In this episode of The Heart Beat, Abbey and Jenn discuss pressing issues in the Frederick County community, focusing on intimate partner violence, domestic violence, gun violence, and innovative solutions like apps developed during a hackathon at Brown University. They explore the implications of extreme risk protective orders (ERPOs) and the ongoing controversy surrounding Uber and Lyft's safety measures for women passengers. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community resources and accountability in ensuring safety for all individuals.

Violence prevention is at the core of the work we do, and this episode dives deep into one of the most important, and often misunderstood, tools for community safety: Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs).

We sit down with Jay Hessler from the Frederick County Health Department and newly appointed Chief Meyer of the Frederick Police Department for a clear, candid conversation about how ERPOs work, who can file them, and what the process looks like from both health and law-enforcement perspectives.

Together, we explore the impacts on individuals, families, and the broader Frederick community, break down common misconceptions, and discuss how ERPOs fit into larger violence prevention strategies. If you’ve ever wondered what ERPOs actually do (and don’t do) this episode is a must-listen.

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm please contact the following organizations for support. Call the U.S. national suicide and crisis lifeline at 988 or if you are local to Frederick County Maryland, call the Mental Health Association helpline at 211 or 866-411-6803. The Mental Health Association of Frederick County also has a walk-in crisis clinic located at 340 Montevue Lane, Frederick, MD 21702.

Welcome to The Heart Beat, our regular check-in on the pulse of the community. On The Heart Beat, we will regularly highlight current stories and essential resources related to power-based violence.In our first episode, we’re covering the recently released batch of Jeffrey Epstein files and what they reveal about power, exploitation, and critical conversations around age of consent.In the U.S., children (17 years old or younger) participating in commercial sexual activity is always considered trafficking under federal law.