Elizabeth Zuzarte, a Loyola graduate assistant at the Fitness and Aquatic Center in Baltimore, values higher education. The daughter of immigrants, Zuzarte feels that there is a lot of value in what college can offer.

“I will start off by saying I am a huge supporter of academia and higher education. As the daughter of first-generation Americans who came here and went to college, there was a lot of value in what college can offer,” says Zuzarte.

But not everyone shares Zuzarte’s perspective. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over the last decade, the United States has experienced a 15-percent decline in enrollment of students in colleges across the country. Although COVID-19 excelerated those numbers, the decline was taking place prior to the pandemic.

There are a number of reasons for this decline. The financial burden of paying for school and the perceived value of a college diploma have sparked discussion regarding individuals’ choice to attend a college or university.

Zuzarte attributes a large portion of the recent decline to the COVID-19 pandemic. She finds that since the pandemic, society (and young people in particular) have learned that many things can be done remotely and on your own timeline.

“I think a big piece of the decline is that colleges need to rediscover why they’re important, and find a clearer way to show that to a student,” Zuzarte says. “If I was to attribute this decline of college admissions, it would be that schools aren’t doing a great job of demonstrating the value that they bring outside of the [earning] aspect.”

Beyond the perception of what a college degree can mean for an individual student and the financial lift of paying for school, there is a factor impacting college enrollment that has nothing to do with societal factors. Known as the “Generational Cliff,” it is a demographic shift (attributed to lower recent birth rates) that will result in a decline in traditional-age students. Projected to start this year, the number of new high-school graduates is expected to fall by about 13 percent by 2041.

Laura Serico, associate director of college counseling at The Boys’ Latin School of Maryland, explains that colleges are definitely aware of the generational cliff, also referred to as the enrollment cliff.

“Admissions and enrollment teams are concerned, and institutions will need to work harder to meet their goals each year,” Serico explains. “We are already seeing colleges make early adjustments, such as cutting under-enrolled majors and minors. To me, this is less a sign of trouble and more a sign that schools are being thoughtful and intentional with their budgets as they adjust to a changing landscape.”

Serico continues that it is difficult to predict the long-term implications of this demographic nose dive because higher education has shifted so much over the past decade, and even more in the past five years following the pandemic. Those shifts mean that schools may already have been contracting and closing, particularly those institutions with few endowment resources and low student numbers. And according to the Washington, D.C.-based Brookings Institution, the gloom and doom is not quite as dire as headlines would have one believe. Their research indicates that less than colleges actually shutting the campus gates, the impact of the enrollment cliff will be contraction and elimination of specific programs.

“What feels clear is that colleges and universities will need to be increasingly creative to stay strong,” says Serico. “Several local institutions are doing this already by forming new partnerships and launching programs like fast-track, combined bachelor’s and master’s degrees to attract students.”

While colleges and universities may be eyeing changing demographics, a problem that looms large for families is the cost of a college education. The National Center for Education Statistics states that average tuition and fees in 2022–23 at a fouryear institution were $9,800 for public school and $40,700 for private. Understanding the financial implications of college is an important part of the role counselors and others assisting with the college admissions process play. And there are ways to strategize to maximize one’s investment; Serico notes that some students opt for community colleges to reduce costs, then successfully transfer to four-year institutions, often graduating on schedule but at a fraction of the tuition cost.

Between the shifting perceptions of whether a college degree is “right” for a student as well as demographic changes and the ongoing question of how to pay for higher education, Jenny Glick, anchor and reporter at WTOP News Radio and an instructor at Loyola University Maryland acknowledges that these are trying times for colleges and universities.

“We have the added concern of some universities worried about losing federal funding, which is really, really big,” says Glick.

But Glick takes exception to the idea that a college degree isn’t worth what it once was, saying that studies still show that over the course of a graduate’s life, those with a degree make more than students who don’t go to college. Research by the Social Security Administration shows men with bachelor’s degrees earn approximately $900,000 more in median lifetime earnings than high-school graduates and women earn $630,000 more. (Add a graduate degree and the lifetime earnings potential exceeds $1 million.)

In addition, Glick notes that the college experience is more than just a return-on-investment equation. “College teaches you more than academics,” she says. “It teaches you social skills and how to relate when you have conflict. Academics are definitely one of the main reasons, but this idea that you can learn just as much online at home in your bedroom to me is absolutely ridiculous.”

As to what this all means for students embarking on their college search, Serico is cautious about reading her crystal ball. “This year will be the first year where student outcomes are affected by the enrollment cliff, so the exact impact is hard to predict,” she says, noting that outcomes are further complicated because some schools that went test-optional during the pandemic are now reversing course. “Some institutions will need to adjust their admissions strategies to fill their classes, which could result in unexpected admissions decisions for students over the next few years.”

For her part, Serico doesn’t see a need for families and students to dramatically rethink their search and application process (though she does note that colleges may rely more on early decision applications since they guarantee matriculations). In general, she sees that families have become far more savvy higher education consumers than generations past. She concludes that “Each student’s search is unique, but academic, social, and financial fit should remain the priority over prestige.”

ANNUAL COLLEGE GUIDE

If you’re looking for more information on the college search look no further. Here’s our guide to regional schools that includes everything you need to know to start making informed decisions.

BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY

Bowie State University in Prince George’s County began with a mission to provide educational opportunities for Black citizens and, more than a century after opening, has consistently ranked among the best HBCUs in the country, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as specialty certificates and doctoral programs.

• SIZE OF STUDENT BODY: 5,136*
• STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO: 15:1
• ANNUAL TUITION: $9,529**
• ACCEPTANCE RATE: 78 percent

 

COPPIN STATE UNIVERSITY
A historically Black institution founded in 1900, Coppin State University is situated in the heart of Baltimore City in the Mondawmin neighborhood. Part of the University System of Maryland in Baltimore, the school offers numerous undergraduate, graduate, and certificate degrees. It’s been rated in the Top 50 Best HBCUs in the Nation (College Consensus), the Top 5 Best Value Online Schools in Maryland (Online School Center), and No. 7 Best Colleges in Maryland by Salary Score (GradReports).

• SIZE OF STUDENT BODY: 1,907
• STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO: 12:1
• ANNUAL TUITION: $7,100
• ACCEPTANCE RATE: 46 percent

 

FROSTBURG STATE UNIVERSITY
For those who want to escape to the Appalachian Mountains while still benefitting from the low cost of in-state tuition, Frostburg State University in Western Maryland offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, as well as miles of wilderness areas nearby to explore.

• SIZE OF STUDENT BODY: 2,619
• STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO: 13:1
• ANNUAL TUITION: $7,414
• ACCEPTANCE RATE: 89 percent

 

GOUCHER COLLEGE

A private, liberal arts college spanning 287 wooded acres in Towson, Goucher College takes pride in its close-knit community and leadership in global education. One hundred percent of Goucher students study abroad, and the college offers more than 60 flexible programs around the world for students to develop international experience.

• SIZE OF STUDENT BODY: 981
• STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO: 9:1
• ANNUAL TUITION: $53,350
• ACCEPTANCE RATE: 78 percent

 

HOOD COLLEGE
This private institution founded in 1893 is located within walking distance of downtown Frederick, a great college town, with the advantage of close proximity to Baltimore and Washington, D.C. It excels in graduate programs in business, STEM, the humanities, health care, and education.

• SIZE OF STUDENT BODY: 1,198
• STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO: 10:1
• ANNUAL TUITION: $49,380
• ACCEPTANCE RATE: 78 percent

 

JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
Johns Hopkins University offers nine academic divisions and hundreds of courses of study, with campuses spread throughout Baltimore, including the Peabody Institute, a music and dance conservatory in Mount Vernon. Its main Homewood campus is located on North Charles Street.

• SIZE OF STUDENT BODY: 6,356
• STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO: 6:1
• ANNUAL TUITION: $67,170
• ACCEPTANCE RATE: 6 percent

 

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY MARYLAND
This private, Jesuit institution offers undergraduate and graduate programs on a beautiful urban campus on 81 acres in northern Baltimore City. Education at Loyola is based in the Jesuit tradition of scholarship, cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Loyola is known for its academic rigor, while helping students lead purposeful lives.

• SIZE OF STUDENT BODY: 3,881
• STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO: 12:1
• ANNUAL TUITION: $59,150
• ACCEPTANCE RATE: 75 percent

 

MARYLAND INSTITUTE COLLEGE OF ART (MICA)
Located in the heart of Baltimore, MICA is the oldest continuously degree-granting college of art and design in the nation. According to U.S. News & World Report, it ranks among one of the top schools for its fine arts, graphic design, painting, drawing, and sculpture programs. MICA also offers graduate level degree programs including Master of Fine Art, Master of Business Administration Art, and Master of Professional Studies.

• SIZE OF STUDENT BODY: 1,153
• STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO: 9:1
• ANNUAL TUITION: $56,500
• ACCEPTANCE RATE: 77 percent

 

McDANIEL COLLEGE
Founded in 1867, McDaniel College sits in a bucolic setting near Westminster in Carroll County. The private, four-year liberal arts college offers more than 70 undergraduate programs of study and more than 20 graduate programs.

• SIZE OF STUDENT BODY: 1,631
• STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO: 13:1
• ANNUAL TUITION: $54,125
• ACCEPTANCE RATE: 78 percent

 

MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
The largest of Maryland’s HBCUs, Morgan is a public institution founded in 1867. It is situated in northeast Baltimore. As a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution, Morgan provides instruction to a multiethnic, multiracial, multinational student body and offers academic programs at undergraduate and graduate levels. The school recently received one of its largest gifts ever, $63 million from philanthropist McKenzie Scott.

• SIZE OF STUDENT BODY: 9,027
• STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO: 17:1
• ANNUAL TUITION: $8,346
• ACCEPTANCE RATE: 82 percent

 

MOUNT SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY
Located in rural, mountainous Emmitsburg on a massive 1,500-acre campus, “The Mount” is America’s second oldest Catholic university. It offers more than 80 undergraduate majors, minors, concentrations and special programs grounded in Catholic liberal arts tradition, and several bachelor’s/master’s combinations in partnership with other universities. As an extra bonus, the school offers a rich NCAA division I athletic program.

• SIZE OF STUDENT BODY: 1,833
• STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO: 13:1
• ANNUAL TUITION: $50,200
• ACCEPTANCE RATE: 74 percent

NOTRE DAME OF MARYLAND UNIVERSITY
Established in 1895, Notre Dame is a private, Catholic university founded in the liberal arts with the mission to educate leaders who transform the world. NDMU is located on a wooded, 60-acre campus in Baltimore, just minutes from all the opportunities and resources the city offers. There are more than 50 undergraduate programs spanning disciplines from fine arts and humanities to the natural and social sciences to business and communication, along with a leading graduate program in education.

NDMU is paving the way in health sciences with nationally accredited under-grad and graduate programs in nursing, pharmacy, physician assistant, occupational therapy, and integrative health.

• SIZE OF STUDENT BODY: 2,393
• STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO: 9:1
• AVERAGE NET TUITION & FEES: $10,299
• ACCEPTANCE RATE: 84.6 percent

 

ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE
This petite college tucked into historic downtown Annapolis is the third oldest college in the U.S. It ranks high as a national liberal arts powerhouse as well as a best value school and best for undergraduate teaching. Both the undergraduate and graduate programs are based in a unique books and discussion-based format where students study original writings of great thinkers across 3,000 years of history.

• SIZE OF STUDENT BODY: 474
• STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO: 7:1
• ANNUAL TUITION: $42,317
• ACCEPTANCE RATE: 55 percent

 

ST. MARY’S COLLEGE OF MARYLAND
A state institution founded in 1840, St. Mary’s College of Maryland is located on 361 acres in rural Southern Maryland. It is also known for having one of the lowest student-to-faculty ratios in the U.S. While its waterfront campus in historic St. Mary’s has the feel of a private institution, it offers all the affordability, accessibility, and diversity of a public school.

• SIZE OF STUDENT BODY: 1,632
• STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO: 10:1
• ANNUAL TUITION: $15,236
• ACCEPTANCE RATE: 69 percent

 

SALISBURY UNIVERSITY
For those who want to be close to the ocean, Salisbury University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs at its campus in Salisbury, about a 40-minute drive from Ocean City. A public institution, Salisbury is a NCAA Division III Capital Athletic Conference school.

• SIZE OF STUDENT BODY: 6,288
• STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO: 14:1
• ANNUAL TUITION: $11,084
• ACCEPTANCE RATE: 87 percent

 

STEVENSON UNIVERSITY
Stevenson University is a liberal arts school on a suburban campus in Baltimore County. It offers bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and preprofessional programs, as well as its bachelor’s-to-master’s option, which allows students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The school is growing, having recently opened a 117-acre recreational and athletic hub on its Owings Mills campus.

• SIZE OF STUDENT BODY: 3,106
• STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO: 15:1
• ANNUAL TUITION: $41,270
• ACCEPTANCE RATE: 79 percent

 

TOWSON UNIVERSITY
One of the largest public universities in the state, Towson University offers more than 110 undergraduate majors, 47 master’s degrees, six doctoral programs, and 36 graduate certificates. The university continues to draw students from other states, though it remains part of the University System of Maryland.

• SIZE OF STUDENT BODY: 16,264
• STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO: 14:1
• ANNUAL TUITION: $12,186
• ACCEPTANCE RATE: 82 percent

 

UNIVERSITY OF BALTIMORE
The University of Baltimore is situated in Mount Vernon, a Baltimore neighborhood rich in art, architecture, and history. UB has gained a solid reputation for its law and business programs, but it offers a wide spectrum of undergraduate and graduate degrees and doctoral programs, with an intense focus on connecting students to community and jobs, ensuring a sustainable career path post-graduation.

• SIZE OF STUDENT BODY: 1,477
• STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO: 10:1
• ANNUAL TUITION: $10,200
• ACCEPTANCE RATE: 79 percent

 

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE
The University of Maryland, Baltimore is the state’s only public law, health, and human services university. Located in downtown Baltimore, it offers 90 degree and certificate programs through its six nationally-ranked professional schools—dentistry, law, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and social work—and the interdisciplinary School of Graduate Studies.

• SIZE OF STUDENT BODY: 6,784
• ANNUAL TUITION: Varies by program

 

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE COUNTY (UMBC)
UMBC educates a student population of more than 10,000 students in programs spanning the arts, engineering, information technology, humanities, sciences, preprofessional studies, and social sciences. Located on the edge of Baltimore County, it allows easy access into the city and all the conveniences of suburban life and housing. UMBC is recognized as a diverse campus with a size that is large enough to provide a wealth of experience without being so large as to reduce personal attention.

• SIZE OF STUDENT BODY: 10,490
• STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO: 17:1
• ANNUAL TUITION: $13,256
• ACCEPTANCE RATE: 72 percent

 

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, EASTERN SHORE
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), the State’s Historically Black 1890 LandGrant Institution, is a teaching, research, and doctoral institution that nurtures and launches leaders in a student-centered environment. Located on over 1,000 acres in Princess Anne, UMES recently received one of its largest gifts ever, $38 million from philanthropist McKenzie Scott. UMES is home to many unique programs and partnerships in health sciences, agricultural and environmental sciences, and renewable energy research and implementation.

• SIZE OF STUDENT BODY: 2,476
• STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO: 11:1
• ANNUAL TUITION: $9,076
• ACCEPTANCE RATE: 96 percent

 

* Student body size is undergraduate unless otherwise noted.
** Cited tuition costs are in-state tuition (where applicable); costs may exclude room and board, books, and other fees.
*** School data sourced from U.S. News & World Report.

Each quarter, WBAL-TV meteorologist Ava Marie offers readers a peek at the wonders of our community’s weather and our natural world. This winter she’s going international, taking us on a metaphorical journey to the 2026 winter games in Italy.

This month’s adventure isn’t technically mine…but it’s one that I’m dreaming of as I watch the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. And my coworker, WBAL-TV 11 News Anchor Jason Newton is actually there!

He’s covering the Olympics as a reporter for Hearst Television, the parent company of WBAL-TV. And much like here in Maryland, a winter day in Italy can be vastly different depending on location, from the milder but misty Milan, to the freezing, snowcovered Alps. Jason will experience it all on his 19-day assignment. Luckily, he learned a thing or two after covering the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. I interviewed him as the excitement was mounting before the trip.

How’s packing going?
I have a gigantic bag that I took to Paris. It’s the biggest suitcase I’ve ever seen. And it’s going to be heavier because it’s the winter, which means more layers. I’m just going to pack enough to get through a week and a half, and then find a laundromat.

I know covering the Olympics is such a cool opportunity. But it’s also a lot of work. What will your days look like?
They are long days. The day usually starts with a press conference with the athletes, which is a really good place to get stories because it’s your only real access to them one-on-one. Then we’ll go to a venue or chase down another story. And this is the most spread-out Winter Olympics in history, so we may have to travel for half a day to get someplace. We’ll be based in Milan, but there’s a chance to go to Livigno. And to get to Cortina and other places, some of that is like a day’s worth of travel.

Which means there won’t be a lot of free time, but what’s on your wish list?
I want to see all the old buildings. It’s impressive, because everything there is so old. I mean, centuries old. And then to understand that people built them without power tools, with just pulleys and strings. Looking at Paris architecturally was fascinating to me. I could have sat on the street corner for days just looking at the shapes of the windows and the houses.

If you could try any of the winter sports, what would you choose?
I’ve tried ice skating, and I was horrible at that. Like a giraffe ice skating. As a kid, I always liked bobsled. There was something just cool about it. And they make curling look like anyone can do it, so I’d like to try that. But I heard one of the Alpine skiers describe what it’s like to go down the hill, he said you’re on a sheet of ice going like 120 miles per hour, and just “hoping for the best.” [laughs] That’s not for me.

Agreed, we’ll leave that to the professionals. But now I need to see some video of you on skates…Jason, thanks for letting us tag along for the adventure!

What’s Winter Weather Look Like in Italy?
The Milan-Cortina Olympics is the most spread-out Winter Olympics in history, covering an area of more than 10,000 square miles. And the weather can be vastly different, depending on the elevation. Winter in the city of Milan is relatively mild, given its low elevation “around 400 feet.”

Milan’s average highs in February are around 45-50 degrees, making rain and fog more common than snow. Compare that to Livigno, located in Italy’s northern mountains and host to many of the ski and snowboard events. Its elevation ranges from around 6,000 to 9,000 feet, with an average winter snowfall of over nine feet! The average day in February in Livigno never warms above freezing, with highs in the 20s and lows in the single digits.

This past summer, flash flooding devastated communities along the Guadalupe River in central Texas, killing more than 130 people. Many of the deaths happened in the middle of the night, as people slept, unaware of the danger. Here in Maryland, we are all too familiar with how quickly waters can rise. In 2016, and again in 2018, catastrophic flash floods tore through Ellicott City’s historic Main Street, sweeping away cars, businesses, and lives in a matter of minutes. Those back-to-back disasters showed us that even familiar places can become dangerous in an instant. Thankfully, communities across Maryland are finding ways to become more resilient, by installing flood sirens, improving stormwater management, and sending out realtime cell phone alerts. But even with these advances, no system can do it all. That’s why it’s so important to have multiple ways to receive urgent weather information, and why a NOAA weather radio still belongs in every emergency kit.

NOAA weather radios have been around since the 1950s, but they remain one of the most reliable ways to get emergency weather alerts. Unlike cell phones, they don’t depend on cell towers or Wi-Fi, which can fail during storms or power outages. They’re designed to wake you up with a piercing alert tone, even at 3 a.m. For the peace of mind they bring, they’re relatively affordable (around $50) and require no subscription. Some models also include backup power options, like batteries, hand-crank charging, or solar panels. Look for a model with S.A.M.E. (Specific Area Message Encoding) technology, which allows you to get alerts for your county only, instead of the entire state.

Here at WBAL-TV, we believe so strongly in weather radios that we highlight them at every school we visit through our Weather Champions program. Our weather team teaches life-saving basics, like the importance of going indoors as soon as you hear thunder. Lightning can strike several miles away from a storm, even before it starts raining. Our mission is to empower the next generation to be weather-prepared. You can do the same for your family, by making sure you have multiple ways to receive urgent weather information, including a weather radio.

Want to Boost Your Own Preparedness?

Start with these items in your emergency kit:

• NOAA weather radio
• Water (three gallons per person)
• Non-perishable food (three-day supply)
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Copies of important documents
• Extra medications and pet supplies
• Rain jacket
• Warm blanket
• Backpack or plastic tub to hold supplies

When Alice Rambissoon was looking for a school for her kids, she had important values she was looking for—they wanted a place where they felt like partners in their daughter’s education, for example, and with a certain approach to fostering community.

The Rambissoon family found what they were looking for at The Park School of Baltimore, where their daughters recently attended upper school. She says, when talking about the benefits of an independent school like Park, “As a family, we always felt like partners in our daughters’ education…Park’s culture of openness and mutual respect really meant we were consistently engaged and informed and supported.”

Families looking at educational options for their kids are spoiled for choice. Public, private, parochial, magnet—while it’s nice to have options, it can all feel a bit much and hard to navigate. But school choice allows parents and students to enter an educational environment that aligns most with their family’s needs and academic goals.

Public school is not the only option available to students, and private school is not the only alternative. Maryland offers many charter schools, parochial schools, and magnet programs, which allow for all students to find their best fit.

UNDERSTANDING SCHOOL CHOICE
If you’re going the school choice route, admission, application, and cost are all factors for families to consider when determining which school type is best for their child. Some school types require rigorous application and/or audition processes, while others only require a few steps to enrollment. Cost also varies per school type, adding to the weight of the decision.

Though this may seem overwhelming, parents are always encouraged to ask questions. Take it from Ruthie Sachs Kalvar, the director of admission at Park School: “If you have questions about the application process itself or tuition affordability options, be sure to ask early so that you are clear about all expectations and deadlines.”

GOING INDEPENDENT
According to the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Maryland has over 1,400 public schools. These schools are publicly funded, established by the state, and regulated by the state as well.

Aside from school lunch costs or supplies, families do not pay tuition for public schools. While public school is often an ideal, low-cost option for your child to get a great education, reliance on public funding can leave some schools thin on resources, leading families to look for alternatives.

For Baltimore County and Baltimore City public schools, the application and enrollment process is relatively straightforward. These applications ask for basic information about the student, and the enrollment process follows. However, families are generally restricted to the school district and zone in which they live.

Families looking to opt out of public school often turn to private (also known as independent) schools, which flourish in the Baltimore region. Private schools are not completely funded by any local, state, or federal government, but do have to comply with certain educational standards.

Just like public schools, private schools must adhere to curriculum requirements, teacher certification rules, and other provisions that ensure all students, no matter their schooling, are given equal learning opportunities.

What often attracts families to private schools are things like the option to choose a single-sex campus or a campus that adheres to a mission or values appreciated by that family.

In addition, Friends School of Baltimore’s head of school, Christian Donovan, says “By and large at private schools—or independent schools as many of us call ourselves—you’ll find small class sizes, and as a result of smaller class sizes, closer relationships with faculty.”

Friends is an independent school built on a Quaker foundation that emphasizes individuality, inquiry, and curiosity. Donovan says that Friends is “able to support every student on every step of their academic journey.”

This attention to each student is something that private/independent schools specialize in. The care extends to families as well. When speaking about Friends School as a whole, Donovan says, “We are a partner to a family in support of their child’s own unique learning path.” As an independent school, Friends is able to maintain a lot of communication with families as well.

In addition, Donovan mentions “there’s a lot of opportunities to get to know us.” Like many area schools, Friends offers open houses, shadow tours, opportunities to connect with alumni, and more. At Friends School, students are taught “not what to think, but how to think,” says Donovan.

This value of intellectualism is at the core of each classroom. When looking at a school for your child, Donovan says that it is important to ask what values a school will instill in your children, and how they will actually encourage those values.

Park School of Baltimore is another independent school with strong values that drive the learning environment. Park emphasizes intellectual inquiry, curiosity, and a collaborative and challenging learning environment.

According to Sachs Kalvar, “Park students are encouraged to engage, explore, and experiment within structures that allow for student participation and the development of problem-solving skills.” Sachs Kalvar also stresses the importance of recognizing that school choice is “a very personal decision.”

As a parent, Rambissoon suggests that a family “find out how the school approaches diversity, belonging, and community—are those just as important as the curriculum?” Parents may also want to ask what engagement in the classroom looks like for students.

Sachs Kalvar notes that there are some common mistakes that parents make during the school choice process: “Parents/guardians and children sometimes rely on a preconceived notion about a school—or default to a school that their friends are considering—without considering if that school’s philosophy and objectives are aligned with their own . . . families may place too much emphasis on just one aspect of their child’s personality or current interest when envisioning a school experience. . . .”

With that, she says, “Today’s parents or guardians must consider what’s possible beyond their own experiences they had in school. Twenty-first century learning requires a different sort of engagement on the part of students.”

While entering a local public school may be straightforward, the private school application process tends to be much more in depth. Applications usually require basic student information as well as supplemental materials such as essays or an interview series.

The application process for many private schools also includes a placement test. Tuition cost, one of the biggest factors families consider in school choice, can be a deterrent to private schooling, though there are resources families can explore for financial assistance.

FAITH-BASED OPTIONS

The field of private and independent schools can be both crowded and confusing. Let’s break it down: Parochial school—a type of private school—offers a private education that is affiliated with, funded by, and teaching the beliefs of a particular religious organization.

Many parochial schools give students the opportunity to join religious-based activities outside of the classroom such as campus ministries. Parochial schools offer a way for families and students to pursue spiritual values during their academic career. They may also provide a more manageable tuition.

Dr. Andrew Moore, the principal of Calvert Hall, an all-boys high school in Towson, says, “We care a great deal about serving our students and what their particular individual needs are, trying to challenge them academically, intellectually, [and] spiritually.” The emphasis on spirituality remains at the heart of parochial schools’ missions.

Calvert Hall follows the Lasallian tradition, which emphasizes inclusion, service, and excellence in education. Its mission is to allow students to become “Men of Intellect, Men of Faith, and Men of Integrity.”

As a parochial school, religion plays an important role in the culture and community on campus. It’s one reason Kelly Robertson chose the school for her sons. Robertson, taught in four different public schools before becoming a teacher at Calvert Hall where she is the mother of a current student and alum.

Robertson knew, when going through the school choice process, that the academics can be good at many different schools. She says, “Part of the reason that my boys both went to Calvert Hall is because I was working there, but that was not a coincidence—I felt like it was a really good environment and I was able to… live my faith and also teach at the same time.”

The key features of Calvert Hall, as a parochial school, made it stand out. Additionally, as a teacher, Robertson notices that Calvert Hall aims to “connect to every student every day.” Despite the school’s size (it has roughly 1,200 students), Robertson says that this goal is more than met every day.

She also observes that the all-boys structure of the school can take away the social stress that might come with a co-ed environment and that removing gender distractions often leads to more confidence in the classroom and focus on academic life.

As principal, Moore says, “Calvert Hall has been in Baltimore for 180 years…we’re the first Christian Brothers school in the United States, so we’re the flagship of Lasallian education in America.” Like many area parochial schools, their history informs their mission. And according to Moore, “We take that responsibility very seriously.”

THE ABCs OF CHARTER AND MAGNET SCHOOLS

In the world of school choice, families can also consider charter schools, which are run by an external organization and held to certain goals, objectives, and educational standards by their charter. Charters, also known as performance contracts, must be approved by a board, often local boards of education.

This ensures that both newly developing charter schools (wholly new) and public schools looking to be a charter school (neighborhood charters) are held to adequate standards. Charter schools are a great option for families looking to explore diverse models of education for their students’ needs.

If your kid loves the arts or STEM, a magnet school may be the best bet for your family. Magnet schools, as well as public schools with magnet programs, provide theme-oriented programs that allow for in-depth exploration and experiences within a given curriculum concentration.

Despite their specific focus, magnet programs must meet certain Baltimore City or Baltimore County graduation requirements. Magnet programs (and schools) are loved for their unique focus areas and learning opportunities. George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology and Eastern Technical High School in Baltimore County are well-known examples, as are Baltimore City College and Baltimore School for the Arts in Baltimore City.

The charter school application process is different depending on the school and may either involve standardized testing and grades assessments or a simple lottery. The magnet school application process varies as well (see sidebar for more information).

Of course, a school is more than facts on paper; to find the school that’s right for your family, you need to get out and do some research, meet with teachers and administrators, visit the campus—really drill down to understand what school choice means to you and your kid.

Ultimately, the choice between school types depends on each individual student and family. While some students are able to thrive with less one-on-one attention, others may need a smaller classroom environment. Or those families with students who need more one-on-one time may need to consider charter or magnet schooling for a less expensive but still individualized approach. Speaking with current students, teachers, administrators, and families is a great way to learn about each school type.

Beyond that, visiting open houses or participating in shadow days (see the open house guide that follows for more information) can help families form their own opinion on each school environment in order to pick a school type most suited to them.

As Rambissoon says, “It’s a big step, picking a school for your child and really prioritizing the individual learner.” Luckily, school choice exists to honor the individuality of students and to provide different environments for different learners.

2025 SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE
Looking for the best school for your student? Begin with a visit to one of the area’s many campuses for an open house. Here is our guide to help you navigate this process. Always double-check with the school by phone or via their website to confirm dates and times, pre-register for events, and to inquire about visiting opportunities beyond the open house.

Archbishop Curley High School
10/25, 10/26, 10:00 a.m.-noon
3700 Sinclair Ln., Baltimore
410-485-5000, archbishopcurley.org
Grades 9-12, all male
Catholic

Archbishop Spalding High School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
8080 New Cut Rd., Severn
410-969-9105, archbishopspalding.org
Grades 9-12, coed
Catholic

Archdiocese of Baltimore
Visit the website for information on schools and events.
Multiple locations
410-547-5515, archbalt.org/schools
Pre-K-12
Catholic

Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School
Visit the website to schedule a small group tour.
3300 Old Court Rd., Baltimore
410-413-2323, bethfiloh.com/admissions/visit
Grades Preschool 2s-12
Jewish

The Boys’ Latin School of Maryland
9/28, at 10 a.m.
822 West Lake Ave., Baltimore
410-377-5192, boyslatinmd.com/admissions/openhouse
K-12, All-boys

The Bryn Mawr School
10/25, 9-10:15 a.m. (lower school); 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
(middle and upper school).
109 West Melrose Ave., Baltimore
410-323-8800, Brynmawrschool.org/visit
Grades Pre-k-12, all girls (coed preschool)

Calvert School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
105 Tuscany Rd., Baltimore
410-243-6054, calvertschoolmd.org/discover
Grades K-8 and early childhood education center,
coed

Calvert Hall College High School
11/8, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
8102 LaSalle Rd., Towson
410-825-4266, calverthall.com/admissions/welcome-to-the-hall
Grades 9-12, all boys
Catholic

The Catholic High School of Baltimore
10/25, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
2800 Edison Highway, Baltimore
410-732-6200, thecatholichighschool.org
Grades 9-12, all girls
Catholic

Concordia Preparatory School
10/25, 9 a.m.-noon
1145 Concordia Dr., Towson
410-825-2323, concordiaprepschool.org
Grades 6-12, coed
Lutheran

Cristo Rey Jesuit High School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
420 S. Chester St., Baltimore
410-727-3255, cristoreybalt.org
Grades 9-12, coed
Catholic

Friends School of Baltimore
10/15, 11/8, 11/19; 9-11 a.m.
5114 N. Charles St., Baltimore
410-649-3200, friendsbalt.org
Grades Pre-k-12, coed
Quaker

Garrison Forest School
10/17, 8:30 a.m.
300 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills
410-363-1500, gfs.org/visit
Grades K-12, all girls
(coed preschool, boarding option grades 8-12)

Gerstell Academy
10/25, 10 a.m.; 11/20, 5 p.m.; 12/3, 9 a.m.
2500 Old Westminster Pike, Finksburg
410-861-4400, gerstell.org
Grades pre-K-12, coed

Gilman School
Multiple visitation options available.
Visit website for dates and details.
5407 Roland Ave., Baltimore
410-323-3800, gilman.edu/admissions
Grades Pre-K-12, all boys

Harford Day School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
715 Moores Mill Rd., Bel Air
410-838-4848, harfordday.org
Grades pre-K3-8, coed

Immaculate Conception School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
112 Ware Ave., Towson
410-427-4903, theics.org
Grades pre-K3-8, coed
Catholic

Immaculate Heart of Mary School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
8501 Loch Raven Blvd, Towson
410-668-8466, ihmschoolmd.org
Grades: Preschool-8, coed
Catholic

Jemicy School
Please visit the website for schedule of information sessions and details.
Lower & Middle School Campus: 11 Celadon Rd., Owings Mills; Upper School Campus: 11202 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills
410-653-2700, jemicyschool.org
Grades 1-12, coed

Loyola Blakefield
10/18, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
500 Chestnut Ave., Baltimore
443-841-3680, Loyolablakefield.org
Grades 6-12, all boys
Catholic

Maryvale Preparatory School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
11300 Falls Rd., Lutherville
410-308-8531, maryvale.com
Grades 6-12, all girls
Catholic

McDonogh School
Visit website for details on information sessions and campus tours.
8600 McDonogh Rd., Owings Mills
410-363-0600, mcdonogh.org
Grades PK-12, coed
(five-day boarding option)

Mercy High School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
1300 East Northern Pkwy., Baltimore
410-433-8880, mercyhighschool.com
Grades 9-12, all girls
Catholic

Notre Dame Preparatory School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
815 Hampton Ln., Towson
410-825-6202, notredameprep.com
Grades 6-12, all girls
Catholic

The Odyssey School
1/22/26, 5:45-8:00 p.m.; Snow Date 1/29/26, 5:45-8:00 p.m.
3257 Bridle Ridge Ln., Lutherville
410-580-5551, theodysseyschool.org
Grades K-8, coed

Oldfields School
10/4
1500 Glencoe Rd., Sparks Glencoe
410-472-4800, oldfieldsschool.org
Grades 8-12, all girls

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
4801 Ilchester Rd., Ellicott City
410-744-4251, olphschool.org
Pre-K-8, coed
Catholic

The Park School of Baltimore
10/25, Lower School: 10–11:30 a.m.; Middle and
Upper Schools: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
2425 Old Court Rd., Baltimore
410-339-7070, parkschool.net
Pre-k-12, gender inclusive

The Peabody Preparatory of The Johns Hopkins University
Please visit the website for schedule information.
21 East Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore
667-208-6640, peabody.jhu.edu/preparatory
K-12 & Adult, coed

Resurrection-St. Paul School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
3155 Paulskirk Dr., Ellicott City
410-461-9111, resstpaul.org
Pre-K3-8, coed
Catholic

Roland Park Country School
Visit the website for information on parent sessions or scheduling a tour.
5204 Roland Ave., Baltimore
410-323-5500, rpcs.org/visit
Grades: Pre-K-12, all female (coed preschool)

Rosedale Christian Academy
Please visit the website for schedule information.
9202 Philadelphia Rd., Baltimore (Main campus)
410-687-6844, rosedalechristianacademy.org
Grades PK3-12, coed
Christian

St. Augustine Catholic School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
5990 Old Washington Rd., Elkridge
410-796-3040, staug-md.org
Grades PreK 3-8, coed
Catholic

Saint John’s Catholic Prep
Please visit the website for schedule information.
3989 Buckeystown Pike, Buckeystown
(301) 662-4210, saintjohnsprep.org
Grades 9-12, coed
Catholic

St. Joseph School Cockeysville
Please visit the website for schedule information.
105 Church Ln., Cockeysville
410-683-0600, sjpray.org
Grades Pre-K through grade 8; coed
Catholic

St. Joseph School-Fullerton
9/27, 9 a.m.-noon
8416 Belair Rd., Baltimore
410-256-8026, stjoeschool.org/admissions/open-house
Grades Pre-K4-8th, coed
Catholic

St. Margaret School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
Elementary Campus: 205 Hickory Ave., Bel Air
Middle School Campus: 1716 Churchville Rd., Bel Air
410-879-1113, smsch.org
Grades PreK-3-8
Catholic

St. Mark School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
26 Melvin Ave., Catonsville
443-860-0926, stmark-school.org
Grades preK3-8, coed
Catholic

St. Mary’s Parish & School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
109 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis
410-990-4100, stmarysannapolis.org
Grades Pre-K-12, coed
Catholic

The St. Paul’s Schools
Lower School: 10/9; Boys’ Middle School: 10/23;
Girls’ Middle School: 10/21; Boys’ Upper School:
10/17; Girls’ Upper School: 10/14. Visit the website
for additional dates and information.
11152 Falls Rd., Brooklandville
410-825-4400, stpaulsmd.org/visit
Six weeks-grade 4: coed
Grades 5-12: single-gender
Episcopal

St. Stephen School
Please visit the website for schedule information.
8028 Bradshaw Rd., Kingsville
410-592-7617, SSSchool.org
Grades PreK 3-8, coed
Catholic

St. Ursula School
10/21, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
8900 Harford Rd. Baltimore
410-665-3533, stursula.org
Grades PK4-8, coed
Catholic

The School of the Cathedral of Mary our Queen
Please visit the website for schedule information.
111 Amberly Way, Baltimore
410-464-4117, schoolofthecathedral.org
Grade preK4-8, coed
Catholic

Thinking pink for breast cancer awareness goes well beyond October for women diagnosed with and surviving breast cancer. (And men, too. Though rare, approximately 2,800 men are diagnosed with breast cancer annually in the United States.)

The same goes for the experts focused on better treatments and outcomes for whom “think pink” is a year-round mantra.

“With the increase in knowledge, research, drug development, and treatment, breast cancer outcomes are significantly improving,” says Dr. Paula Yellon Rosenblatt, most recently an oncologist at the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center and an assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine who is now at Tampa General Hospital.

Today, the American Cancer Society cites the overall five-year survival rate on average for breast cancer at 90 percent, with new treatment options at each disease stage.

“It is a scary, scary time for patients, but we have options for a comprehensive plan that likely has a lot better outcomes than they may be imagining,” Rosenblatt explains.

Because today’s breast cancer interventions are highly personalized, most times, a full plan means more tests and imaging, but detailed information is essential.

 

Treatment Advances

Breast cancer treatment has moved beyond chemotherapy and hormone therapy. Oncologists like Dr. David Riseberg, chief of medical oncology and hematology at Mercy Medical Center, employ therapies like HER2 inhibitors, which target the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), a protein that promotes cell growth, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), a combination of a chemotherapy and an antibody that directly targets cancer cells.

“Targeted therapy is different from chemo,” Riseberg says. “It’s like a smart bomb, delivering the drug directly to the cancer cell.”

Approximately 15 to 20 percent of breast cancers are HER2-positive, according to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the American Cancer Society. These breast cancers have an excess of HER2, which can also promote cancer cell growth. Though aggressive, these cancers are treatable, especially when caught early.

New IV and oral therapies for HER2-positive breast cancer specifically focus on the HER2 protein and are effective in both early-stage and metastatic breast cancer (cancer that has spread elsewhere in the body).

“HER2-directed therapies have been transformational,” Riseberg says. “What was once aggressive and deadly is now often manageable.”

Immunotherapy, another new treatment for breast cancer, boosts the body’s immune response to fight cancer “by releasing the brakes on the immune system [and] allowing the body to fight the cancer itself,” he adds.

Rosenblatt notes that in the past five years, 10-plus new medications or indications have been approved, including CDK 4/6 inhibitors, a medication previously used to treat advanced metastatic breast cancer now approved for use in early-stage breast cancer.

“This is the first major change in treatment for estrogenpositive [ER-positive] breast cancer in the last 20 years,” she says. “It’s exciting to use it to help prevent cancer from coming back, help prevent metastatic disease, and hopefully cure more breast cancer patients.”

The Greenebaum Cancer Center, in partnership with the Maryland Proton Treatment Center (MPTC)—the first and only proton therapy center in Maryland—uses proton therapy to treat a variety of cancers including breast cancer. Proton beam radiation, versus X-rays used with traditional radiation, is extremely accurate. The radiation is sculpted around the tumor, layering it in 3D-like brushstrokes. Surrounding healthy tissue is less affected or damaged through proton treatment, which is not the case with traditional radiation.

Other benefits are that it’s quick, non-invasive, done as outpatient treatment, and can reduce side effects. If the cancer recurs, protons can often safely re-radiate areas, something traditional radiation cannot do.

A radiation oncology physicist at the Greenebaum Cancer Center also invented GammaPod—the world’s first radiation therapy system dedicated specifically to treat early-stage breast cancer.

A form of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), GammaPod delivers a very precise, higher dose of radiation in the exact shape of the tumor and less radiation to nearby vital organs such as the heart and lungs. It’s gentler on the skin and healthy breast tissue, offers potentially fewer cosmetic side effects like tissue discoloration, requires fewer treatment sessions, and may prevent cancer recurrence.

While chemotherapy is often still necessary, doctors are giving it more selectively, thanks to testing innovations.

“There are definitely patients we can now omit chemotherapy from, like early-stage cancer patients, through molecular tests,” Riseberg says. The focus, he explains, is shifting toward the use of newer drugs that target cancers by delivering higher concentrations of drug selectively to the cancer leading to greater benefit and often fewer side effects. “If someone is suffering at home with additional nausea, diarrhea, or various side effects, we have a lot of ability to intervene,” Rosenblatt adds.

 

Next-Generation Genomics

Understanding the molecular subtypes of breast cancer has enabled more targeted and effective treatments, especially in metastatic cases.

“We lump breast cancer all as one thing, but in fact, there are so many different subtypes with three main subtypes: ER-positive, HER2-positive, and triple negative,” Rosenblatt says.

Tumor profiling and the cutting-edge technology called Next-Generation Genomic Sequencing (NGS) to subtype a tumor now play central roles in matching treatment to specific genetic mutations or biomarkers, especially in metastatic disease.

“The tumor you started with often looks nothing like the one you’re battling today,” explains cancer biologist Dr. Utthara Nayar, who founded the Nayar Lab at Johns Hopkins University. She and her team use NGS to sequence tumors and test the actual function of every identified cell mutation in breast and ovarian cancers. The goal is to understand how to treat each tumor with a mutation.

Nayar’s research focuses on ER-positive breast cancer, which needs the hormone estrogen to grow. Endocrine therapy, a hormone therapy that blocks estrogen from reaching cancer cells, is effective, but many tumors will become resistant to treatment.

Another challenge: Nayar discovered that up to 10 percent of resistant ER-positive tumors acquire mutations that allow the tumor to grow without estrogen, rendering standard therapies ineffective. These mutations don’t show up on traditional staining, so only NGS can detect them. The Nayar Lab compares tumors before and after they become resistant to therapy to identify genetic mutations driving resistance.

“Sequencing helps us understand that evolution—and treat it smarter,” Nayar says. “Resistance doesn’t come from the patient, it’s the tumor that evolves.”

Her team is creating the first-ever, comprehensive HER2 mutation library to determine which drugs each mutation responds to. Eventually this will become a public lookup tool to guide treatment decisions. They’re also working on forecasting future resistance by developing models to predict how tumors will evolve under new drugs.

“Our job as scientists is to stay one step ahead, to decode those changes and turn them into action,” she says.

 

Surgical Innovations

Breast cancer surgeries were first noted 3,000 years ago. In 1889, Dr. William Halstead of Johns Hopkins Hospital pioneered the procedure that became known as the “Halsted radical mastectomy,” the surgical standard for decades.

Like new treatments and medicines, breast cancer surgery is highly personalized. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach, explains Dr. Wen Liang, oncology surgeon at Mercy Medical Center. Treatment plans, from lumpectomy to mastectomy, are tailored to the individual patient’s anatomy, cancer characteristics, and personal preferences.

“Every patient is different,” she says. “If I do five lumpectomies in a day, I’ll do it five different ways.

“The priority of surgery is to remove and stage the cancer, but we must balance the patient’s future mental and emotional health as they live with a history of cancer,” Liang notes. “Their desire to optimize their appearance and minimize treatment and follow-up imaging often leads them to request surgery that can be done to give them the lowest risk of recurrence with beautiful results as soon as they are out of the operating room.”

Nipple-sparing mastectomies, hidden incisions, and immediate reconstruction, often performed at the time of mastectomy, have changed the cosmetic and psychological experience of surgery.

The Vinnie Myers Team in Finksburg offers 3D nipple and areola tattooing with lifelike results.

“Even a mastectomy can be the less burdensome option for some patients when considering future imaging or biopsies,” Liang notes. “Sometimes doing a mastectomy is actually the desired surgery for a patient, even though it sounds more aggressive.”

Fewer lymph nodes are removed now, she says, even if one tests positive. “I would love to see the day when I may not have to do surgery on some cancers,” Liang says.

“We’re still chasing the cure, but every new therapy—every delay in progression—buys patients time,” Nayar adds. “And that time matters. It’s hope, quality of life, and more moments with loved ones.”

ccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States, accounting for one in every five deaths in 2021. Here in Baltimore, area hospitals are working hard to bring those numbers down and to improve quality of life for those living with diseases of the heart.

PREVENTION
Cardiologist Jeremy Pollock, MD, has a pragmatic view of heart disease. “Every single person gets heart disease,” says the director of heart failure and cardiac population health at University of Maryland St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Indeed, all of our hearts, one way or another, will eventually weaken, slow down and, one day, stop for good. Pollock says you can’t stop this natural process but, “I would like to teach the population how to delay [heart disease’s] development.”

The term “heart disease” is a common way of referring to several kinds of heart conditions. For patients living in the United States, the most common is atherosclerosis, or coronary arterial disease, which affects blood flow.

“Arteries are supposed to be nice and clean– they’re like water pipes,” Pollock explains. “Atherosclerosis is like crud in water pipes. It’s silent and can be a silent killer.” He continues, “It presents itself in one of two ways, unless we find it early.”

The first way, angina, presents as a tightness in the chest and breathlessness with exertion. It’s caused by a buildup of hard plaque in the arteries. It’s unpleasant but, as Pollock says, “Even a 70-percent blockage of the Widowmaker won’t kill you, it will give you angina.”

The second way atherosclerosis presents— heart attack—is caused by the accumulation of soft plaque. Unlike hard plaque, the soft form offers no warning. Unstable, it can rupture and become a clot. “If you don’t know you have it, it can go from 10 percent to 100 percent,” Pollock says, “and when no blood can flow through, that’s a heart attack.”

So how do you know if you’re a ticking bomb? Learn your CAC score, advises Pollock. The Coronary Artery Calcium test is a CT scan that measures calcium in the arteries; its score can help determine the risk of cardiovascular disease and predict the likelihood of a heart attack. The CAC test has been available for decades, but with an increased focus on disease prevention, “It’s comeback in vogue,” Pollock says. “It takes two minutes, costs less than a mammogram… we get your cardiac score and then talk about prevention.”

What’s the best course for prevention? If plaque is found, start taking a statin. “It’s the best way to stabilize plaque and delay the onset of plaquened arteries,” Pollock says. Otherwise, “The answer is holistic intervention. Maintain a healthy weight, be physically active, and eat a healthy diet.”

Pollack adds that social fitness, the mental wellness piece of holistic care, is vitally important. “Be happy… If you’re lonely, it’s as dangerous as smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. This is 95 percent of the prevention battle.”

INTERVERVENTION & DIAGNOSIS
When symptoms of a serious issue present, it’s time to see an interventional cardiologist. Specialists in catheter-based heart procedures, interventionists place stents in coronary arteries, accessing an artery through the wrist or leg. “It’s the breadand- butter procedure,” says structural interventionist John Wang, MD, MSc, director of the Cardiac Cath Lab at MedStar Union Memorial and MedStar Franklin Square hospitals.

Traditionally, a catheter has been used for diagnosis—a camera is sent through the catheter to find the root of a problem. But the field is evolving. Cardiologists at Mercy Hospital are recruiting and preparing for the development of advanced coronary angiography and cardiac MRI imaging for use in diagnosing heart disease. This technological advancement will reduce catheter use for diagnosis, allowing patients a faster and less complicated experience.

“We have strong partnerships with first-class care centers within a small [geographic] radius that excel at invasive/interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery, who are doing innovative work,” says Carlos Ince, MD, medical director for the Heart Center at Mercy. “Our goal is to become the regional leader in providing preventive and … non-invasive diagnostic services to improve the cardiovascular health of citizens across the Baltimore region.”

Diagnosis through imaging will prevent patients from having to visit major heart centers for catheterization sooner than they need to and allow interventionists to treat or focus on complex issues previously resolved only through major surgery.

“We can close congenital defects in patients’ hearts via catheter,” says MedStar’s Wang. The same can be used to treat heart valve issues.

“Heart valves fail in one of two ways,” he says. “The leaflets of the valve can thicken and not open, called stenosis; or instead of closing, they don’t close and you have leakage or ‘regurgitation,’ and the blood just leaks back.” Some patients have both.

A decade ago, the development of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) allowed the replacement of that valve without the risk of open heart surgery. With TAVR, “We are able to deliver and place a new heart valve in approximately 30 minutes,” Wang says. “Patients are up and walking later that day and the majority of patients go home the next day … TAVR has revolutionized our whole field.”

MedStart Union Memorial Hospital (MUMH) is currently involved in a number of clinical trials in structural intervention, including studies of solutions to atrial fibrillation (“A-Fib”) for patients who do not want to go on blood thinners, advancements to the already revolutionary TAVR valves, and evaluating technologies applied to replacing a patient’s far more complicated mitral valve without open heart surgery. A repair device for severe regurgitation of the tricuspid valve is also part of a current clinical trial.

A new pulmonary artery sensor is also under trial. “This to me is just incredible,” says Wang. Many patients with congestive heart failure—a weakening of the heart that causes fluid retention that can back up into the lungs—are frequently admitted to the hospital for a Right Heart Catheterization. “This is when a catheter is inserted from the femoral vein to the heart to measure the pressures in the heart . . . and how much extra fluid they are carrying,” Wang explains. “It’s a painless procedure that takes 20 minutes,” he continues. “This sensor lasts forever and transmits the pressure in the heart wirelessly to the patient’s doctor. … The best part is the ability to make changes in a patient’s medications based on real-time data that can potentially reduce hospital admissions.”

CUTTING EDGE
A team of University of Maryland cardiologists— Diljon Chahal, Shahab Touravadkohi, and Mehrdad Ghoreishi—created global news last year by further advancing TAVR capabilities to treat patients with aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections. Until 2023, treatment was only available through open-heart surgery. “As TAVR came into the mainstream, we began to explore … a minimally invasive, totally endovascular percutaneous approach,” says Chahal.

Chahal explains the procedure, known as “Endo-Bentall,” as simply as possible: “The TAVR valve is attached on a back table in the operating room to the endograft (a large covered stent that helps seal off any dissection in the aorta or any aneurysm) in the aorta, and then the three of us are involved in the deployment using an endovascular approach by going in through the femoral artery. We create fenestrations which are a little circle or hole in the left and right side of the graft and then we can snorkel the covered stents, doing a total ascending aortic arch replacement.”

The procedure was first done successfully in Brazil in 2022. University of Maryland is the only hospital in the United States performing the Endo-Bentall.

A typical patient has severely depressed heart function, explains vascular surgeon Toursavadkohi. “Each patient we have done at Maryland was rejected for open-heart operation due to substantial risk. Their outcomes would have been dismal with a standard cardiac operation.” With this procedure, he continues, “instead of using a heart-lung machine to stop the heart and repair the structures, we can perform the endovascular operation on a native, beating heart.” To date, five such procedures have been successfully performed. All five patients have survived without complications.

“The key factor behind our ability to perform this procedure lies in the exceptional teamwork and collaboration among cardiac surgery, vascular surgery, and interventional cardiology,” says Ghoreishi. “The teams discuss the best approach … and then select the most suitable intervention.” He continues, “This close relationship has transformed the seemingly impossible into reality.”

Cardiac surgeons at Maryland have also recently performed two xenotransplantation operations—transplanting a pig’s heart into a human patient. “In my lifetime, I never thought I would see an Endo-Bentall or xenotransplantation, and in one year at Maryland we achieved the ‘Holy Grails’ of cardiovascular care,” says Maryland Director of Cardiac Surgery, Bradley Taylor, MD. “What we do here is incredibly innovative … bringing people together and using their collective intelligence, we are able to solve the most complex problems we face in cardiovascular care.”

ADVANCEMENTS FOR RECOVERY
For patients and their families, the recovery period after a cardiac event can be painful not only physically, but emotionally and psychologically. Advancements in rehabilitation, information sharing through technology, and mental-health awareness can lighten the load.

Consider an athlete suffering a cardiac event while seemingly at the top of their game. These are often caused by “channelopathy, which is an arrhythmia, or abnormality in the way the heart uses electricity to make the heart beat,” says Lifebridge cardiologist Sunal Makadia. “Unfortunately, some kids are competing without knowing they have it … and there is no pediatric screening for heart disease,” he continues. “The American College of Cardiology has come up with a registry, the ORCCA (Outcomes Registry for Cardiac Conditions in Athletes) to study these patients in detail.”

More often, it’s the young adult athlete suffering the event. “If you had a heart attack at 40, there was a time that was a sentence to never exercise again,” says Makadia. “But now we know that exercise is probably the most important way we can age well.” He continues, “Cardiac rehab is a big part of that, training the patient to know what their heart is capable of and what warning signs to look out for in a safe way.”

One way to help patients is to put the tools to recovery in their hands. Seth Martin, Johns Hopkins Hospital cardiologist and president of the American Heart Association (AHA) Maryland chapter, is leading a clinical trial at Hopkins with a grant from the AHA, testing the effectiveness of a recovery smartphone app for cardiac patients. The Corrie app (corriehealth.com) gives patients an active role in their own care. They can learn about cholesterol and blood-pressure management and use the app to communicate with their physicians.

While rehabilitation is vital to recovery, not all patients have access due to various barriers. “Seeing a doctor three times per week is challenging,” says Martin. “Patients could have issues with insurance coverage … or not be able to leave work… or not have access to transportation,” he continues. “We know a key barrier to health equity is access, so we are giving more flexibility and access to the patient.”

“This is part of the innovation ecosystem here at Hopkins,” he continues. “We are finding ways to bring [innovations] from inside the walls of our hospital and university to the outside, to help patients and their families.”

Perhaps a holistic advancement in cardiac care—focusing on the mental and emotional health of patients—will have the broadest impact. The Bridge Clinic at University of Maryland St. Joseph’s Medical Center offers a community to patients as they recover. “It can be an overwhelming time for patients,” says Sonia Baker, MD, a cardiologist at St. Joseph’s. “They can’t hear everything we are saying to them in those first few days of recovery. … The Bridge program slows down the pace.”

Doctor’s visits are an hour long (atypical for a doctor’s appointment), allowing patients time to fully discuss their concerns. Patients enter cardiac rehab, slowly re-engaging in physical activity while being monitored. The traumatic impact of a cardiac event affects not only the patient, but friends and loved ones, and that impact can be longterm. “The rates of depression are much lower among patients who go [to rehab],” continues Baker. “Rehab can be really helpful for grounding people and giving them a path forward. You’re in a community. … It’s like the show Cheers, where everybody knows your name. There’s nothing like a cardiac event to make you want to wrap a village around you.”

United Way of Central Maryland has supported this region for 100 years—through natural disasters, economic upheaval, wars, health crises, and more. We’ve always provided what’s needed, where it’s needed, working alongside our partners in the communities we serve. What’s the secret to our longevity? We’re constantly evolving to tackle ongoing and emerging needs across our region. This is not your grandparents’ United Way!

In the following story, you’ll see how we amplify the power of grassroots leaders, advance proven United Way initiatives in local neighborhoods, and build partnerships that break down systemic barriers to success.

For a century—and especially in divisive, challenging times—we remain committed to our mission to strengthen lives. The United For Our Futures centennial campaign celebrates the power and resiliency of this region, and I invite you to join us in co-creating a healthier, thriving future for Greater Baltimore.

— Franklyn Baker, President and CEO, United Way of Central Maryland

Care for Kids —and Their Parents

Family Centers offer affordable childcare where it’s needed most

When Samone Ashby was looking for childcare for her two-year-old daughter, she faced an uphill battle. “Many of the daycares have closed and it just is not easy to find care,” explains the Howard County resident and mom of three. When she was at social services, she saw a notice that United Way of Central Maryland was opening a Family Center in Columbia. She went for a tour and immediately knew it was the place for her daughter.

“It felt like family,” Ashby says. “I never feel like my daughter is just another person here. They’re so good to her and she just loves it. When you know your kid is in good hands, it takes so much of the pressure off.”

The Columbia Family Center is one of three operated by United Way of Central Maryland. Each is located in a Neighborhood Zone—United Way-designated communities that are benefiting from expanded economic, health, and educational initiatives. In addition to Columbia, there are Family Centers in Poppleton in West Baltimore, and Brooklyn in the South Baltimore/Curtis Bay area.

In Poppleton and Brooklyn, Family Centers offer high-quality, childcare at no cost for parenting students so those young people don’t need to decide between caring for their children or graduating from high school. At all three Family Centers, parents can access support for housing, food, and other needs.

The Family Center in Columbia offers the same high-quality programming for children up to pre-kindergarten. But it is tackling a somewhat different challenge than that faced in Poppleton and Brooklyn—affordability. The average cost for childcare for two kids in Howard County is about $2,000 a month. For many families, childcare is their largest expense after housing. By offering an affordable option for working families in need, United Way of Central Maryland is alleviating a significant emotional and financial pressure.

Ashby says they have found resources at the Family Center they never expected, like help with winter coats and access to essentials like diapers, wipes, and soap via the on-site pantry. She and her husband have been able to attend counseling. “They’re always there, bridging the gaps,” she explains. “The benefit is having people who care not just about your child, but you.”

More importantly, her daughter loves to go to the Family Center, where she enjoys singing, reading, and playing. She says her daughter’s personality has blossomed. “As a parent, you spend so much time away from your kids while at work, but I know she’s in great company here.”

Building Strong Futures

Young Men United breaks down barriers for high school students

It’s a sunny spring day and the classroom at Benjamin Franklin High School near Curtis Bay in South Baltimore is filling with young men. An instructor breaks them into small groups and there’s a quiet hum of conversation. Today they’re working on their résumés. This small advisory group is a portion of more than 80 students enrolled in Young Men United (YMU), an educational and economic advancement program that breaks down the barriers young men of color face on their way to college, vocational training, and successful careers and lives.

“This is an opportunity to hunker down and understand the systemic challenges young men have faced so they get the support they need to succeed,” says William Jernigan, YMU senior director for education. “I grew up in the western portion of the city, so I understand the need and the purpose behind this initiative. This work is very personal to me.”

Jernigan explains that the students at this site and YMU’s other location at Patterson High School receive comprehensive support under four pillars: mentoring and skill building, college and career exploration, academic support and planning, and workforce development and strategic internships. Students say YMU provides essential support and accountability that keep them on track.

“I was struggling, grade-wise,” says Brendon McKiver, 17, “and I was afraid of not getting into college. [YMU] helped me a lot with my grades and applying for colleges.” YMU helps students not only with tutoring and inspirational campus visits— these students recently went to a vocational school in Pennsylvania and toured Georgetown University—but with navigating things like complex FAFSA student aid forms. The program also provides supportive resources for participants’ families.

John Kee, 18, lists off some of the life skills they learn at YMU. “Organization, time management, accountability, communication, for sure, that’s a big one,” says Kee, who is looking at careers in the culinary arts or automotive engineering. “And to apply yourself.”

Elijah Kanu, 19, explains that he’s moved around much of his life and struggled with communication and friendships. Through YMU, he’s able to stay connected with peers and school. These more intangible benefits may be the most important that YMU provides — things like friendship and mental health support. “At the beginning of the school year, I got really depressed and would just leave school and distract myself in nature,” says Derick Carvagal, 18. “Being here, my anxiety has improved, and it helps that, since I have three sisters, I have brothers here.”

Carvagal aspires to study criminal justice and become part of the FBI. Like his three peers, he has applied to college—no small feat since all four state that without YMU, they’d have dropped out of school by now.

“[YMU] opens your eyes as to the possibilities of what can happen,” says Kee. “They help me see who I can be.”

 

To date, 74% of Young Men United high school seniors were accepted into college. Other college and career preparation programs for students of color, many of which don’t offer the holistic support of YMU, often take years to reach similar acceptance rates.

Community Amplified

Neighbors United and other community-led programs put power in the hands of the people

Emily Añez is the director of impact and housing at the nonprofit City of Refuge, and a known community organizer in Lansdowne in Baltimore County. She’s also a volunteer leader with the Neighbors United program. When residents in Lansdowne have an issue, they turn to Añez. Like when youth in the neighborhood, many of whom lack health insurance, were unable to play organized sports because they hadn’t had a physical—it was Añez who reached out to her contacts at a local hospital and got the physicals for free.

It is this sort of grassroots, resident-led advocacy that Neighbors United supports. Too often, decisions in under-resourced neighborhoods are made by people who don’t live there and who have never spoken to local leadership. This results in poorly executed programs and underutilized resources.

“Neighbors United gives people the ability to advocate for themselves, for their neighbors, for their friends, and for the community they live in,” says Añez, who received her case management certificate from United Way of Central Maryland. “People with power, people in government, often tell you what they’re going to do for you and then just do it. But I started my work here by organizing meetings, conducting surveys, asking people what issues they’re facing, and doing a lot of listening.”

Neighbors United has identified local leaders in five historically marginalized neighborhoods in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, and Howard counties. By strengthening leadership capacity, connecting people to partners, and empowering residents at the local level, systemic change is growing from the ground up. Neighbors United University builds on that success with a 30-hour training program, Neighbors United University, for local leaders who want to build their skills and network.

The Changemaker Challenge also supports grassroots change with its awards to social innovators. Sonia Su, for example, received a grant to help fund Kits to Heart. The nonprofit supports cancer patients with wellness and art kits. Su states that without Changemaker support, her program would not exist.

“The Changemaker Challenge is a chance to help develop an idea to support the community … it’s a way to get connected to others as passionate as you are and bring your idea to life.”

Grantees receive mentoring, media exposure, a stipend, and a free membership in Lonely Entrepreneur’s online learning community. Most recently, United Way of Central Maryland invested more than $500,000 to 30 individuals and groups innovating in fields including education and mental health.

Second Chances

Veterans Treatment Court helps service members stay out of jail and head back to stronger lives

William Shelton, 67, was never in trouble with the law. After being honorably discharged from the Marines in 1978, he built a life for himself. During the pandemic he was working in food delivery, but the world felt very unstable. He got a handgun to protect himself and when it was found after a routine traffic incident, Shelton found himself inside the Baltimore Detention Center for three months.

“In detention you have time to think about what you did and where your life is going and you realize real quick, this isn’t it,” Shelton remembers.

At his arraignment, the judge couldn’t understand that a man Shelton’s age with no prior record had suddenly turned up in his court. “He finally says, ‘Is he a veteran?’ and I said, ‘Yes!’” Shelton recalls. “That was the first time I’d ever been recognized as a veteran.”

As a peacetime service member, Shelton did not have access to full veterans’ benefits. Despite not being in battle, he carried scars from his time in the Marines related to racially motivated mistreatment. Once he felt seen as a veteran, years of mental health issues that had simmered below the surface of his life, came to the fore. “In the Marines I was trained as a killing machine,” says Shelton. “There’s no deprogramming or debriefing on how to become a civilian.”

Shelton was referred to the Central Maryland Regional Veterans Treatment Court (VTC), a program supported by United Way of Central Maryland. Understanding that veterans face unique challenges in civilian life—like mental health issues, or substance use—that may lead to a criminal charge, VTC provides support rather than jail time and a criminal record, setbacks that can further impinge on someone trying to move forward in life.

Shelton’s PTSD and anger management challenges became part of his case. He got the help he needed navigating the court system and eventually was connected to full veterans’ benefits. He would check in with the judge to ensure he was doing well and getting the resources he required. “What I love about this court is you’re accountable, but they care about you,” says Shelton. “You still have self-respect.”

Having successfully graduated from VTC, Shelton, a dog lover, helps train service canines for veterans and is also preparing to become a veteran mentor. “When I was incarcerated, it clicked with me that I’ve got to be hooked up to other veterans, because a veteran is going to understand what I went through and what I’m going through, no matter what it is,” he says. “Now I want to stand up for other veterans, because somebody stood up for me.”

The Central Maryland Regional Veterans Treatment Court is supported by a grant from the Maryland Judiciary’s Office of Problem-Solving Courts and many generous donors.

Support United Way of Central Maryland

DONATE: Help us build a better future for Baltimore by donating today to United Way of Central Maryland. Donors to our United For Our Futures campaign receive a “brick” in our virtual donor wall. Visit 100bricks.org.

VOLUNTEER: There are opportunities to serve the community all year through impactful volunteer experiences. Visit uwcm.org/volunteer.

CELEBRATE: Join us for a special United For Our Futures Centennial Benefit Concert | Saturday, October 11 | Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
This community-centered concert will feature Grammy and Emmy award-winning artist Common, local artists Whiskey Feathers and Elyscia Jefferson (who appeared on The Voice), and the global vocal sensation CeCe Peniston, who will be accompanied by the Baltimore City College Choir. Follow United Way of Central Maryland on social media or visit uwcm.org/100 for more on this and other anniversary events.

Imagine that someone you love suddenly has a stroke and can’t pay her bills or access her funds. Jill A. Snyder, an estate planning attorney with the Law Offices of Jill A. Snyder LLC in Lutherville and Baltimore, says that scenario is unfortunately all too common. At that point, it’s too late to prepare documents that would designate another person as the acting authority if someone is incapacitated, also known as a financial power of attorney. Their only option is to seek court-appointed guardianship, a time-consuming process that costs thousands of dollars.

A power of attorney is just one piece of a comprehensive estate plan, a collection of legal documents that determines what will happen to your bank and retirement accounts, homes, and other assets after you die, who will make decisions on your behalf if you become ill or injured, and what happens to your dependents. The other components of that plan include a will, a trust, and an advanced medical directive. While not everyone needs each of these documents, everyone needs at least some of them, attorneys say.

“Most people want the estate plan because they’re an organized person who wants to take care of their heirs and want things to be easy after death,” says Cristin C. Lambros, a Towson estate planning attorney. You don’t have to be rich to have an estate plan: Attorneys say that every adult needs a power of attorney, while everyone who has kids should have a will.

What makes up an estate plan?

Regardless of the size of their assets, it’s essential for parents of minors to draw up a will so they—and not the courts—can appoint a guardian in the event of their untimely death, attorneys say. You could also bequeath specific items in your will— your heirloom silverware, for example—and leave detailed funeral or cremation instructions. You can even dictate who will take care of your pets.

A health care power of attorney lets another individual make medical decisions if you’re unable to if you, for instance, have to undergo emergency surgery and can’t make decisions because you’re unconscious.

A financial power attorney lets another person manage a bank account and pay bills in the event that you don’t have the capacity to do so. And the documents are not just for older individuals. Snyder says she handles power of attorneys for children once they become legal adults when the parents suddenly don’t have the authority to make decisions on behalf of their children since they’re no longer minors. Due to HIPAA privacy rules, they are also not entitled to health information.

An advanced directive is a document in which you, while in good health, decide what would happen if you couldn’t communicate with doctors to make decisions for yourself because, for instance, you’re in a coma after an accident. “It makes it easier for your loved ones not to have to make those decisions,” says Sandra M. Holt, an attorney at Columbia’s Mulinazzi Law Office specializing in estate planning.

What is a trust, and does everyone need one?

Some individuals need a trust, a legal arrangement to manage your assets during your lifetime and distribute them after death, which offers more privacy than a will. Setting up a trust will avoid having to go to probate, a court-supervised process that distributes stocks, real estate, and retirement funds that don’t have a designated beneficiary and or living co-owners. If you have kids with special needs or properties in multiple states and other factors that complicate your estate, you need a trust, lawyers say.

With a trust, you can set aside money for your children or other beneficiaries to receive in phases. For instance, they can receive 10 percent before they turn 18, 20 percent after graduation, and so forth. “There are different milestones that you can set within the trust to allow your children to receive that money in installments,” Holt says.

How do you find an attorney, and what should you ask?

When it comes to estate planning, you probably don’t want to go it alone unless you have a law degree. Turn to friends and family and trusted professionals, including accountants, financial advisors, and attorneys in other fields, for an estate attorney referral. You can also search for lawyers through the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, an organization of peer-selected experienced trust and estate lawyers whose website lets you search for pros by state and with specific expertise in, for example, international real estate.

Ask an estate attorney how long they’ve been practicing, their rates, and whether they bill hourly or a flat rate. And just as you’re thinking about what happens to you after death, you want to ask what happens if something happens to the attorney, especially if they practice solo.

Attorneys advise against using a general practitioner for estate planning. “I think there are too many nuances in the tax laws and other laws that a general practitioner would not be up to date with,” Snyder says. “I would make sure they’re very good at one thing.”

Safeguarding the documents should be a priority as well. Holt tells her clients to keep a copy of their documents in a safe place, like a home office, and let friends and family know where to find them. They should also give a copy to the executor of their will. Some opt to put their docs in a safe deposit box, but if you do so, make sure your trusted people have access to it.

While talking about what will happen after death is not an easy conversation, attorneys advise being proactive. The time to discuss a parent’s power of attorney, for example, is not when that parent is in an emergency room, incapacitated, but rather when you can do so over coffee in a measured way.

Home Sweet Home

Now that you have your estate matters in hand, don’t forget to consider your next home move. If you’re looking to downsize, need access to more care, or just want a change of scene, here’s our annual listing of Continuing Care Retirement Communities in the Baltimore-Annapolis region:*

BayWoods of Annapolis
7101 Bay Front Drive
Annapolis, MD 21403
Baywoodsofannapolis.com

Blakehurst
1055 W. Joppa Road
Towson, MD 21204
Blakehurstlcs.com

Broadmead
13801 York Road
Cockeysville, MD 21030
Broadmead.org

Carroll Lutheran Village
300 St. Luke Circle
Westminster, MD 21158
Clvillage.org

Charlestown Retirement Community
715 Maiden Choice Lane
Catonsville, MD 21228
Ericksonseniorliving.com/charlestown

Edenwald
800 Southerly Road
Towson, MD 21286
Edenwald.org

Fairhaven
7200 Third Avenue
Sykesville, MD 21784
Actsretirement.org

Ginger Cove
4000 River Crescent Drive
Annapolis, MD 21401
Gingercove.com

Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant
9000 Fathers Legacy
Ellicott City, MD 21042
Millersgrant.org

Maryland Masonic Homes
300 International Circle
Cockeysville, MD 21030
Mdmasonichomes.com

Mercy Ridge
2525 Pot Spring Road
Timonium, MD 21093
Mercyridge.com

North Oaks
725 Mount Wilson Lane
Pikesville, MD 21208
Northoaksseniorliving.com

Oak Crest Village
8800 Walther Boulevard
Parkville, MD 21234
Ericksonseniorliving.com/oak-crest

The Residences at Vantage Point
5400 Vantage Point Road
Columbia, MD 21044
Vantagepointresidences.org

Resorts of Augsburg
6811 Campfield Road
Baltimore, MD 21207
augsburgseniorliving.org

Roland Park Place
830 W. 40th Street
Baltimore, MD 21211
Rolandparkplace.org

*Courtesy of the Maryland Department of Aging, as of February 2025.