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September 29, 2025

Centreville Spy

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Archives Health Health Lead

A Bad Diagnosis, Remarkable Recovery, and Giving Back: A Chat with Andrew Dorbin

September 26, 2025 by Dave Wheelan Leave a Comment

According to Johns Hopkins Brady Urological Institute, testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers among young men, with nearly 10,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the United States. Although highly curable when caught early, it can spread rapidly if left untreated. For Preston’s Andrew Dorbin, this reality became personal in 2023 when he was diagnosed with late-stage testicular cancer that had already spread to his lungs and abdomen.

In our Spy chat, Andrew talks candidly about this unexpected moment in his early life, as he and his family coped with a rare life-endangering disease while welcoming a new baby.  After a two-year battle, with the help of family and a team of experts, He is in remission now, and he talks about his future in a different way than when the cancer was first discovered. To such an extent that he has decided to give back.

Andrew recently launched the Wayfinders Testicular Health Fund, a new initiative under Chesapeake Charities, to raise awareness, provide education, and ensure that no man faces cancer alone. His first effort is the upcoming “Putts Fore! Nuts” miniature golf tournament on October 18 in Ocean City, Maryland—a mix of laughter, competition, and serious conversation about men’s health.

This video is approximately nine minutes in length. To sign up for the event, please go here. 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Archives, Health Lead

Let’s Talk About It with Beth Anne Dorman: Keeping your Mental Health During Tough Times

September 23, 2025 by The Spy Leave a Comment

As the country begins to recover from the assassination of Charlie Kirk, it is hard for many, even those who have never experienced issues with mental health before, not to feel a sense of doom these days. Political and cultural polarization has reached a high point in American society these days, and the consequences are evident as people feel a growing sense of hopelessness about the world’s problems.

That was the latest topic of discussion in the Spy’s ongoing series on mental health with For All Seasons CEO Beth Anne Dorman.  In our conversation, Beth Anne reminds us that our community has found ways to bounce back from other tragic events in our nation’s history. And while there are several effective strategies for recovering from nationwide trauma, she makes a compelling case for the use of kindness, particularly locally, as an unbeatable remedy and an essential building block in bringing joy back into our lives.

This video is approximately six minutes in length.  For more information about For All Seasons, please go here. 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Health Lead

Students Bring Hope to For All Seasons

September 23, 2025 by For All Seasons, Inc. Leave a Comment

Students of Saints Peter and Paul High School (SSPP) in Easton, Maryland, and Saint Andrew’s School in Middletown, Delaware, recently donated to For All Seasons, bringing hope and comfort to clients of the agency.

SSPP National Art Honor Students created and donated Mugs of Hope to first-time clients seeking mental health treatment. This heartfelt initiative was designed to remind individuals that they are not alone and to offer a tangible expression of care at a time that can feel overwhelming. Each hand-painted mug is a unique creation, lovingly filled with calming tea, hot chocolate, sweet treats, and a handmade bookmark carrying an uplifting personal message – small gestures of peace and encouragement.

While still a senior, Ember Theeke helped coordinate the donation effort to bring the work of For All Seasons to her community at Saint Andrew’s School in Middletown. Because Saint Andrew’s values networking and supporting the broader communities of its students, the vestry seeks out worthy causes for the school to support. Ember put forth For All Seasons as a possible recipient, spoke at one of the school’s services, and helped inspire staff and students to contribute.

Now an alumna, Ember reflects on the experience: “I believe that the work of For All Seasons should be shared as widely as possible. I was happy to talk about what the agency does with Saint Andrew’s. Our vestry was immediately on board with coordinating a staff and student donation. I have so much love for For All Seasons, for your amazing work, and for Saint Andrew’s for recognizing your value! I’m glad these two amazing places could connect,” shares Theeke, alumna of Saint Andrew’s School.

For All Seasons Behavioral Health & Rape Crisis Center offers mental health services, victim and crisis support, and education & outreach on Maryland’s Mid-Shore and throughout the state. The agency’s unique model of care ensures anyone can receive the highest-quality, trauma-certified mental health care when they need it, regardless of language or ability to pay. For information about For All Seasons walk-in hours, contact 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsInc.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Health Notes

State Oks 13.4% Average Premium Hike for State’s Health Care Marketplace Plans

September 22, 2025 by Maryland Matters Leave a Comment

Nearly 300,000 Marylanders who bought health insurance on the state’s Affordable Care Act Marketplace will see monthly health care costs jump next year, as state officials finalize premium rate increases for 2026.

The Maryland Insurance Administration announced the approval Friday of a 13.4% average premium rate increase for 2026, meaning individuals and households will have to pay hundreds more in health costs over next year.

While the approved rates are slightly better than what insurance companies initially asked for earlier this year, it’s still going to be a significant hike in health care costs for families already struggling to pay their bills.

“It’s going to hit patients hard,” said Gene Ransom, CEO for MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society, noting that families are already struggling with other expenses. “That’s a significant increase for those who are not getting raises to keep up.”

The Maryland Insurance Administration said that the premium increases will be needed to offset the likely end of federal tax credits that help keep costs down for low- to middle-income Marylanders.

Those tax credits are set to expire at the end of the year and health care advocates fear that people will drop their health care coverage because they can no longer afford their plans.

Matthew Celentano, executive director of the League of Life & Health Insurers of Maryland, agrees that the increase in premiums will reduce enrollment, which impacts costs for all policyholders, not just those covered through the Affordable Care Act.

“Frankly, it’s the healthier people that leave the market. The sick are more expensive, and to cover that cost we have to see higher premiums,” Celentano said.

The insurance administration added that rising medical and pharmaceutical costs also contributed to the higher premium rates.

For this year, insurance companies initially asked for a 17.1% premium increase, but after negotiations with the insurance administration, they landed on an average 13.4% increase for the 294,189 people who have individual ACA health care plans.

Still, that’s more than twice the rate of increase from last year, when individual ACA plan premiums rose an average of 6.2%. The lowest premium rate increase in recent history was in 2022, with just a 2.1% average increase across marketplace plans.

How much more plans will cost for Marylanders will vary based on a person’s insurance carrier, location and household income and size.

For a 40-year-old living in Baltimore with a silver plan, that person could see a monthly increase anywhere from $17 to $75, depending on their carrier, according to state estimates. A family of four in the same situation could see an increase of $57 to $258, on top of their current premiums.

The General Assembly approved funding this year that would partially replace the soon-to-expire federal tax credits for the upcoming year, but those state subsidies are temporary fixes and plenty of people will still pay more each month for health care than they did this year, analysts say.

“With the pending expiration of the enhanced federal tax credits and with the state subsidy only able to partially replace the reduction, consumers may see sizable rate increases, much higher than in recent years,” Insurance Commissioner Marie Grant said in a written statement.

State officials, insurance companies and health advocates are urging Congress to extend premium tax credits, instead of letting them expire in December, though that window is closing.

“This can still be fixed,” said Vincent DeMarco, president of the Maryland Health Care for All coalition. “We really hope that they will do something … if Congress fails, it will hurt Marylanders.”


by Danielle J. Brown, Maryland Matters
September 19, 2025

Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maryland Matters maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Steve Crane for questions: [email protected].

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Health

Maryland Joins Multi-state Coalition to Buck Trump Administration Vaccine Policies

September 20, 2025 by Maryland Matters Leave a Comment

 The Maryland Department of Health believes joining the Northeast Public Health Collaborative will help “protect the health, safety and well-being” of Marylanders. (Photo by Danielle E. Gaines/Maryland Matters)

Maryland has joined a growing coalition of states that are setting their own public health guidelines to counter the Trump administration’s more restrictive vaccine policies, a health department spokesperson said Thursday.

As part of the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, Maryland joins a cohort of states that are developing vaccine recommendations and other public health guidelines amid growing skepticism of federal health rules being set under the Trump administration.

“The Maryland Department of Health continues to explore all options to ensure broad vaccine access,” the spokesperson said in a prepared statement. “Part of this effort includes joining the bipartisan Northeast Public Health Collaborative where Maryland will partner with other states and jurisdictions to help protect the health, safety and well-being of our communities.

“This collaborative will make decisions based on scientific evidence and strive to ensure equitable access to quality health care,” the statement said.

Other states involved in the collaborative include Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. New York City is also a major player.

A handful of Northeastern states have been discussing such a collaboration since the start of the Trump administration and have held informal meetings – but it officially launched Thursday.

The collaborative was created largely in response to more restrictive COVID-19 vaccine recommendations issued by federal health and safety agencies under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has questioned the effectiveness of certain vaccines, including COVID-19.

The launch of the collaborative comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is meeting to create new recommendations that could further limit access to COVID-19 vaccines, among other vaccinations. ACIP is scheduled to vote on the recommendations Friday.

Kennedy recently added board members who have questioned the safety of current vaccine policies. Their decisions this week could affect whether certain vaccinations will be required to be covered by insurance, which would greatly impact access to the shot.

In late August, the FDA approved an updated COVID-19 vaccine for seniors and those with health issues that suppress their immune system – a change from previous vaccine guidance that recommended the shot for everyone older than 6 months. The recommendation sparked concern that access to the COVID-19 vaccine would be cut off for some people who do not fall in those categories.

Top medical societies, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, pushed back on the federal COVID-19 vaccine recommendations. On Aug. 19, the academy recommended that “all young children ages 6-23 months get vaccinated against COVID-19, along with older children in certain risk groups.”

The Northeast Public Health Collaborative has already released its own recommendations on COVID-19 vaccinations that largely align with the AAP’s recommendation as well as with the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Ensuring access to vaccinations and other public health needs has been a concern for the Moore administration since President Donald Trump took office for his second term.

Before the state joined the collaborative, Gov. Wes Moore (D) assured Marylanders that access to vaccinations would be protected in the state for the time being. In May, he signed legislation that required insurers to cover vaccinations that had been recommended by ACIP as of December 2024, avoiding any change to coverage based on upcoming ACIP recommendation. That law took effect June 1.

“This protects against the withdrawal of vaccine coverage for a range of illnesses, not just COVID-19,” according to a recent statement from the governor’s office.


by Danielle J. Brown, Maryland Matters
September 18, 2025

Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maryland Matters maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Steve Crane for questions: [email protected].

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Health

UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown Offers New State-of-the-Art MRI

September 12, 2025 by UM Shore Regional Health Leave a Comment

University of Maryland Shore Medical Center (UM SMC) at Chestertown recently acquired a new state-of-the-art MRI machine at its diagnostics center located at 100 Brown Street. The new MRI replaces an older machine and represents substantial advancements in patient imaging technology.  

“The new MRI features an 80 cm. bore that will increase access and comfort for larger patients and for those who suffer from anxiety or claustrophobia,” said Kelly Bottomley, Regional Manager, Radiology, UM Shore Regional Health. “In addition, it produces high-quality images made possible by using the latest innovations in digital imagery, and with flex coil technology, we will be able to offer a wider array of exams.” 

“A full retrofit of the space housing the MRI was completed over the summer to ensure all safety standards were met or exceeded,” said Katelyn Roskosky, Construction and Facilities Manager, UM SRH.  “We are thankful to our project and construction teams, who worked tirelessly to bring MRI services back on-line in Chestertown so quickly.”  

The Chester River Health Foundation has committed $1.2 million toward the purchase and renovations, including an initial gift of $600,000. If you are interested in making a gift to support this important project for our community, visit umcrhf.org/donate. 

“The Foundation’s steadfast support is bringing our community the power of state-of-the-art MRI technology improving the ability to diagnose and care for more patients close to home,” said Zack Royston, Executive Director/VP of Rural Health, UM SMC at Chestertown. 

MRIs are now available on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. To schedule an MRI at Chestertown or any other UM Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) imaging location, call 443-225-7474. 

UM SMC at Chestertown is a University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) hospital; UM SRH is a member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System.


About University of Maryland Shore Regional Health  

A member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of five counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore: Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot. UM SRH consists of approximately 2,000 team members, including more than 600 health care providers on the Medical Staff, who work with community partners to advance the values that are foundational to our mission: Compassion, Discovery, Excellence, Diversity and Integrity. For more information, visit https://www.umms.org/shore. 

 

About the University of Maryland Medical System 

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is an academic private health system, focused on delivering compassionate, high quality care and putting discovery and innovation into practice at the bedside. Partnering with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore who educate the state’s future health care professionals, UMMS is an integrated network of care, delivering 25 percent of all hospital care in urban, suburban and rural communities across the state of Maryland. UMMS puts academic medicine within reach through primary and specialty care delivered at 11 hospitals, including the flagship University of Maryland Medical Center, the System’s anchor institution in downtown Baltimore, as well as through a network of University of Maryland Urgent Care centers and more than 150 other locations in 13 counties. For more information, visit www.umms.org. 

 

 

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The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Health Notes

For All Seasons Launches Suicide Prevention Campaign: “I’m Fine” Isn’t the Whole Story

September 2, 2025 by For All Seasons, Inc. Leave a Comment

According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2023, suicide was among the top eight leading causes of death for people ages 10 to 64 and the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34. To address this urgent issue in our community, For All Seasons is launching its annual suicide prevention campaign under the theme “I’m Fine” Isn’t the Whole Story – a message reminding us that the people we care about might be struggling silently behind words that seem reassuring.

So often, when we ask someone how they’re doing, we hear “I’m fine.” But, what if that’s not the whole story? What if, underneath that response, there’s something more serious they don’t know how to share?

For many, talking about suicide is scary and uncomfortable. It can feel like there’s a “right” thing to say, but what if you say the wrong thing instead? Here’s the truth: talking about suicide doesn’t make things worse. Starting the conversation shows you care and might be a relief for someone who has been afraid to talk about what they are experiencing. It may help save a life.

The Mayo Clinic Health System emphasizes the power of reaching out, saying, “It improves mental health outcomes and the likelihood that the person will seek treatment. If someone is in crisis or depressed, asking if they are thinking about suicide can help, so don’t hesitate to start the conversation.”

A small, compassionate question can be the start of something life-changing: “Hey. You’ve seemed off lately. Are you okay?” “I’m worried about you. Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”

When we look past the words “I’m fine” and trust our instincts, we often notice signs that something isn’t right. Most people show warning signs before a suicide attempt. And, while we can’t be responsible for someone else’s actions, we can be the person who helps them get to a safer place.

The National Institutes of Health and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offer five steps that can guide you when you suspect someone is struggling with suicidal thoughts:

  1. ASK. Say it out loud: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Don’t sugarcoat it. Don’t tiptoe around it. Just ask. Research shows that this doesn’t make things worse; it helps.
  2. BE THERE. No judgment. No fixing. Just listen. Try something like: “I’m really glad you’re telling me this. Thank you for trusting me.” You don’t need to have all the answers. Just be present.
  3. KEEP THEM SAFE. If someone says they’re thinking about suicide, ask: “Do you have a plan?” If the answer is yes, help reduce access to anything dangerous. Stay with them. Talk it through. Get support.
  4. HELP THEM CONNECT. Let them know they’re not alone. Acknowledge their pain and offer:
    “This is a lot. Let’s talk to someone who can help.”
    “We can call 988 together. I’ll stay with you.”
    Help them connect to a therapist, a parent, a school counselor, a spiritual advisor, or a friend. You can also call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
  5. FOLLOW UP. The conversation doesn’t end when the moment passes. Supportive, ongoing contact can play an important role in suicide prevention. Check in tomorrow, the next day, and the week after. A simple message like “thinking of you” or “want to grab lunch?” can remind someone they matter.=

What If You See Something Online?
If someone posts something online that feels like a cry for help, don’t scroll past. Most social media platforms have tools to report concerning posts and send support. Learn more about that at 988lifeline.org/help-someone-else/support-on-social-media. If you’re concerned about someone, don’t wait. Trust your gut. Check in. Because sometimes, the people who say “I’m fine” are the ones who need us most.

For All Seasons’ 24-Hour Crisis Hotlines:

  • English: 410.820.5600
  • Español: 410.829.6143
  • English/Español Text Line: 410.829.6143
  • National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

Each September, For All Seasons launches its annual “No Matter What… You Matter” suicide prevention campaign. For more information, please visit www.NoMatterWhatYouMatter.org. For All Seasons Behavioral Health & Rape Crisis Center offers mental health services, victim and crisis support, and education & outreach on Maryland’s Mid-Shore and throughout the state. The agency’s unique model of care ensures anyone can receive the highest-quality, trauma-certified mental health care when they need it, regardless of language or ability to pay. For more information about For All Seasons, please call (410) 822-1018 or visit www.ForAllSeasonsinc.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Health Notes

UM Shore Regional Palliative Care Program Announces Christina Ball as Director

September 2, 2025 by UM Shore Regional Health Leave a Comment

University of Maryland Shore Regional Health’s (UM SRH) Palliative Care Program has named Christina Ball, MS, AGACNP-BC, as the practice’s director. Ball has been a nurse practitioner with the practice since 2020. UM SRH is a member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System.

“Christina has been an integral part of our team, demonstrating exceptional clinical expertise, deep compassion for patients and families and an unwavering commitment to improving quality of life for those facing serious illness,” said Timothy Shanahan, DO, Medical Director, UM Shore Medical Group. “In this new leadership role, Christina will guide our palliative care program’s growth, ensuring that our patients continue to receive comprehensive, patient-centered care that reflects our mission and values. We are confident that Christina’s vision, leadership and dedication will strengthen our services and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the individuals and communities we serve.”

Ball has been a nurse practitioner with the UM Shore Regional Palliative Care Program, working collaboratively with patients’ primary care and specialists’ teams to relieve the stress and symptoms of serious or chronic illness, for the past six years. She previously worked as a nurse practitioner at Bayleigh Chase in Easton,and with Peninsula Regional Medical Center’s Neurology Department, was the University of Maryland Medical Center’s Comprehensive Stroke Center Coordinator in Baltimore and positions as staff nurse, clinical coordinator and neuroscience specialist with UM SRH. In 2012, she was recognized as the recipient of the UM SRH Outstanding Achievement in Professional Nursing Award.   

For more information or to request a palliative care consult, please contact the UM Shore Regional Palliative Care Program at 410-820-4434 or visit umshoreregional.org/palliativecare.


About University of Maryland Shore Regional Health 

A member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of five counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore: Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot. UM SRH consists of approximately 2,000 team members, including more than 600 health care providers on the Medical Staff, who work with community partners to advance the values that are foundational to our mission: Compassion, Discovery, Excellence, Diversity and Integrity. For more information, visit https://www.umms.org/shore.

 

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is an academic private health system, focused on delivering compassionate, high quality care and putting discovery and innovation into practice at the bedside. Partnering with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore who educate the state’s future health care professionals, UMMS is an integrated network of care, delivering 25 percent of all hospital care in urban, suburban and rural communities across the state of Maryland. UMMS puts academic medicine within reach through primary and specialty care delivered at 11 hospitals, including the flagship University of Maryland Medical Center, the System’s anchor institution in downtown Baltimore, as well as through a network of University of Maryland Urgent Care centers and more than 150 other locations in 13 counties. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Health Notes

Compass’ Camp New Dawn Celebrates 31 Years of Hope and Healing

September 1, 2025 by The Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Compass proudly celebrated another successful year of Camp New Dawn, marking the 31st year of this unique program that helps children, teens, and families navigate grief in a safe, supportive environment. 

Held each summer, Camp New Dawn brings together children and teens who have experienced the loss of a loved one, offering them a place to share their stories, build resilience, and find comfort among peers who understand. With the guidance of trained counselors and compassionate volunteers, campers participate in traditional camp activities— arts and crafts, swimming, games, and team challenges—blended with grief support sessions designed to promote healing and hope. 

“Grief can feel isolating for children, but Camp New Dawn reminds them they are not alone,” said Rhonda Knotts, Director of Grief Support Services.“For more than three decades, this camp has provided a safe haven where young people can honor their loved ones, express their emotions, and begin to rediscover joy.” 

Volunteers, too, experience the power of Camp. Longtime volunteer, Jane Anthony, shared: “The only thing I can say is that it was a supercalifragilisticexpealidocious camp! I saw healing. I saw connections being made, both campers and volunteers. I saw one big family 

just loving each other through the tough moments. I saw things that just make me want to come back year after year!” 

This year’s camp welcomed 53 campers, whose strength and openness inspired the entire Compass team. Many campers return year after year, forming lasting friendships and connections that extend well beyond camp. 

Many campers and volunteers spoke about their experiences at Camp New Dawn and the profound impact it had on them, their children, and their families. One family shared,“By the end of family camp, we are all just a little bit lighter. The loss is still there, the heartache is still present, but now we have a number of tools to help us cope with our grief on our own terms and in our own time.” 

Another supporter reflected,“At Camp New Dawn, I met some of the bravest little souls who showed up to heal their hearts from the pain of grief. I witnessed courage in teens and young adults continuing their own healing while walking alongside the younger campers. I saw bravery in the adults who pour their time and love into making this camp a meaningful, successful healing process.” 

Group leader Hayden Rhodes expressed,“Year after year, I have the privilege of witnessing something truly remarkable over three unforgettable days. This is not just a camp—it’s a place where children who have experienced deep loss come together, surrounded by compassion, understanding, and hope. The most beautiful part is watching transformation unfold—by the last day, the same faces that carried such visible grief are glowing with the light of new friendships, deeper understanding, and a renewed sense of hope. Camp New Dawn is a sacred space where healing begins, where hearts mend little by little, and where God’s presence feels close and real.” 

Camp New Dawn is made possible through the generosity of community supporters, donors, and dedicated volunteers who give their time, energy, and hearts to ensure each child feels seen and supported. 

As Compass reflects on 31 years of Camp New Dawn, one thing remains constant: the power of community to bring light into even the darkest seasons of grief. With the support of volunteers, donors, and families, Camp New Dawn will continue to provide a safe, compassionate space where children and families can find healing, hope, and connection. 

Compass 

Since 1985, Compass has empowered patients to spend their final months as they choose, guiding loved ones through life-limiting diagnoses and teaching healthy ways to manage grief. 

Today, Compass is a regional provider of hospice care, supportive care, and grief services in Caroline, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties. Whether serving patients in private residences, skilled nursing facilities, or Compass’ residential center in Centreville, our staff and volunteers are dedicated to ensuring that individuals facing the end of life can live their days fully and meaningfully. 

Media Contact: 

Hayley Greenwood, Media and Communications Coordinator 

443-262-4100, ext. 177 

[email protected]

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Health Notes

UM Shore Regional Palliative Care Program Welcomes Nurse Practitioner, Social Worker

August 29, 2025 by UM Shore Regional Health Leave a Comment

University of Maryland Shore Regional Health’s (UM SRH) Palliative Care Program recently announced the addition of nurse practitioner Megan Morrison, PhD, ARNP, FNP-BC, ACHPN, and Teresa “Terry” Rudman, LCSW-C, a licensed clinical social worker, to the team. UM SRH is a member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System. 

Morrison and Rudman will provide support for patients in the UM SRH Palliative Care Program, which works collaboratively with a patient’s primary care and specialists’ team to relieve the stress and symptoms of serious or chronic illness.

“Megan brings a breadth of experience and knowledge in the palliative care specialty and Terry brings incredibly valuable experience to serve our patients,” said Christina Ball, director, UM Shore Regional Health’s Palliative Care Program. “I have confidence that both will continue to complement our existing team and work diligently to serve our community in a positive way.”

Morrison is board certified as a family nurse practitioner and an advanced certified hospice and palliative nurse. She joined UM SRH from Inova Fairfax Hospital in Fairfax, Va., where she was a nurse practitioner. She has also worked as a nurse practitioner at Kaiser Permanente in Renton, Wash. Her clinical background includes critical care nursing, cardiac and hospice care, as well as in hospital, office and home-based palliative care. She has held teaching positions at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in Baltimore, Md.; Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Wash, and Seattle University in Seattle, Wash. She has been a part of extensive research into improving end-of-life care as well as research that focuses on patients with advanced heart failure who are living with left ventricular assist devices and has published many peer-reviewed journal articles. Morrison completed her post-master’s certificate in advance palliative nursing at the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Center in Aurora, Colo., and her PhD at the University of Washington and the Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence in Seattle, Wash.   

Rudman, who recently relocated to the Eastern Shore, has extensive experience in addressing complex psychosocial issues with individuals and families. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va., and her Master of Social Work from New York University in New York, N.Y.  She will provide support for the psychological, social and spiritual needs of patients and families.

For more information or to request a palliative care consult, please contact the UM Shore Regional Palliative Care Program at 410-820-4434 or visit umshoreregional.org/palliativecare.


About University of Maryland Shore Regional Health 

A member organization of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of five counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore: Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot. UM SRH consists of approximately 2,000 team members, including more than 600 health care providers on the Medical Staff, who work with community partners to advance the values that are foundational to our mission: Compassion, Discovery, Excellence, Diversity and Integrity. For more information, visit https://www.umms.org/shore.

 

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is an academic private health system, focused on delivering compassionate, high quality care and putting discovery and innovation into practice at the bedside. Partnering with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore who educate the state’s future health care professionals, UMMS is an integrated network of care, delivering 25 percent of all hospital care in urban, suburban and rural communities across the state of Maryland. UMMS puts academic medicine within reach through primary and specialty care delivered at 11 hospitals, including the flagship University of Maryland Medical Center, the System’s anchor institution in downtown Baltimore, as well as through a network of University of Maryland Urgent Care centers and more than 150 other locations in 13 counties. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Health Notes

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