MTHA BENEVOLENCE PROGRAM: Supporting The People Who Make Racing Possible

Behind every horse on Maryland’s racetracks is a workforce whose skill and dedication keep the industry moving. These men and women devote their days to caring for Thoroughbreds. When they need care or assistance themselves, the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association is there to help.

The MTHA allocates more than $1.8 million annually to workforce support, providing services that address immediate needs while supporting long-term health, financial security and quality of life. From medical care and retirement benefits to transportation and personal counseling, that investment touches many aspects of life on the backstretch.

At the center of this commitment is a dedicated bilingual team available to listen, solve problems and help workers find the assistance they need. For someone unsure where to turn, a conversation with an MTHA staff member can be the first step toward relief.

“Our workforce is the heart of Maryland racing, and our commitment to these men and women extends well beyond the hours they spend caring for our horses,” said MTHA President Katharine M. Voss. “Allocating more than $1.8 million annually to workforce support is an investment in their health, stability and quality of life. We want every worker to know that help is available and that our bilingual backstretch team is here to listen, solve problems and connect them with the support they need.”

Practical Support for Everyday Life

Benevolence takes many forms: a doctor’s appointment, help with a prescription, a ride to the grocery store or someone to turn to during a difficult period. The MTHA’s workforce benefits and services include:

Backstretch Pension Program. With total plan assets exceeding $11.3 million, the MTHA’s Backstretch Pension Program helps eligible backstretch workers and trainers build financial security for retirement. The plan is funded through contributions from the purse account, with no individual contributions required from participants. MTHA staff make the annual sign-up process easier by offering personal assistance in English and Spanish, both in person and online.



Horsemen’s Health System. Open to workers and their families, the Horsemen’s Health System brings free primary medical care directly to the racetrack through a groundbreaking partnership among MTHA, TMJC and MedStar Health. MedStar physicians oversee each patient’s care, providing evaluations and treatment, coordinating specialist referrals within the MedStar network and managing follow-up care. This personalized approach gives workers and their loved ones a trusted medical team to guide them through the healthcare system and support their ongoing health needs.

Trainer Benefit Trust. The MTHA’s Trainer Benefit Trust Fund gives trainers and their spouses a helping hand with medical and dental expenses, easing the financial burden of care and supporting their health and well-being. MTHA staff provide personal guidance throughout the process, helping trainers understand the benefits available and access the support they need.



Backstretch Benevolence Fund. When illness, unexpected expenses or personal hardship threaten a worker’s stability, the MTHA provides assistance with medical, dental, vision and other essential expenses. Living Assistance helps with necessities such as rent, utilities and food during difficult times. Burial Assistance helps ease funeral or cremation costs for current or former racing industry employees when financial help is needed. Staff work personally with workers and their families to understand their circumstances and identify available support.



‍Prescription Assistance. The MTHA’s prescription program helps backstretch workers obtain necessary medications while reducing the burden of prescription costs. Whether treating a short-term illness or managing an ongoing condition, this support helps workers stay on track with their treatment. Coordination with MedStar physicians in the Horsemen’s Health System helps workers obtain prescriptions, arrange needed refills and maintain consistent care.



Dental Assistance. The MTHA helps workers access dental care through Mobile Dentist visits at Laurel Park and appointments with off-site providers. From routine examinations and cleanings to fillings, extractions and other treatment, these services help workers protect their oral health and address problems before they become more serious. Staff coordinate appointments, explain available financial assistance and help arrange transportation when needed.



Health Fairs. MTHA-sponsored backstretch health fairs bring free screenings, health education and personal guidance directly to workers and their families. Services have included blood pressure and cholesterol checks, cancer screenings and opportunities to discuss concerns with medical professionals. MedStar Health’s mobile team and other participating providers help identify potential problems early and connect participants with further care.



Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Counseling. No one should have to face life’s challenges alone. The Horsemen’s Assistance Program provides free, confidential support for employees navigating stress, anxiety, depression, grief, family difficulties, alcohol or drug use and other personal concerns. Benevolence & Counseling Director Jessica Hammond offers a compassionate, trusted place to turn, helping workers discuss their concerns and connect with counseling, treatment and community resources. Assistance is available in English and Spanish.



Immigration and Tax Assistance. The MTHA connects trainers and backstretch workers with immigration attorneys who can assist with visas, green cards and other immigration needs. Tax preparation and filing assistance is also available by appointment to help workers and trainers complete their state and federal returns. Personal guidance and access to knowledgeable professionals make these important responsibilities easier to manage.



Year-Round Recreation Program. The MTHA brings the backstretch community together through a full calendar of activities that give workers time to unwind, build friendships and enjoy life beyond the barn. Gatherings and complimentary meals in the Track Kitchen and Recreation Room, sports, tournaments, outdoor outings and organized trips offer something for a wide range of interests. Led by Program Director Bryant Paz, the program also provides sporting-event tickets and transportation to activities, helping workers feel connected and at home in Maryland’s racing community.



MTHA Express Shuttle Service. The free MTHA Express connects workers with grocery stores, laundromats, medical and dental appointments, social service agencies and community events. Led by Program Director Dan Mangum, the service makes everyday errands easier and helps workers access essential care and enjoy outings beyond the racetrack. Staff coordinate rides and reservations and, when the shuttle is unavailable, may arrange alternative transportation for medical appointments and social service visits.



Social Service Assistance. MTHA staff help workers connect with public benefits and community resources that support their health, independence and financial stability. Personal guidance is available for applications and renewals for Medicare, Medicaid, retirement benefits, food assistance and disability benefits. Support also includes help with identification cards and licensing needs, along with transportation coordination for visits to the Social Security Administration, Motor Vehicle Administration and other agencies.



Health Insurance Enrollment Assistance. The MTHA helps workers explore health coverage that fits their needs and budget through Maryland Health Connection. With guidance in English and Spanish, staff help workers understand coverage options, explore available financial assistance and complete enrollment paperwork. This hands-on support makes the process easier and helps workers access coverage for themselves and their families.



Mailboxes and Everyday Business Services. Secure backstretch mailboxes give workers reliable access to personal correspondence and important documents. MTHA racetrack staff also assist with Spanish-to-English translation, notarization, printing, licensing questions and other routine paperwork. Having someone nearby to help keeps everyday tasks from becoming unnecessary obstacles.
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A Team Workers Can Turn To

The MTHA Backstretch Team includes Racetrack Operations Director Diana Pinones; Benevolence & Counseling Director Jessica Hammond; Communications and Backstretch Director Tom LaMarra; and Program Directors Dan Mangum and Bryant Paz, who lead transportation and recreation, respectively.
Their work goes beyond administering programs. They help workers understand their options, coordinate appointments and services, navigate paperwork and work through problems that may otherwise feel overwhelming.

Employees do not need to know the name of a program before reaching out. Explaining the situation is enough to begin. Staff can identify available assistance and guide workers through the next steps, including any necessary approvals.

Additional Help Through the Maryland Horsemen’s Assistance Foundation

Alongside the Benevolence Program, MTHA and The Maryland Jockey Club jointly administer the Maryland Horsemen’s Assistance Foundation, a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the Maryland Thoroughbred racing community.

Created in 1947, the Foundation provides additional support to eligible backstretch workers, Thoroughbred farm employees and other members of the racing community facing severe financial hardship or extraordinary circumstances. When warranted, it can supplement regular MTHA benefits, helping with living expenses, dental and medical bills, and burial and memorial costs.

Workers seeking Foundation assistance should contact MTHA before obtaining services so staff can review their circumstances and explain available support. The Foundation also welcomes donations to help continue its longstanding mission of assisting horsemen in need. Additional information is available on the Foundation’s website.

For workers and their families, the invitation is simple: reach out. Whether the need involves healthcare, transportation, retirement planning or a personal crisis, the MTHA team is ready to listen and help.
To learn more, contact the MTHA at 410-902-6842, email info@mdhorsemen.com, or explore the MTHA’s services and programs.

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