[Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025] On Tuesday, Sept. 16, Commissioners heard updates on the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center (UMCRMC) and the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC)’s Food Insecurity Program. 

Albert Zanger, Chief Administrative Officer at UMCRMC, summarized several improvements in patient care at the hospital, including a marked decrease in Emergency Medical Services transfer time, improved health treatment spaces, and the establishment of a Patient and Family Advisory Council that reviews hospital procedures to improve communications with patients. The hospital has earned several prestigious awards, including recognition as one of Newsweek’s Greatest Workplaces in Health Care.

Shelby Watson-Hampton, Director of SMADC, briefed Commissioners on the food insecurity program. The regional organization has several food initiatives, including the Southern Maryland Community Fridges, which provide 24/7 free access to food and local produce. The community fridge in Charles County is located at the Food Pantry of Christ Church La Plata (112 Charles Street, La Plata, MD 20646).

The community fridge, as well as Food Access Points at Lifestream Church and Charles County Community Schools, has served 11,683 households in Charles County.

 

Boards and Commissions Annual Update

Commissioners received updates on the following Charles County Boards and Commissions:

 

• Board of Social Services
• Adult Public Guardianship Review Board
• Area Council on Aging

 

Actions on Boards and Commissions

Commissioners took the following actions on county boards and commissions:

 

• Appointed Ann Davis as the Non-Profit Social Service Organization representative to the Adult Public Guardianship Review Board.
• Appointed Timothy Treanor as an At-Large member and appointed Regina Newkirk as an Alternate member to the Board of Appeals.
• Appointed China Coleman as the Finance/Banking member to the Business Development Loan Fund for Women, Minorities, and Veterans Committee.

 

• Appointed Sharlamar Taliaferro-Savannah as a representative of District two (2) and Jude Mutah as a representative of District four (4), to the Compensation Commission.

 

• Reappointed Quantral Fletcher as an At-Large member and Esperita Garrison as a District 2 Representative to the Police Accountability Board.

 

Approval Items

Commissioners approved:

• A request for $13,422 in funding for permitting and inspection fees, plan drawings, and construction for front and rear steps with an accessible ramp at Historic Rich Hill.
• A request to display a table commemorating soldiers listed as prisoners of war or missing in action during National POW/MIA Recognition Day on Sept. 19, 2025.
• A contract renewal with G.S. Proctor & Associates, Inc. for state and federal lobbying services.
• A request for approval of the Board of Social Services’ bylaws.