Allegany County Health Department - Cumberland Maryland

11/26/2025

The holiday season can bring joy, but it can also increase stress, anxiety, and feelings of overwhelm. It’s important to take care of your mental and emotional well-being during this busy time.

A few helpful reminders:
• Set realistic expectations and avoid overcommitting.
• Maintain healthy habits like adequate sleep, physical activity, and balanced meals.
• Take short breaks to rest and recharge.
• Reach out to supportive friends, family, or community resources if you’re feeling stressed or lonely.
• Focus on what’s meaningful to you and let go of nonessential tasks.

Your well-being matters. Please take time to care for yourself — and check on others who may be struggling this season. 🦃🍁

For support, contact the Allegany County Health Department Behavioral Health Services:
• Main Number: (301) 759-5050
• Addictions: (301) 759-5050
• Mental Health: (301) 759-5280
• Prevention: (301) 759-5050

11/26/2025

11/25/2025

🦃 Thanksgiving is almost here! As you get ready for the big feast, here are a few important food safety tips to keep your holiday happy, healthy, and hazard-free:

🍗 Turkey Prep & Cooking Safety

Thaw safely: in the fridge, in cold water (change every 30 minutes), or in the microwave — never on the counter.

Keep it clean: wash hands, not your turkey. Washing poultry can spread bacteria.

Cook to 165°F: check the thickest part of the breast, thigh, and wing.

Separate cutting boards for raw turkey and ready-to-eat foods.

🔥 Turkey Fryer Safety

Use fryers OUTDOORS only, on flat ground, away from buildings and anything that can burn.

Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dry before frying to prevent dangerous oil splatter.

Keep a fire extinguisher (Class K or ABC) nearby — not water!

Never leave your fryer unattended.

🥧 Let’s keep the holiday focused on food, family, and fun — not emergencies.

11/24/2025

Don't walk away from a friend, you can save their life. Be a good Samaritan and call 911. Learn more at stopoverdose.maryland.gov

The Maryland Department of Health has created this content to raise awareness about the risks associated with street drugs and to promote the health and safety of Marylanders. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis or needs support with recovery, call or text 988.

11/19/2025

Outbreak Investigation of Infant Botulism in Infant Formula (November 2025).
All ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula products have been recalled.

Possible signs of infant botulism can include: initially developing constipation, poor feeding, loss of head control, and difficulty swallowing, which can progress to difficulty breathing and respiratory arrest.

[New York, NY] – ByHeart, a next-generation baby nutrition company, announced today that it is expanding its voluntary recall to include all batches of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula cans and Anywhere Pack™ nationwide. This action is being taken in close collaboration with the U.S. Food ...

11/14/2025

11/14/2025

RECALL UPDATE: All ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula products have been recalled. This includes all unexpired lots of formula cans and single-serve “anywhere” sticks. https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-infant-botulism-infant-formula-november-2025

11/13/2025

RESEARCH STUDY: If you are an Allegany County, Maryland homeowner age 18+ and your primary water supply is a private well, you may qualify for a free E. coli water test! See the attached flier for details, or visit https://myalleganyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Well-Water-Testing-Flier-1.pdf.

11/11/2025

The Maryland Food Bank will hold a one-time Mobile Market distribution at the Flintstone Volunteer Fire Department this Friday, November 14, from noon to 2 PM. See the attached flyer for more information.

11/07/2025

Emergency SNAP & Shutdown Information Hub now live on the Maryland Food System Resiliency Council (FSRC) website.

https://mdem.maryland.gov/Pages/SNAP25.aspx

We know many Marylanders are feeling the impact of the ongoing SNAP shutdown — and we’re here to help. 💛

The SNAP Shutdown Emergency Info Hub provides one easy place to find food resources, community support, and volunteer opportunities across the state.

🔗 Visit: https://bit.ly/SNAPHelpMD

You can also access it through the Food System Resiliency Council (FSRC) page here: https://mdem.maryland.gov/Pages/food-resilience.aspx

Together, we can help ensure no Marylander goes hungry.

11/06/2025

THIS SATURDAY 1-3 pm - we invite all SNAP recipients to come to the cafe for free produce. The Allegany Farmers Market is partnering with us to get some locally grown produce into your homes, while supplies last.
*All produce will be seasonal*

You must present your SNAP card to receive produce, but it will not be charged!

11/05/2025

💚 Allegany County Neighbors: Fill the Gap 💚

Right now, many of our friends and neighbors here in Allegany County are feeling the strain as food assistance funding falls short. The Appalachian Farm & Food Alliance is stepping up to help — but we can’t do it alone.

Every dollar donated to Allegany Neighbors: Fill the Gap stays right here at home to support local families who are struggling to put food on the table. Together, we can make sure no one in our community goes hungry this season.

👉 How you can help:
Make a monetary donation today — every contribution, big or small, helps fill the gap for those who need it most. Simply go to www.appalachianfarmandfood.com and click on the “Fill the Gap” button to make a donation today!

Let’s show what Allegany County neighbors can do when we come together. ❤️

🍎 Western Maryland Neighbors: Fill the Gap & Fight Food Insecurity!
Right now, many of our friends and neighbors across Western Maryland are feeling the strain as food assistance funding falls short. The Appalachian Farm & Food Alliance (AFFA) is stepping up to help, but we can’t do it alone.

The AFFA is proud to support Western MD by providing a secure and tax-deductible platform for donations aimed at fighting food insecurity in your local community.

Every dollar donated to the "Fill the Gap" fund stays right in the county you choose, supporting local families who are struggling to put food on the table. Together, we can make sure no one in our community goes hungry this season.

How you can help:
Make a Monetary Donation Today: Every contribution, big or small, helps fill the gap for those who need it most.
Simply select which county you would like your donation to support:
Garrett County: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/garrett-neighbors-fill-the-gap
Allegany County: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/allegany-neighbors-fill-the-gap
Washington County: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/washington-neighbors-fill-the-gap
Or go to www.appalachianfarmandfood.com and click the "Fill the Gap" button!
Let’s show what Western Maryland neighbors can do when we come together!