Find out how many prisoners are still endangered by COVID-19 and lax health policies in Maryland's prisons.

Progressive Maryland/Marylanders United explore the legislative aspects and concerns with a Prince George's delegate, examine the relationship with the long-standing opoid addiction that has plagued the state for years and hear from advocates across the state -- including some with relatives in the system -- about how far short the prison system is falling in protecting inmates and employees. Follow this link to catch up on yesterday's (Thursday, May 14) weekly statewide meeting: and plan to join us next Thursday for our next statewide meeting, a discussion of health care organizing in the urgent context of the COVID-19 emergency. Register here.

Find out how many prisoners are still endangered by COVID-19 and lax health policies in Maryland's prisons. Progressive Maryland/Marylanders United explore the legislative aspects and concerns with a Prince George's delegate, examine the relationship with the long-standing opoid addiction that has plagued the state for years and hear from advocates across the state -- including some with relatives in the system -- about how far short the prison system is falling in protecting inmates and employees. Follow this link to catch up on yesterday's (Thursday, May 14) weekly statewide meeting: https://www.facebook.com/ProgressiveMaryland/videos/1510507432456212/

To those of you who were able to join us last night for our weekly Marylanders United Virtual Organizing Meeting, thank you for being part of such an important community conversation! During this pandemic, we’ve become aware of how other crises like the overdose epidemic and mass incarceration are worsening. For folks who are struggling with drug use and life on the street, and for Maryland residents who are incarcerated, safe living conditions during COVID19 have become even more endangered. 

We need to urge policymakers and local officials to pay close attention to the safety needs of all Marylanders; and to provide services and protections for those at risk. We really appreciate Delegate Jazz Lewis (24th Dist., Prince George's) talking with us about how limiting the numbers of people being arrested and charged, and depopulating our prisons. should be a required public health move at this time. Please sign and share our Petition to Help Stop the Spread of COVID19 in State and County Jails.

Consider joining and supporting our Justice Task Force that Tara Maxwell has helped to lead over the past few years by checking the additional box at the end of the petition or sending us an email to let us know you are interested. We also encourage you to share our Virtual Re-Entry Forum event on May 28th with returning citizens, mentors and advocates. Her powerful statement is included in the virtual statewide meeting recording.

Supporting harm reduction efforts can also make a big difference at this time. To learn more, please consider attending BHRC’s Mental Health Self-Advocacy event on May 21st. Thank you to Rajani Gudlavalleti from the Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition for sharing valuable updates on this important front.

Please join us again next week! Our discussion will center on healthcare issues and healthcare organizing during the pandemic. Click here to RSVP for the Marylanders United Virtual Organizing Meeting, Thursday, May 21, 2020 from 5:30-7:00PM.

As always, we encourage you to take action with us! Click here to view our outreach and volunteer opportunities. Thanks again for all of your interest and support. Please keep practicing physical distancing and social solidarity. Stay well!