Photo by Elyzabeth Marcussen, Hospice of the Chesapeake
CLINTON, Md. (Nov. 13, 2024)—Pictured from top left are, Rachel Jordan, moderator; and panelists the Rev. James Robinson; and Council Member Sydney Harrison; From bottom left, panelists Jennifer Ward and Dr. Sonja Richmond; Dr. Archinard’s son, Blaine and panelist Dr. Tom-meka Archinard.
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Roundtable Talk Focuses on Access to Hospice Care and How it Brings Hope
By ELYZABETH MARCUSSEN
Hospice of the Chesapeake
LARGO, Md. (Dec. 4, 2024)— Access to end-of-life care and how it brings hope to patients and families were two overarching themes dominating the discussion at Hospice of the Chesapeake’s “Hospice and Palliative Care Community Roundtable.” Held Nov. 13 at the Tree of Life Christian Ministries in Clinton, Maryland, the free event featured medical professionals and Prince George’s County community leaders sharing their experience and expertise with members of the community.
The panel was moderated by Hospice of the Chesapeake’s Director of Advocacy & Legislative Affairs Rachel Jordan, DNP, FNP-BC, who is passionate about bringing health equity to the county where she grew up and calls home. Other Hospice of the Chesapeake team members speaking on the panel included Vice President of Medical Affairs and Hospice Medical Director Dr. Sonja Richmond; and Bereavement Counselor Jennifer Ward. Also on the panel were community professionals and leaders Tree of Life Christian Ministries Pastor the Rev. James Robinson; Prince George’s County District 9 Council Member Sydney Harrison; and University of Maryland Capital Region Health Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tom-meka Archinard.
The panelists emphatically expressed that hospice care is something anyone who has a prognosis of six months or less is entitled to. “The World Health Organization considers end-of-life care a basic human right,” Dr. Archinard said. Though she understands the historical mistrust of the medical field by members of the Black community, Archinard said people are missing out on essential care that provides control of how and where someone dies to the patients and their families.
She shared her mother’s own experience with hospice and how her hospice providers worked to get her from Louisiana to Dr. Archinard’s home in Maryland so she could be with her daughter and grandchildren for her final days. “I can’t even imagine how I would feel if she wasn’t with me at that moment. I can’t imagine if she was in a hospital bed, despite however good and caring the care may have been. It would not have been me and my four children which is what she wanted.”
Another theme that came up throughout the discussion was that too many people look at hospice as giving up. “Hospice is not giving up hope. It’s enhancing hope,” Dr. Richmond said. “Hospice does not mean do not treat. It means I see you and not your disease. I see you and I want to help you with your symptoms. I want to enhance your quality of life. I want you to lean into your spirituality and lean into whatever and whomever gives you that strength and to you know that you are not on this journey alone.”
The discussion, which ended with questions and comments from the audience, helped to clear up confusion about the difference between hospice and palliative care, addressed the role of grief support, and shared how the community can access all the services hospice providers offer. To view a video recording of the discussion, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g74wv9yNDeE&t=1021s
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City of District Heights Addresses Tragic Loss of Khamya Ferrell, Reaffirms Commitment to Community Safety
By PRESS OFFICER
City of District Heights
DISTRICT HEIGHTS, Md. (Dec. 4, 2024)—In a significant development, the Prince George’s County Police Department has arrested 19-year-old Chance Waters of Hyattsville, charging him with the murder of 14-year-old Khamya Ferrell: a bright and promising teenager from neighboring Suitland, whose life was tragically cut short from a triple shooting in the City of District Heights on May 31, and succumbed to her injuries on June 5, 2024.
“Our hearts are heavy for Khamya’s family and friends especially now, as we approach the holidays—a time when families should come together in celebration, not in mourning. No family should have to experience this kind of ache,” said Mayor Cynthia Miller. “She was a young girl with endless potential, and her loss has deeply affected every corner of our community. We will not allow this loss to be in vain; instead, it will fuel our determination to make District Heights safer for everyone—certainly our children.”
Additionally, the City continues to provide full support to the Prince George's County Police Department in their investigation into this tragic event. District Heights’s Chief of Police Ronald Tarpley expressed a call to action: “The holiday season is a time to gather with loved ones and reflect on what matters most—our families and our community. This loss underscores how crucial it is for us to work together to prevent violence and protect one another. We will not allow this loss to be in vain; instead, it will fuel our determination to make District Heights safer for everyone.”
In a statement, Commissioner Xander Harcourt emphasized the unity of District Heights: “I’m sending my thoughts and meditations to the family of Khamya Ferrell. I hope they know that the entire city is with them, and that through this tragedy we have made our community safer, more unified, and resilient.”
In the months since this tragedy, the City has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with community partners, including joining the Greater District Heights Community Coalition, to implement solutions that mitigate crime and foster a safer environment for all residents. “We stand together in grief, but we also stand together in strength and determination,” added Mayor Miller. “While this holiday season is marked by sorrow for many in our community, we must also let it remind us of the power of unity, compassion, and hope. District Heights is a safe city, and we will honor Khamya’s memory by striving for a community where such tragedies are never repeated.”
The City of District Heights is a vibrant community located in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Known for its rich history and diverse population, District Heights is committed to providing exceptional services and fostering a safe, inclusive, and thriving environment for all its residents.
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Nearly 75 Percent of PGCPS Schools Achieve Top Three Ratings on Maryland Report Card
Highlights include academic gains and improved school environments
By PRESS OFFICER
Prince George’s County Public Schools
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (Dec. 4, 2024)—The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) report cards and star ratings for the 2023–2024 school year show 72.5 percent of Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) received the three highest ratings, maintaining performance levels similar to last year.
Maryland School Report Card star ratings are based on multiple academic and non-academic measures designed to help families and students understand school performance and progress, while equipping school leaders with data to make decisions on where to invest instructional time and resources.
Twelve percent of PGCPS schools gained at least one star this year. Additionally, PGCPS stands out as one of only three school districts in Maryland with a 5-star middle school: Robert Goddard Montessori.
Report card survey results revealed improvements in both teacher and student perceptions of school climate across elementary, middle, and high school levels, underscoring the district’s efforts to create positive and supportive learning environments.
“We are incredibly proud of the academic gains our students have achieved, but equally proud of the strides we’ve made in fostering positive school cultures,” said Superintendent Millard House II. “When staff and students feel good about their schools, it creates a foundation for even greater academic success.”
Academic Gains Across All Levels
The report cards reflect academic and non-academic progress across PGCPS:
• High Schools:
- 82 percent of high schools showed gains in English/Language Arts proficiency.
- 93 percent of high schools improved their “On Track in Ninth Grade for Graduation” metric.
• Middle Schools:
- Gains in social studies proficiency were observed.
• Elementary Schools:
- Improvements in math proficiency were noted.
• Attendance:
- Both elementary and middle schools showed reductions in chronic absenteeism.
Maryland School Report Card Ratings for PGCPS
• Five-star: 4 schools (2 elementary, 1 combination, 1 high)
• Four-star: 23 schools (15 elementary, 8 combination)
• Three-star: 110 schools (86 elementary, 6 middle, 8 high, 10 combination)
• Two-star: 52 schools (15 elementary, 18 middle, 15 high, 4 combination)
• One-star: 0 schools
*Combination schools include those with elementary, middle, and/or high school grade configurations.
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Hon. Todd M. Turner Graduates from Leadership Maryland’s Executive Program
2024 Graduates Recognized at December 3rd Ceremony
By PRESS OFFICER
Leadership Maryland
EASTON, Md. (Dec. 5, 2024)—Leadership Maryland announced today that Hon. Todd M. Turner, Executive Director, of Prince George’s County Office of Ethics and Accountability (OEA) has completed the Executive Program, a professional development program dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its local business and community leaders. Leadership Maryland honored Turner a resident of Bowie and the entire Executive Program Class of 2024 at its 31st graduation ceremony held December 3 at the Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport. Turner is now a member of Leadership Maryland’s powerful alumni network, consisting of more than 1,500 esteemed leaders from all over the state.
Executive Director Turner was one of 51 individuals chosen by a committee to complete the eight-month hands-on learning program. The class participated in an orientation and closing retreat that bookended five, two-day sessions focused on Maryland’s five main geographic regions and the most vital issues impacting economic development, education, health and human services, criminal justice, the environment, and multi-culturalism/diversity across the state. The Executive Program is open to senior-level executives with significant achievements in their careers and/or their communities. Ideal Leadership Maryland members have a desire to learn more about Maryland’s most critical issues and a personal commitment to be a force for positive change in their organizations, their communities, and their state.
“On behalf of our staff, board, and membership, I congratulate the Executive Program Class of 2024 on completing the program and joining our alumni family,” said David Fike ’16 (LM), president and CEO, of Leadership Maryland. “Each class year brings its own unique lessons, and I am proud to have witnessed the ways the Class of 2024 embraced each one on their journey to become a force for positive change in their organizations, communities, and state.”
Turner was appointed by former Prince George’s County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks and confirmed by the Prince George’s County Council to serve as the second OEA Executive Director in October 2022. OEA is responsible for increased accountability and oversight by identifying fraud, abuse, and illegal acts and supports the Board of Ethics in exercising its authority granted to it under the Prince George’s County Code of Ethics. Prior to serving as Executive Director, Mr. Turner served eight years as a member of the Prince George’s County Council, representing the 4th Council District, where he served two consecutive years as Council Chair and one year as Vice-Chair. In addition, he served as a Council Member for the City of Bowie (2005–2014), representing the 3rd Council District (2005–2011), and as an At-Large Member of the Council (2011–2014). He served as Mayor Pro Tem from 2007–2009, becoming the first African American to hold the position in the City’s history. Executive Director Turner is a graduate of the Academy of Excellence in Governance at the Institute of Governmental Service of the University of Maryland (2017), the Leadership Greater Washington class (2017), and the Leadership Prince George’s class (2012). In addition, he is a recipient of the Elizabeth and David Scull Metropolitan Public Service Award from the Washington Metropolitan Council of Government (2014).
For more information about Leadership Maryland, please visit leadershipmd.org, call 410-841-2101, or email info@leadershipmd.org.
Leadership Maryland is a statewide nonprofit offering professional development programs dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its business and community leaders. Established in 1992, Leadership Maryland’s Executive Program selects as many as 52 diverse and accomplished senior-level leaders from Maryland’s public and private sectors each year to come together as a class for an eight-month learning program focused on the state’s most vital social, economic, and environmental issues. To learn more, please visit leadershipmd.org.
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