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Baltimore, MD (April 8, 2026) – Maryland Agencies Launch "Help Responders Help You" Campaign to Improve Emergency Response for Marylanders with Disabilities
ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM), the Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD), and the Maryland 9-1-1 Board today announced the launch of the "Help Responders Help You" videos and social media campaign. This campaign is designed to empower Marylanders with disabilities and their families to proactively share critical health information with first responders during an emergency.
The "Help Responders Help You" initiative focuses on teaching individuals and families how to create and maintain an emergency health profile on their mobile devices or online. This profile contains vital information about a person’s health and specific needs, which can be shared with first responders when a 9-1-1 call is placed. This access to pre-established health information is crucial for improving communication and ensuring effective, tailored care during high-stress situations.
"Maryland’s 9-1-1 Specialists are the first, first responders — the critical link between someone in crisis and the help they need,” said Dr. Christy Collins, Maryland 9-1-1 Board Executive Director. “This campaign reflects the shared commitment of the Maryland Department of Emergency Management and the 9-1-1 Board to ensure every Marylander has access to an effective, innovative, and efficient 9-1-1 system."
The start of this campaign coincides with Severe Storms Awareness Week in Maryland, April 6-12, highlighting the need for emergency preparedness across all Maryland communities. When severe weather strikes, rapid and accurate response is critical, and having a health profile already set up can save precious time when an emergency happens.
“When seconds matter, an Emergency Health Profile can make the difference,” said Russ Strickland, Maryland Secretary of Emergency Management. “During Severe Storms Awareness Week we are inviting all Marylanders to join the 'Help Responders Help You' campaign. True resilience is a partnership; when you prepare your profile, you give our first responders critical insights needed to provide precise, life-saving care when it matters most.”
The campaign is an essential component of Maryland’s transition to Next Generation 911 (NG911) technologies, which allows people to send data, such as photos and videos, to emergency services—a feature that significantly benefits those who may have difficulty communicating verbally.
The educational training materials are available for access anytime on www.MDReady.maryland.gov including comprehensive training videos for both iPhone and Android devices.
"This campaign is a powerful tool for self-advocacy, ensuring that when an emergency strikes, individuals with disabilities can effectively communicate their needs to first responders,” said Carol A. Beatty, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Disabilities. “Providing this critical information ahead of time is essential for safe, respectful, and tailored interactions."
The partnering agencies urge all Marylanders with disabilities and their support networks to access the free training materials and set up their emergency health profiles today.
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