Latest news with #ArunaMiller
CBS News
28-04-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Maryland unveils 5-year autism plan focusing on safety, education, and inclusive policies
Maryland leaders shared a five-year autism plan for the state during Autism Acceptance Month in April. The plan focuses on education, safety and implementing inclusive policies. According to Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, the Autism State Plan was developed with the help of Maryland's Strategy and Advisory Stakeholder Group for Autism Related Needs (ASGARN). The multi-year plan details principles, objectives and strategies to help implement policies that are inclusive to those with autism. The plan will be reviewed and updated every five years. The goal of the plan to to show Maryland's commitment to helping individuals with autism lead fulfilling lives and reach their full potential, leaders said. "It is not a disease to be cured, it's a difference to be understood and embraced," Miller said. "Raising autism acceptance is not just about statistics or medical definitions — it's about creating a world that recognizes and celebrates neurodiversity." Goals of Maryland's 5-year autism plan Maryland's five-year autism plan details goals in several categories, including education, housing, and safety. The plan aims to ensure that autistic students get the support they need in school so they can have equal access to education in less restrictive environments. The plan also aims to increase capacity at colleges and universities in the state to support autistic students through graduation. To support people with autism in employment opportunities, the state hopes to develop policy recommendations to help improve employment outcomes and expand initiatives that encourage the hiring of autistic people. State leaders are also aiming to support autistic residents in renting or buying homes by promoting awareness about accessible housing and expanding efforts to educate autistic people about their legal rights and obligations as renters or homeowners. The plan also details steps the state can take to ensure that autistic people can access transportation to travel independently. The plan further details ways to ensure that autistic people feel safe during disasters, emergencies or other crisis situations. The state will expand training for first responders to ensure they are aware of autism-related needs. The state will also take action to ensure that court and correctional officials are trained on providing accommodations for those with developmental disabilities. The plan also outlines steps the state could take to increase intervention methods for autistic people who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Similarly, the state hopes to increase training for healthcare professionals to ensure they are aware of the needs of autistic people. Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. on autism The release of Maryland's autism plan comes after Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a new effort to study autism. Kennedy cited a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that showed more than 3% of kids were identified as having autism. Kennedy has claimed that the U.S. is seeing an "epidemic" of autism, however, experts argue that the increased numbers are due to greater access to autism evaluations. Other experts say the increase is because the definition of autism has expanded. "It's a spectrum. It's not just one thing. ... So that's part of it," she said. "We also are being much more aggressive about looking for it — pediatricians, educators," said CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder.
CBS News
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- CBS News
Maryland leaders urge drivers to be safe in work zones
Maryland leaders are urging drivers to respect work zones during National Work Zone Awareness Week. Since 2023, the state has tried to stop reckless driving and speeding, particularly in work zones. In March 2023, six construction workers died when two cars, driving at more than 100 mph, collided and crashed into the work zone. In January and February of this year, the state said it issued 48,000 citations for speeding across 10 work zones, with some drivers flying down the Baltimore Beltway at more than 130 mph. On a typical day, there are 300 active construction zones with 1,000 workers posted at sites statewide. So far this year, there have been more than 250 work zone crashes. Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller has spearheaded the state's approach to reduce speeding and make the roadways safer. She says roadworkers are critical to the state and deserve to feel safe on the job. "They're the people whose lives depend on the choices you and I make behind the wheel," Miller said. The state reminds drivers to slow down in work zones and drive like their loved ones are working at the construction site. National Work Zone Awareness Week runs until April 25, and Wednesday marks "Go Orange Day" in Maryland, where people are encouraged to wear orange in support of road workers. The State Highway Administration lists major projects on its website , or drivers can visit MD 511 for real-time traffic updates . The state says automatic enforcement cameras mounted on vehicles on the side of the highway are a key to changing driver behavior and stopping speeding in its tracks. Additional cameras will be placed at worksites this year. In January, the state began a new tiered fine structure for speeding tickets. The faster you go, the higher the fine, according to Lt. Gov Miller. The fines also double when workers are present on the roadway. The highest fine is $1,000, which requires a driver to go more than 40 mph over the posted limit. Twenty-three drivers face this fine so far in 2025. "That's not a coincidence, it's a clear sign we still have much work to do," Miller said. Miller says the most concerning statistic is that two drivers flew down the highway in an active work zone at 132 mph and 134 mph, respectively. "In fact, these two vehicles were recorded going faster than the vehicles involved in those deadly crashes [in 2023]," said William Pines, the Administrator of the State Highway Administration. The state says citations are lower in the first few months of 2025 when compared to the same time in the last two years, and with more speed cameras deployed. "Since we have implemented automated speed cameras at more work zone locations, we have seen citations. The amount of speeding has come down," Miller said. In Prince George's County, a grassroots effort to stop speeding on MD 210 is taking hold. SafeRoadsMD is an organization working to create legislation and awareness about speeding statewide. Ron Weiss's efforts have mostly focused on this busy roadway connecting Washington, D.C., to Indian Head, Maryland. "We caught someone last year going 190 mph," Weiss said. Weiss says driver behavior needs to change everywhere, and speed cameras and hefty fines could catch the attention of drivers. "Changing your behavior doesn't cost anything, but it takes a long time to change behavior. It took about a generation to get people to use seatbelts," Weiss said.
Yahoo
04-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Maryland sees ‘historic' decrease in overdose deaths in 2024
MARYLAND () –Last year, Maryland saw a sharp decrease In the number of overdose deaths, according to preliminary data from the state's Overdose Data Dashboard. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, deadly overdoses in the state reached historic highs. In 2021, in Maryland, the most in the state's history, according to the Office of the Governor. However, In 2024, 1,553 deadly overdoses were recorded, decrease from 2023, which saw 2,511 deaths. On Tuesday, Gov. Moore called the decrease in deaths 'historic,' as Maryland has not seen since 2015. Moore also said the reduction is a testament to the administration's investments in behavioral health and substance use care and the 'incredible efforts of people' around the state. In March 2024, the governor to establish behavioral health crisis stabilization centers, which provide 24/7 care for those needing mental health care or substance use treatment, in Maryland for the first time. Despite the progress, Moore emphasized that further progress is crucial. 'We are still losing far too many of our loved ones and neighbors to preventable overdoses, and we will not let up in our efforts to meet people where they are and make connections to care,' Moore said, in part. DMV communities provide resources as fentanyl cases remain high Data does indicate that overdose deaths decreased broadly across demographics and age groups, but minority communities and older age groups are still seeing disparities in overdose rates. According to the governor's office, despite making up of the state's population, non-Hispanic Black people accounted for 44% of all overdose deaths since 2022, with Black men 55 and older seeing the highest increase. In addition, since 2023, overdose deaths among Hispanics under the age of 25 have been higher than both non-Hispanic white people and non-Hispanic Black people in the same age group, . 'Substance use affects every community, and those struggling with addiction deserve quality care, no matter their background,' said Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller. 'The progress we've made in reducing overdoses is encouraging, but the data is clear—our work must continue to ensure that all communities have equitable access to care and the resources that they need to stay safe.' Officials noted that the final overdose numbers are pending as authorities conduct a 'small number' of death investigations. In 2024, most overdose deaths were Marylanders who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis or are struggling with substance use can call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 to speak to someone who can help. Residents can also visit the to find treatment providers nearby. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore to unveil new design for Baltimore's Key Bridge on Tuesday
BALTIMORE — Gov. Wes Moore and the Maryland Transportation Authority plan to unveil the new concept for the design of the Francis Scott Key Bridge at Tradepoint Atlantic on Tuesday. The new design marks is a 'significant milestone' in the multiyear project to restore the connection with the community, enhance safety and improve accessibility and economic growth, according to a news release. Along with Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld and MTA Executive Director Bruce Gartner, Moore plans to host a news conference outlining the new developments at 11:30 a.m. at Tradepoint's Sparrows Point facility. On March 26, 2024, the Dali container ship, which weighed more than 112,000 tons loaded with freight, experienced a reported power outage near the Baltimore bridge and smashed into one of its principal supporting piers around 1:30 a.m. The bridge crumbled in an instant, sending a crew of workers, who were repairing potholes on Interstate 695, tumbling into the frigid river below. Six highway construction workers were killed. The Dali had just left the Port of Baltimore for an intended monthslong voyage to Sri Lanka. Officials have pledged to hold those behind the ship accountable for the crash, depending on an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. The independent federal agency is probing everything from what went wrong aboard the ship to the bridge's previous design. The replacement bridge is expected to be completed by October 2028 and will cost between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion, according to state officials. Congress has approved full funding for the project. Construction crews on barges, drills, cranes, tugs and service vessels have begun drilling to collect soil samples and map subsurface waterways around the Key Bridge. Officials with the MTA said noise impacts and traffic disruptions will be minimal and will not significantly impact navigation on the Patapsco River. Demolition of the remaining structure is slated to begin this spring with construction beginning shortly thereafter. _____
