Apathy is one of the most common — and most serious — challenges for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.Jennifer Klinedinst, PhD, MPH, RN, FAHA, a researcher at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, explains that apathy reduces a person’s motivation to engage with the world around them. When people stop engaging, they often become extremely sedentary.Sedentary behavior is linked to cardiovascular disease, loss of function, and increased mortality.Understanding apathy is an important step toward improving quality of life for people living with dementia.Breakthroughs Can’t Wait. At the University of Maryland, Baltimore, we’re changing the future today.

What if volunteering could improve the lives of people living with dementia?Jennifer Klinedinst, PhD, MPH, RN, FAHA, a researcher at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, is studying how to address apathy — a common challenge for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.Through the Volunteering in Place (VIP) program, residents in assisted living communities take on meaningful volunteer roles based on their interests and abilities. These activities help residents stay active, engaged, and connected to their community.Breakthroughs can't wait. At the University of Maryland, Baltimore, we're changing the future today.Learn more about the research: https://www.umaryland.edu/breakthroughs

At the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON), Jennifer Klinedinst, PhD, MPH, RN, FAHA, associate professor, is addressing apathy, a common and serious challenge for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.Learn more at umaryland.edu/breakthroughs

On Feb. 3, 2026, leaders from Maryland government and service organizations called for greater measures to combat human trafficking in conjunction with National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Speakers included trafficking survivor Stacy Jewell, Maryland Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, Maryland Secretary of Labor Portia Wu, and Amb. Susan Esserman, Founder and COO of the University of Maryland SAFE Center.

On Jan. 30, 2026 the Maryland Cash Campaign's annual kickoff event was hosted by the University of Maryland, Baltimore at UMB's Community Engagement Center. Maryland residents receive assistance preparing taxes and help ensuring they pay the lowest taxes or get the greatest refund they deserve. Speakers included UMB President Bruce Jarrell, Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman, and Congressmen Kweisi Mfume and Johnny Olszewski,

Shantay McKinley, MS, BA, director of the University of Maryland School of Social Work Positive Schools Center shares that the center has more work to do as it celebrates its 10-year anniversary in 2026.

Rashida S. Ford, principal at Booker T. Washington Middle School shares the impact that the University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) Positive Schools Center has had on her students, teachers and community.The UMSSW Positive Schools Center celebrates its 10-year anniversary in 2026.

Wendy Shaia, MSW, EdD, executive director of the University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) Center for Restorative Change, talks about the creation of the UMSSW Positive Schools Center.The UMSSW Positive Schools Center celebrates its 10-year anniversary in 2026.

Tracey Durant, an advisory board member for the University of Maryland School of Social Work Positive Schools Center, shares what the PSC's work means to the community.The UMSSW Positive Schools Center celebrates its 10-year anniversary in 2026.

Erik Bandzak, director of school culture and climate for Baltimore City Public Schools, shares about the impact of BCPS' partnership with the University of Maryland School of Social Work Positive Schools Center.The UMSSW Positive Schools Center celebrates its 10-year anniversary in 2026.