06-22-2022 Primetime Livnig - Flipbook - Page 14
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A Special Advertising Section of Baltimore Sun Media Group | Wednesday, June 22, 2022
RESOURCES
Maryland
Access Point
Your one-stop shop for senior
health and support services
By Margit B. Weisgal, Contributing Writer
S
ometimes you just need to know where to start. If you haven’t discovered the with contact information and links to each
Maryland Access Point (MAP) website, you’re in for a treat. Under the aegis of
the Maryland Department of Aging, MAP has links to everything older adults
could want. “Maryland Access Point (MAP) recognizes that our health and access to
long-term service options are impacted by the conditions in which we live. MAP aims to
engage individuals to define their needs and preferences and identify options that will
work for them.
“MAP is the gateway to long-term
services and support in Maryland. MAP
specialists work with caregivers, professionals and all individuals with long term
care needs to plan, identify, connect, and
assist with accessing private and public
resources for long term services and supports.” What services are available? There
is “information on health, transportation,
income, and financial aid, senior and community centers and clubs, nutrition and
meals, pharmacy assistance, housing, volunteer opportunities, and more!”
MAP also makes it easy to get help
no matter what the circumstance. You
can visit its website – www.marylandaccesspoint.info – or call 1-844-MAP-LINK
(1-844-627-5465). The call line is operated
by 211 Maryland, a nonprofit that connects Marylanders to health and human
services resources. Together, MAP and
211 Maryland are helping consumers find
more information more easily and more
quickly. Resource specialists provide
immediate assistance and link callers to
any one of the 20 local offices available
throughout the state. The website features
a section to connect with a local office
local office website. Local offices provide
services by phone and in person. Here are
a few examples:
• Baltimore City: https://health.baltimorecity.gov/node/543
• Baltimore County: www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/aging/
programs-services/MAP/
• Harford County: www.harfordcountymd.gov/651/Office-on-Aging
• Carroll County: www.carrollcountymd.gov/government/directory/
citizen-services/aging-disabilities/
aging-and-disabilities-services/
maryland-access-point-informationassistance/
A primary feature of the MAP website
is the ‘Searchable Database’ where you
will “Find essential resources in the most
comprehensive unmet needs database in
the state.” MAP and 211 Maryland have
been partnering since 2020 to deliver
the comprehensive database, which can
be found on the main page of the MAP
website. It is now, after many years in
the making, “the one-stop connector for
health and human services in Maryland.”
Deputy Secretary of the Department
of Aging Bernice Hutchinson says, “MAP
website resources have expanded our
reach and service to older Marylanders.
We want to remind everyone that MAP
offices continue as a vibrant part of every
county for those without online access.”
Additional Services
The Maryland Department of Aging
(https://aging.maryland.gov/) has introduced some incredible services that benefit older adults over the last few years
and expanded others. It also helps to
establish Maryland as an attractive location for all older adults through vibrant
communities and supportive services that
offer the opportunity to live healthy and
meaningful lives.
Usually, until we have a problem, we
don’t know something exists. These programs are worth knowing about and sharing with friends and family. And there are
lots more. Visit its website for a complete
list of what is available.
MAP,
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