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It's almost time to make your voice heard in the upcoming Primary Elections, Montco!

Here are some key dates / times to plug into your calendars:

• Monday, April 8 is the last day to register to vote in Pennsylvania’s Primary Election.
• Tuesday, April 16 is the deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot. 
• Tuesday, April 23 at 7 a.m.: In-person polls open.
• Tuesday, April 23 at 8 p.m.: All ballots must be cast and received by the County by including mail-in ballots. 

Additionally, as this year's Primary falls during Passover, our County will be doing everything possible to ensure all eligible voters are able to participate.

Voter Services will extend the hours of operation of our five satellite offices in response to the Passover schedule. Voters will also have the option to visit one of three satellite offices during the weekends of April 6 - 7 and April 13 - 14:

• Saturday, April 6: Lower Merion, Lansdale, Norristown 
• Sunday, April 7: Lower Merion, Willow Grove, Pottstown 
• Saturday, April 13: Willow Grove, Lansdale, Pottstown 
• Sunday, April 14: Lower Merion, Willow Grove, Lansdale 

These offices will be available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Additionally, 11 of the 12 secure ballot drop boxes will now be available 24 hours a day throughout the County to help voters cast their ballots before the April 23 election deadline. The drop box in the lobby of One Montgomery Plaza in Norristown will be open during business hours.  

The Montgomery County Office of Public Health needs your help as it launches its first Community Health Assessment survey.

The assessment will collect, review, and analyze data that is currently available about health issues affecting residents, as well as experiences and other factors that influence health and wellness. A confidential survey, along with community focus groups, will also be conducted to obtain more details on critical community health issues.

The survey will be available in several languages via the web, along with paper copies at community partner sites throughout the County. 

Its findings will be used to assess, prioritize, and address critical community needs with a Community Health Improvement Plan designed to enhance conditions and community assets that support health and wellness. The plan will be a collaborative, community-wide, long-term effort and will be shared with residents. 

It's back! The Montgomery County Office of Public Health, in partnership with the Planning Commission, Commissioners, and Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites, is hosting the 9th annual Montco Trail Challenge.

The Montco Trail Challenge is a great opportunity for families and individuals of all ages and abilities to exercise, explore, and experience the beautiful network of parks, trails, and historic sites throughout the County. 

The Montco Trail Challenge will kick-off with a community event on April 27 at Lorimer Park from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Rain date: April 28).

The event will feature a free helmet fitting and distribution for children attending the event. Join us for a fun morning at the park!

Everyone in Montgomery County deserves access to healthy, safe, and affordable food choices. Unfortunately, that is not the reality for many in our area. 

To help tackle food systems and insecurity issues in the County, our Commissioners recently voted to create a Food Policy Council. This group will include representatives from different County departments, including the Department of Health and Human Services, the Planning Commission, and the Commerce Department, as well as many different partner organizations working in agriculture, public health, education, environmental sustainability, social justice, and community development.  

The Council will also consist of three parts: a Leadership Team, Working Groups, and General Membership. Applications for the Leadership Team are now open and will close on Sunday, April 21, 2024. Participation in working groups and general membership will be made available for anyone interested later this summer.  

Our annual Household Hazardous Waste Collections are returning for another year of helping residents regain some much needed space in their garages or storage areas.

This year's first event will be held on Saturday, April 27 at Indian Valley Middle School in Harleysville. As always, these events are resident only and are not open to businesses or contractors.

While our Household Hazardous Waste Collections are free, registration is required to attend. Be sure to reserve your spot now as they are going fast!

The Montgomery County Office of Public Health is teaming up with the Montgomery County Maternal and Early Childhood Consortium and the Maternity Care Coalition to host Mothers Alive!

This conference will feature experts speakers sharing strategies and best practices to help reduce disparities in maternal mortality and morbidity.

Mothers Alive will take place on Tuesday, April 30, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Montgomery County Community College's Blue Bell campus.

Jamila H. Winder

Chair

Neil Makhija

Commissioner

Thomas DiBello

Commissioner

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