I hope you and your family are looking forward to the warm weekend. Below please find some resources and information dealing with the baby formula shortage that I know is worrying many. I’ve also included my endorsements for the Carroll County School Board in the upcoming July 19th primary and upcoming events in the community including Union Bridge’s 150th parade celebration!
Maryland Department of Health Baby Formula Shortage Resources
As a parent myself who remembers having newborn babies to care for, the shortage of baby formula is extremely concerning. I find it bizarre that this shortage - which had been building for months - was not taken more seriously by the Biden administration, particularly the FDA. Supposedly actions are being taken to try to beef up imports and production but in the meantime I wanted to get out information I've obtained from the Maryland Department of Health. As always, if you or someone you know are facing difficulty in this area, please feel free to contact my office - we will try to point folks in the right direction.
Here's the guidance from Maryland Department of Health -
The Maryland Department of Health has resources available for Maryland families impacted by the national infant formula shortages.
General guidance
-Do not dilute infant formula. Adding extra water or other liquids to infant formula can be dangerous and life-threatening for babies, leading to serious nutritional deficits and health issues.
-Do not use homemade formulas. Formulas made at home often lack the critical nutrients that babies need.
-Use a different brand or type of formula if available. For most babies, it is OK to switch to any available formula. Call your child’s health provider if you have questions.
-If feeding a baby with human milk from a source other than the baby's mother, you should only use milk from a source that has screened its milk donors and taken other precautions to ensure the safety of the milk.
Specialized formulas
-If your baby needs a special formula, your child’s health provider can advise you on a comparable formula to use.
-If you are still unable to find a specialty formula, contact a manufacturer’s hotline:
-Gerber’s MyGerber Baby Expert
-Abbott’s Consumer Hotline: call 1-800-986-8540
-Abbott’s urgent product request line: Ask your OBGYN or your infant’s pediatrician to submit an urgent product request by downloading and completing the form - PDF
-Reckitt’s Customer Service line: call 1-800 BABY-123 (222-9123)
Sheriff DeWees, Delegates Shoemaker, Krebs, Rose and I at recent fundraiser for Sheriff DeWees and Delegate Shoemaker for State’s Attorney
Endorsement - Carroll County Board of Education:
It's become clear in the past two years how important our local boards of education are in keeping politics and inappropriate gender and sexual theories out of the classroom - as well as getting masks and other unneeded mandates overturned. When operating properly, school boards provide needed oversight and accountability to school systems, careful fiscal management and support our teachers and staff, creating a positive educational environment.
This year, Carroll County will be electing three members to the Board of Education. This is a non-partisan office, in the July 19th primary election both Republicans, Democrats and Independents can vote for school board. The top six candidates will move on to the General Election where the top 3 will win - you vote for three in the primary and three in the general.
I'm proud to recommend the following three candidates, Tara Battaglia, James Miller and Steve Whisler. Tara is running for re-election and she has been on the right side of every major fight since the pandemic began. She's always been a responsive person, connected to the community. James Miller is a parent, coach and businessperson who is very involved with the Rec Sports programs in the county. Steve Whisler is a veteran, former small business owner, classroom teacher and tutor with extensive business and educational experience.
These three are committed to the items I mentioned above and would make an outstanding team on the Board. They have my full support.
Upcoming Events
May 21st – Hampstead Day – Main Street Hampstead:
This annual event with vendors, food, performances and more is a lot of fun for everyone and totally free to attend, including free shuttle from North Carroll High School parking lot into downtown. Runs from 9:00-2:00.
Gamber Annual Fireman’s Carnival
May 27- June 4th - The first fireman’s carnival of the year in Carroll County, open for eight nights (closed June 1). Fireworks on Sunday May 29th. For more information, visit, Gamber & Community Fire Company - Carroll County Station 13 (gambervfd.org)
Union Bridge Parade 150 years
June 4th at 2 p.m. The town of Union Bridge will be celebrating their 150th anniversary over the month. For more information or to participate in the parade, visit Town of Union Bridge - EVENTS (townofub.org)
Union Bridge Fireman’s Carnival
June 2 – June 4 – Beer garden, gun jars, inflatables and games of chance. For more information, visit 2022.col.pdf (ubfc8.org)
My staff and I can be always reached at [email protected] or by calling 410-841-3683. My personal email is [email protected]. Both email and voicemail are checked regularly. My team and I will do our best to get back to you as quickly as possible.
Sincerely,
Sen. Justin Ready
www.JustinReady.com