Stop By County Libraries For Free Groceries, Face Masks, COVID Tests In May, June

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Starting Tuesday, residents are able to pick up free groceries and take a preventative health assessment at select Prince George’s County Memorial Library System locations.

The new program called "Community Health Worker in the Library," is a joint effort between the library and the county health department. Residents can obtain free KN95 masks and COVID-19 rapid test kits while supplies last. Public health workers also will be on hand to answer questions.

“Health equity is one of the most important priorities in public health today and is a top priority for the Health Department,” Dr. Ernest Carter, Prince George’s County Health Officer, said. “This great partnership with our County library system is just another way that we are shifting the narrative, focusing on systems and social structures, and amplifying the significance of community health workers in improving health outcomes for Prince Georgians.”

Grocery distributions will take place indoors one or two days per week in May and June. Up to 100 grocery bags will be available each week at each location. They will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Face masks are required for all visitors in PGCMLS buildings (ages 2 and up).

“The library has a long history of mobilizing to support health and food security initiatives, including COVID-19 vaccine clinics and test kit distribution, summer meals for K-12 students, promoting health care enrollment and hosting essential resource distributions,” PGCMLS CEO Roberta Phillips said. “Our team is grateful for the opportunity to continue this work with the Prince George’s County Health Department, in keeping with the library’s ‘healthy living’ strategic focus area.”

The schedule is subject to change, so visit pgcmls.info/events beforehand.