Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter Harwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach. Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Morton
Upper Marlboro Native Defends America from Under the Sea
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mitch Meppelink
Navy Office of Community Outreach
KINGS BAY, Ga. (June 4, 2025)—Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Morton, a native of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to USS Tennessee, homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. As a submariner, Morton is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel continuing a 125-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.
Morton graduated from Bishop McNamara High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Upper Marlboro.
“I learned growing up that being social and talking with people goes a long way,” Morton said. “If I don’t know how to do something, I can reach out to people who have done it or experienced it, and they can teach me because trying to do it on my own won’t get me very far.”
Morton joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Morton serves as an electrician’s mate.
“I joined the Navy to make myself marketable,” Morton said. “I also wanted to set myself up for the future. After watching both my mom and dad serve in the Air Force, I knew the benefits of the military and the importance of following that tradition as well.”
Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is the homeport of East Coast ballistic-missile and guided-missile submarines. These submarines are capable of conducting operations in the Atlantic, Arctic, Eastern Pacific, and Indian Oceans and the Mediterranean Sea. It is also the only Navy base with the capability to support the Trident II missile, the most sophisticated nuclear missile designed to be launched from a submarine.
Known as America’s “Apex Predators!,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technologically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security.
There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines (SSN), ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN) and guided-missile submarines (SSGN).
Fast-attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. The Virginia-class SSN is the most advanced submarine in the world today. It combines stealth and payload capability to meet Combatant Commanders’ demands in this era of strategic competition.
The Navy’s ballistic-missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. SSBNs are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. The Columbia-class SSBN will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by the U.S.—replacing the current Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s.
Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each SSGN is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.
Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to Navy officials. As a member of the submarine force, Morton serves aboard a platform capable of bringing the fight to enemies in defense of America and its allies.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Morton has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is completing the nuclear pipeline,” Morton said. “It was two years of countless tests and endless hours of studying. Everything about it was a lot, and being able to experience and complete that is a great accomplishment.”
Morton serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“To me, serving means trust,” Morton said. "Regardless of anyone's background, when the going gets rough, the person next to me has my back, and I have theirs.”
Morton is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my family,” Morton added. "My family has supported me throughout my entire journey.”
TOP OF PAGE
Tara H. Jackson Is the new Prince George’s County State’s Attorney
By PRESS OFFICER
Maryland Judiciary
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (June 16, 2025)—Tara H. Jackson has been selected as the new State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County. Jackson succeeded Angela D. Alsobrooks, who was elected to the U.S. Senate, to serve as the Acting County Executive for Prince George’s County, Maryland. Jackson will serve as Prince George’s County State’s Attorney as Aisha Braveboy has been sworn in as county executive.
Jackson’s career includes more than 20 years in the government and legal community. Jackson formerly served as Prince George’s County’s Chief Administrative Officer, beginning in December 2020. She began her career in public service as a prosecutor in the State’s Attorney’s Office, and later took on a role serving as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) for Government Operations under County Executive Alsobrooks.
Jackson earned a Bachelor of Science from James Madison University, a Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law, and a Master of Divinity in Leadership Development from the Phoenix Seminary.
Pursuant to Article V of the Maryland Constitution, the circuit court judges of Prince George’s County appointed Jackson to fill the vacancy of State’s Attorney for the remaining term.
TOP OF PAGE
AAA Honors Prince George’s County Student with Outstanding School Safety Patroller of the Year Award
Longfields Elementary Student Recently Honored
By PRESS OFFICER
AAA
FORESTVILLE, Md. (June 18, 2025)—AAA proudly announces that Tori Tate, a fifth grader at Longfields Elementary School is Prince George’s County’s 2024–2025 Outstanding School Safety Patroller of the Year.
Tori was nominated for this honor by her School Safety Patrol Advisor, Ms. Bonnie Schlorb for her exemplary leadership qualities. Like thousands of her peers across the country, Tori has remained committed to keeping her fellow students safe and being a positive role model at her school.
While Tori was nominated for this award by her advisor, several of her teachers, peers and even her principal wrote letters of support for this honor and shared numerous examples of Tori’s leadership.
One such example illustrated Tori’s response in offering guidance and suggestions to a fellow patroller to handle a delicate situation more effectively. Tori’s actions showed a “level of maturity and self-reflection (that) is rare in students her age, and it highlights her natural leadership abilities,” said Ms. Carmen L. Bell, Principal at Longfields Elementary.
Ms. Bell continued, “Tori Tate's dedication to her responsibilities, her ability to foster a positive school environment, and her thoughtful, reflective approach to leadership make her an outstanding candidate for the School Safety Patrol of the Year Award. We are proud to have Tori as part of our team and are confident she will continue to inspire those around her.”
For more than 100 years, the AAA School Safety Patrol has been the world’s largest school-based safety program. Patrollers around the world provide school-aged children an extra sense of safety and security during the school day’s busiest times: arrival and dismissal. As a peer-to-peer leadership development program, Safety Patrols are trained to recognize safety hazards to ensure a safer school environment. The presence of a AAA School Safety Patroller wearing the familiar belt and badge is a nationally recognized symbol representing nearly 680,000 children throughout the country who participate in the program each year.
“It’s the dedication and leadership of students like Tori and countless others that have made the AAA School Safety Patrol program so impactful for decades, “ said Crystal Smalls, Retail Manager at AAA Laurel Car Care, Insurance and Travel Center.
Created to make school children safer while walking to school, the program has grown-up and matured with the times while remaining steadfast to its mission to provide a safer environment and leadership opportunities for millions of school children. The training that patrollers receive instills a sense of safety beyond street crossings, including bus and car drop-offs, monitoring hallway congestion, and teaching patrollers invaluable leadership skills.
“AAA is proud to support this important safety program in Prince George’s County and at schools across Maryland,” Smalls added. “We provide these young people with training tools to help make their school safer. We are impressed with their leadership and initiative in implementing safety changes and improvements at their schools.”
The leadership values and safety awareness have inspired many former patrollers to pursue admirable careers, including Presidents of the United States, astronauts, governors, Members of Congress, Supreme Court justices, Olympic medalists, and authors, like Diary of a Wimpy Kid author, Jeff Kinney. Many patrollers now serve as educators, executives, and community leaders.
Since 1920, AAA has been providing various equipment and education materials to patrollers, including reflective belts, patrol badges and training resources. The AAA model has been adopted in at least 30 other countries, including England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.
AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 65.2 million members nationwide and over 80,000 members in Washington, D.C. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a non-stock, membership corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, find local gas prices and electric vehicle charging stations, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information on joining or renewing a Membership, visit www.AAA.com
TOP OF PAGE
Youth Mental Health Part Seventeen
Youth Mental Health? There’s an App—Many Apps—for That. But Are They Effective?
By LILLIAN GLAROS
Capital News Service
A little bird helps Sarah Mann deal with her anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder, but it isn’t a talkative parrot or a mockingbird. It’s a virtual avatar on Finch, a self-care app Mann has used at least once a day since August 2024.
The 18-year-old said Finch allows her to take control of her mental health. In the app, Mann can decide what tasks she wants to complete and reminders to receive.
“Having control over that has been very helpful in being able to control that sort of aspect of my mental health, and being able to be reminded to take a deep breath every once in a while,” Mann said.
Mann’s therapist recommended the app, and Mann said it reminds her of topics she and her therapist have discussed.
A University of Maryland freshman this past academic year, Mann said sending the “finch” on adventures makes the app interactive and entertaining, which encourages her to open the app’s notifications. Part of the app’s appeal is it feels like a game, she said.
Welcome to the modern world of mental health care, where help can arrive on your phone. Young people—and in fact, people of all ages—now have access to a variety of apps that can help them get through the day and through tough times.
Yet not all mental health apps are proven to be effective, said Adam Horwitz, a licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor at the University of Michigan Medical School.
“A lot of them are out there without necessarily having undergone formal scrutiny to determine their effectiveness,” Horwitz said.
A variety of apps
The Finch app is just one of many apps that target mental health conditions. Some, like Finch, promote self-care and goal-setting while providing daily affirmations. Others teach users about coping mechanisms or allow users to record their emotions.
Prosper, a free mental health app, was developed to find a new way to help people with self-care, develop coping strategies and become more resilient, said Eric Sullivan, CEO of Uneo Health, which launched the app in 2023.
The app includes guided journals, daily check-ins, habit reminders, meditations and mindfulness videos.
Sullivan said the app is most often used to help with sleep, sadness, anxiety or stress.
For example, if a user is stressed, the guided journals can help identify why, while other features, such as breathing exercises, can help the user calm down.
Uneo Health and its partner agencies, including National Alliance on Mental Illness Maryland, received $1.4 million in state grants to share the app in Calvert, Frederick and Prince George’s counties.
Another app that works with schools is the Alongside platform, which also has a website.
Alongside was created by educators, therapists and psychologists in collaboration with about 100 teenagers to address youth mental health issues, said Elsa Friis, Alongside’s head of product and clinical.
According to Friis, the platform does that through various features, including mood trackers, videos that provide students with information on topics such as adjusting to college and Kiwi, a chatbot that uses artificial intelligence to simulate human conversation. Users can chat with Kiwi about their mental health and get recommended content based on the conversation.
The chatbot helps individualize care, Friis said.
“Whether that’s solving a conflict through compromise or acing a test or any of those daily challenges, the AI lets us make it really personal to you,” Friis said.
Are they effective?
But do apps such as Alongside really work? Some studies have shown mental health apps are moderately effective in addressing some mental health conditions.
A review published in the Journal of Counseling & Development in 2024 found when users of mental health apps are compared to those who received no treatment, the apps moderately reduced depression. In addition, the review—which examined 46 studies—found apps used for more than eight weeks were most effective.
In addition, Horwitz and other University of Michigan Medical School researchers published a study in 2024 that examined three different digital mental health interventions:
• The mindfulness app Headspace.
• The platform SilverCloud, which incorporates cognitive behavior therapy to help users identify and address negative thought patterns.
• The customized version of MyDataHelps, which informed participants of their sleep, activity and mood, and provided ways in which participants could improve them.
The study found all three moderately reduced anxiety, depression and suicide risk, without much difference among them.
Sometimes, however, the effectiveness of an app can be up to individual preferences, Horwitz said.
And not all apps work for everyone, said Catherine Gray, deputy director and clinical director at the Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency.
“It’s not a one size fits all,” Gray said. “It’s really got to fit you.”
For Lena LaJoy, a 19-year-old Finch user, the app’s daily affirmations help her self-esteem. Like Mann, sending her virtual bird on an adventure is a motivator to complete tasks.
“It’s a good way to get you excited about doing your tasks instead of being worried about it or feeling overwhelmed,” said LaJoy, a freshman at the University of Maryland this past academic year.
LaJoy said she thinks the app is also a good way for people to learn more about their own mental health issues and get professional help if needed.
Aroosa Bhatti, a 24-year-old Howard County native, uses I am, a daily affirmation app that provides users with positive statements to dissuade negative thoughts and increase self-esteem.
Before she used the app, Bhatti said she often had negative thoughts. After using the app, her self-confidence increased, said Bhatti, who now lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
“I was just able to look at the affirmation and it would help me with the rest of my day,” Bhatti said.
Jillian Alston, a Howard Community College student in her 20s, had been using the Calm app on and off for several years after her therapist recommended it, often using it during her work breaks, or before and after starting her shifts at the Burlington department store.
The app has features like meditation and stories users can use to help fall asleep.
Alston said the app helped her with her attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and to develop coping strategies for her anxiety and depression.
Jan Guszynski, the Prosper project lead for NAMI Maryland, also said these apps can help young people gain an understanding of their mental health and seek help.
“It is a good first step, and it’s a no-pressure step and it could lead to them, you know, telling adults in their life how they’ve been feeling,” Guszynski said.
Privacy concerns
However, these online tools can raise privacy concerns.
The apps aren’t always subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, according to the American Civil Liberties Union, and are only covered if conventional health care providers use or produce them. The act, known as HIPAA, regulates the disclosure of patient health information.
Some apps’ privacy policies don’t explicitly say they won’t use user information for advertising, said Erika Solis, an incoming assistant professor of communication and public speaking at Alfred State College in Western New York.
Solis also said an app’s use of AI chatbots could endanger a user’s privacy.
“Obviously, when you’re using AI on an app like this, or rather on applications like this, you’re hoping that it will tailor to you, but it’s still storing that data somewhere,” Solis said.
Alongside uses an AI chatbot, but Friis said the app is fully compliant with two federal privacy acts—one which requires parental consent to collect and share information for children under 13, and another that governs the sharing of “personally identifiable” information in student records.
The platform only shares information when a student is in immediate risk of harm, Friis said. Students can also elect to share information with their counselors.
Frederick County Public Schools no longer allows the Prosper app to be used on school Wi-Fi. That’s in part because of concerns over the collection of student information and students being able to access the app without parental consent, said Ann Workmeister, the system’s supervisor of mental health services
Sullivan said information provided to the Prosper app is kept in fully encrypted cloud storage. The app also collects minimal information and does not collect names, he said.
In addition, many mental health apps have not yet proven to be effective, Horwitz said. In part, that’s because many apps on the market may not have undergone scientific study.
“It’s a somewhat wild, wild west sort of thing with respect to how it gets put out there,” Horwitz said.
Apps also don’t hold people accountable in the same way therapy does, he said. A lot of people don’t use mental health apps for a long time, Horwitz added.
The apps can send users notifications, but ultimately users have to hold themselves accountable, unlike a therapy session where there’s an expectation the patient will show up, he said.
“At the end of the day, they are self-guided, and so if someone doesn’t have that motivation on their own to follow through, that can be a challenge,” Horwitz said.
For Mann, a key limitation of the Finch app is the questions the app asks about her emotions can be basic, while during her therapy sessions she can explore multiple aspects of her emotions.
The app is not a substitute for therapy but is useful as a supplement to that treatment, Mann said.
Emily Pasco, a mental health coordinator for Prince George’s County Public Schools, which has worked with Prosper since 2024, said when a student is experiencing more serious issues such as depression, the Prosper app should not be a substitute for therapy and other care.
The school system also recently started using the Alongside platform in a couple of schools.
Then there is the issue of cellphone overuse. Supreet Mann, the director of research at Common Sense Media—a nonprofit which helps educate kids, families and educators about technology and media, according to the organization’s website—said while cellphone overuse is a problem, it’s difficult to say whether mental health apps are contributing to that.
Accessibility
Still, some say there’s a place for mental health apps at a time when the need for mental health care outstrips its availability and accessibility.
Horwitz said mental health apps could make care more accessible for those without access to therapy or who are waiting.
Apps could also reduce waiting lines for therapy by helping those with more moderate issues, allowing those with more severe conditions to access necessary services earlier, Horwitz said.
“People might be able to move up more quickly, who really do need that … face-to-face care,” Horwitz said.
Meanwhile, LaJoy, the UMD freshman, said the Finch app can make taking care of one’s mental health easier, and make users feel more comfortable about expressing their feelings.
“I think if someone’s like, wanting to get help but worried about talking to someone, I think it’s a good way to do that,” LaJoy said.
TOP OF PAGE
