. The health department is part of the Maryland Department of Health, as well as an agency of Dorchester County government. The Dorchester County Council serves as the official Board of Health. Funding fo

r the Dorchester County Health Department is a combination of federal, state and county monies, plus third-party and private-pay reimbursements. We work with the community to protect and promote the health of all county residents, provide local public health services, and provide other health-related services. We are directed by the health officer, who enforces state health laws, state health rules, and county health ordinances. We deliver a variety of services to our community, based on local health needs and federal, state, and county rules. We ensure residents have access to personal and environmental health services and information. According to the American Public Health Association:
“(P)ublic health promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work and play. Public health workers try to keep “people from getting sick or injured in the first place (and) … promote wellness by encouraging healthy behaviors.”
That can include:
Vaccinating children and adults to stop the spread of disease,
Teaching people about the risks of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs,
Tracking disease outbreaks,
Preventing injuries,
Protecting the water supply,
Inspecting restaurants,
Explaining why some of us are more likely to suffer from poor health than others,
Speaking out for laws that promote smoke-free indoor air and seatbelts,
Spreading the word about ways to stay healthy,
Giving science-based solutions to problems,
Setting safety standards to protect workers, and
Developing school nutrition programs so kids have access to healthy food.

Our vital records office (birth certificates) will be closed the morning of Friday, May 22. The office will be open 12 p...
05/21/2026

Our vital records office (birth certificates) will be closed the morning of Friday, May 22. The office will be open 12 pm to 3 pm Friday, May 22.

Our offices will be closed Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day.Join us in taking time to honor and remem...
05/20/2026

Our offices will be closed Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day.
Join us in taking time to honor and remember the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 26.
Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful holiday weekend.

2026 MARYLAND HEAT AWARENESS WEEKEnvironmental Disparities and Outdoor WorkersEnvironmental disparities affect black, in...
05/20/2026

2026 MARYLAND HEAT AWARENESS WEEK

Environmental Disparities and Outdoor Workers

Environmental disparities affect black, indigenous, and people of color, meaning they are more likely to suffer from preventable heat-related illness.
Black, Indigenous, and people of color are:
• More likely to live in areas in Maryland with fewer trees
• More likely to live in areas with more pavement that absorbs heat
• Less likely to have reliable, affordable access to air conditioning.

Outdoor Workers
Maryland has one of the most protective heat stress standards in the country for both indoor and outdoor workers.
Employers are required to put plans in place when employees are exposed to a heat index at or above 80°F for more than 15 minutes per hour.
In a state with a large agriculture sector and long coastline, this standard applies to many working Marylanders.
However, workers exposed to extreme heat on the job may not know about the standard or feel empowered to advocate for themselves to their bosses.
The Maryland Department of Labor provides a sample heat illness prevention plan template and guidance documents for employers.
Workers can also share this flyer with colleagues to ensure everyone understands the risks and how to protect themselves.

2026 MARYLAND HEAT AWARENESS WEEKNot all people are affected equally by the heat. Certain populations are especially vul...
05/20/2026

2026 MARYLAND HEAT AWARENESS WEEK

Not all people are affected equally by the heat. Certain populations are especially vulnerable to heat-related illness.

Vulnerable populations include:
• Children: Children rely on others to keep them safe and may not understand how to protect themselves from extreme heat. Heat also makes asthma worse, so make sure children with asthma are kept out of the heat and have an inhaler on hand.

• People over 65: People over 65 have a decreased ability to regulate body temperature and may take medications or have certain chronic conditions that make them more affected by extreme heat. Check up on older adults in your life regularly and ensure they’re drinking enough water and have emergency medical supplies.

• Pregnant people: Extreme heat increases the risk of preterm birth. Pregnant people have an increased body temperature at baseline, so extreme heat is especially uncomfortable. If you’re pregnant, make sure to get extra rest, stay hydrated, and contact your doctor with any concerns.

• Unhoused Marylanders: Unhoused Marylanders are especially vulnerable to heat. They may lack access to indoor spaces, cooling centers, or water to cool off, as well as reliable phone or internet service to check weather warnings or locate aid. Check up on your unhoused neighbors and ensure they have access to water and cooling centers, if possible.

Protect Yourself During Extreme HeatStay cool, stay hydrated, and stay indoors with air conditioning if you can. If you ...
05/19/2026

Protect Yourself During Extreme Heat

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay indoors with air conditioning if you can. If you feel too hot, cool off with wet cloths.

If you must be outside, dress in light, loose-fitting clothes that cover arms/legs and frequently apply SPF 30+ sunscreen. Stay in the shade as much as possible.

Use fans, but only if indoor temperatures are less than 90°F. In temperatures above 90°F, fans can increase body temperature.

Some medications can reduce thirst, increase sweating or urination, or make heat affect you more. Check if your medications are on this list and take caution during extreme heat days.

Know which of your neighbors may be more vulnerable and check in on them when it gets hot.

Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles. Stop, look, and lock before you leave your car.

If you are a healthcare provider, use the CDC’s Quick Start Guide on Heat and Health to help protect your patients in hot weather.

Because extreme heat is not a single event like a hurricane or a flood, and since it gets hotter gradually over the summ...
05/19/2026

Because extreme heat is not a single event like a hurricane or a flood, and since it gets hotter gradually over the summer, it can be hard to recognize when heat exposure becomes dangerous.
By understanding how serious the effects of extreme heat can be and preparing early, you can keep yourself and your family, friends, and neighbors safe.
Extreme heat is defined as temperatures above 90°F for at least two days.
Lower temperatures can still affect people, especially children, pregnant people, the elderly, and people exposed to heat all day, like outdoor workers and unhoused people.
Before a Heat Wave:
• Know where your nearest cooling center is located and their hours.
• Look up your zip code on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's HeatRisk tool to understand your heat risk.
• Ensure that your cooling system is efficient and up to date with the EnergyStar maintenance checklist.

Heat cramps may be the first sign of heat-related illness, and may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke.Learn how to spot t...
05/18/2026

Heat cramps may be the first sign of heat-related illness, and may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke.
Learn how to spot the difference between heat exhaustion (your body warning you it is overheating) and heat stroke (a dangerous medical emergency):

Heat Cramps
Symptoms: Painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in legs and abdomen. Heavy sweating.
First Aid: Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water unless the person complains of nausea, then stop giving water.
Seek immediate medical attention if cramps last longer than 1 hour.

Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms: Heavy sweating; weakness or tiredness; cool, pale, clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; muscle cramps; dizziness, nausea or vomiting; headache; fainting.
First Aid: Move person to a cooler environment, preferably a well air-conditioned room. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths or have person sit in a cool bath. Offer sips of water.
Seek immediate medical attention if the person vomits, symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour

Heat Stroke
Symptoms: Throbbing headache; confusion; slurred speech; nausea; dizziness; body temperature above 103°F; hot, red, dry or damp skin; rapid and strong pulse; fainting; loss of consciousness.
First Aid: Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Delay can be fatal. Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment. Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or bath. Use fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s. A fan can make you hotter at higher temperatures. Do NOT give fluids.

This week (May 18-22) is Maryland Extreme Heat Awareness Week!Extreme heat is the deadliest type of weather in the Unite...
05/18/2026

This week (May 18-22) is Maryland Extreme Heat Awareness Week!
Extreme heat is the deadliest type of weather in the United States. It kills more people every year than hurricanes, wildfires, or floods.
Here is what is happening in Maryland:
• Our state is getting hotter fast: Maryland is warming up quicker than most of the country. Since 1970, our average yearly temperature has gone up by 3.3°F, and it will likely keep rising.
• More people are going to the hospital: Between 2024 and 2025, emergency room and urgent care visits for heat sickness jumped by 33.4% (about one-third). Sadly, deaths from the heat went up a lot, too.
• A very hot summer is on the way: This summer is expected to be hotter than usual. Because of this, we need to prepare early before the extreme heat hits.

Know the Signs
When your body gets too hot, it can cause serious health problems.
Heat cramps may be the first sign of heat-related illness, and may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke.
Learn how to spot the difference between heat exhaustion (your body warning you it is overheating) and heat stroke (a dangerous medical emergency).

05/14/2026

Our next Food Bank Day is May 19 at our firehouse.

05/14/2026

The OP&R Preparedness Surveillance & Epidemiology Team has updated the Weather-Related Illness Data Dashboard with the latest heat-related illness surveillance data​ for Maryland. This includes temperature, heat index & heat-related illness. Learn more: bit.ly/4nsIjIJ

Address

627 Race Street
Cambridge, MD
21613

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+14102283223

Website

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