Drug Testing Near Me Columbia, MD
If you need a Drug or Alcohol Test in Near Me Columbia, MD , Accredited Drug Testing has many drug testing locations in Near Me Columbia, MD and the surrounding areas. Our drug testing centers provide urine drug testing, hair drug testing, alcohol testing, DOT physicals, DOT drug testing and DNA testing. Our drug and alcohol testing services are provided for employers in need of a pre-employment drug test, random drug test and post-accident drug test. We also provide testing for individuals needing a drug or alcohol test for court ordered reasons , probation or family purposes. Same day service is available and most drug testing Near Me Columbia, MD locations are within minutes of your home or office. Drug testing methods include urine, oral/saliva, hair follicle, blood , ETG and breath alcohol testing. Negative test results are generally available in 24-48 hours.
9055 Chevrolet Dr Ste 101, 2.5 miles
Ellicott City, MD 21043
11055 Little Patuxent Pkwy, SUITE 202 3.0 miles
Columbia, MD 21044
9396D BALTIMORE NATIONAL PIKE 3.4 miles
ELLICOTT CITY, MD 21042
6656 DOBBIN RD 3.8 miles
COLUMBIA, MD 21045
6785 Business Pkwy 5.5 miles
Elkridge, MD 21075
7377 WASHINGTON BLVD STE 101-102 5.6 miles
ELKRIDGE, MD 21075
2 East Rolling Crossroads, Suite 51 6.5 miles
Catonsville, MD 21228
5411 Old Frederick Rd Ste 9, 7.3 miles
Baltimore, MD 21229
5822 OAKLAND RD 7.8 miles
HALETHORPE, MD 21227
8768 SUSINI DR 7.9 miles
LAUREL, MD 20723
4807 BENSON AVE 8.2 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21227
1419 KNECHT AVE 8.4 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21227
5400 Old Court Rd Ste 102, 8.8 miles
Randallstown, MD 21133
701 DIGITAL DRIVE STE L 9.0 miles
LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MD 21090
On-site ONLY 9.8 miles
LAUREL, MD 20724
2701 W PATAPSCO AVE STE 225 9.9 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21230
2300 Garrison Blvd Ste 206, 10.1 miles
Baltimore, MD 21216
3676 Alpen Greenway 10.4 miles
Burtonsville, MD 20866
P. O. BOX 376 10.4 miles
LAUREL, MD 20725
2401 W BELVEDERE AVE HOFFBERGER STE 54 11.0 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21215
1860 REISTERSTOWN RD STE A 11.5 miles
PIKESVILLE, MD 21208
811 CROMWELL PARK DR STE 104 11.6 miles
GLEN BURNIE, MD 21061
1838 GREENE TREE RD STE 115 11.8 miles
PIKESVILLE, MD 21208
23 Crossroads Dr, Suite 120 11.9 miles
Owings Mills, MD 21117
1812 BOLTON ST APT 3 12.2 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21217
13823 OUTLET DR 12.3 miles
SILVER SPRING, MD 20904
1650 UNION AVE 12.3 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21211
808 LANDMARK DR STE 116 12.3 miles
GLEN BURNIE, MD 21061
1532 Liberty Road, Suite 101 12.4 miles
Eldersburg, MD 21784
726 LIGHT ST 12.4 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21230
100 S CHARLES ST STE 150 12.5 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21201
802 Cromwell Park Dr STE H-Cromwell Business Park 12.5 miles
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
4419 FALLS RD STE D 12.8 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21211
18111 PRINCE PHILIP DR, STE T12 13.0 miles
OLNEY, MD 20832
1000 LIBERTY RD STE 102 13.1 miles
ELDERSBURG, MD 21784
2901 SAINT PAUL ST 13.3 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21218
200 Hospital Dr Ste 103, 13.7 miles
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
11722 REISTERSTOWN RD 14.2 miles
REISTERSTOWN, MD 21136
1501 S CLINTON ST 11 FL 14.7 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21224
4729 SELLMAN RD 14.7 miles
BELTSVILLE, MD 20705
3600 ODONNELL ST STE 170 14.8 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21224
408 HEADQUARTERS DR STE 3-B 14.9 miles
MILLERSVILLE, MD 21108
10452 BALTIMORE AVE 15.4 miles
BELTSVILLE, MD 20705
7801 YORK RD STE 360 16.3 miles
TOWSON, MD 21204
1833 PORTAL ST 16.4 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21224
301 WATERSVILLE RD 16.5 miles
MOUNT AIRY, MD 21771
1220A E JOPPA RD STE 109 17.0 miles
TOWSON, MD 21286
7933 BELLE POINT DR 17.0 miles
GREENBELT, MD 20770
1205 York Rd Ste 15a, 17.1 miles
Lutherville, MD 21093
1407 YORK RD STE 311 17.2 miles
LUTHERVILLE, MD 21093
6201 Greenbelt Rd, Suite M3 17.2 miles
College Park, MD 20740
1830 YORK RD STE F 17.6 miles
TIMONIUM, MD 21093
10117 PALAMAR DR 17.6 miles
LANHAM, MD 20706
11002 VEIRS MILL RD STE 700 18.1 miles
WHEATON, MD 20902
1576 MERRITT BLVD STE 3 18.1 miles
DUNDALK, MD 21222
1576 MERRITT BLVD STE 2 18.1 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21222
8600 LASALLE RD YORK BUILDING, STE 515 18.5 miles
TOWSON, MD 21286
8101 PULASKI HWY STE H 18.5 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21237
3708 MOUNTAIN RD 18.6 miles
PASADENA, MD 21122
1730 Merritt Blvd Choice One UC Baltimore 18.6 miles
Baltimore, MD 21222
9801 GEORGIA AVE STE 222 18.9 miles
SILVER SPRING, MD 20902
205 CENTER STREET, SUITE 204 19.1 miles
MOUNT AIRY, MD 21771
12200 ANNAPOLIS RD, SUITE 120 19.2 miles
GLENN DALE, MD 20769
537 RITCHIE HWY STE 2G 19.3 miles
SEVERNA PARK, MD 21146
10 WARREN RD, STE 260 19.4 miles
COCKEYSVILLE, MD 21030
8121 GEORGIA AVE STE 208 20.0 miles
SILVER SPRING, MD 20910
8945 N WESTLAND DR 20.1 miles
GAITHERSBURG, MD 20877
431 N FREDERICK AVE GAITHERSBURG 20.1 miles
GAITHERSBURG, MD 20877
4451 PARLIAMENT PL STE G 20.1 miles
LANHAM, MD 20706
1401 BLAIR MILL RD APT 1222 20.1 miles
SILVER SPRING, MD 20910
803 RUSSELL AVE 20.7 miles
GAITHERSBURG, MD 20879
6820 HOSPITAL DR, STE 201 20.9 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21237
15225 Shady Grove Road, Suite 207 20.9 miles
Rockville, MD 20850
3510 HEIDI LN 20.9 miles
SPRINGDALE, MD 20774
9110 Philadelphia Rd Ste 212, 20.9 miles
Baltimore, MD 21237
9114 PHILADELPHIA RD STE 108 20.9 miles
BALTIMORE, MD 21237
15005 SHADY GROVE RD Ste 450 21.1 miles
ROCKVILLE, MD 20850
4000 Mitchellville Rd Ste A112, 21.3 miles
Bowie, MD 20716
9707 Medical Center Dr Ste 120, 21.4 miles
Rockville, MD 20850
8218 WISCONSIN AVE STE 208 22.0 miles
BETHESDA, MD 20814
3060 MITCHELLVILLE RD 22.1 miles
BOWIE, MD 20716
920 VARNUM ST NE 22.2 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20017
14800 PHYSICIANS LN STE 131 22.2 miles
ROCKVILLE, MD 20850
20528 Boland Farm Rd Ste 205, 22.2 miles
Germantown, MD 20876
14237 Jarrettsville Pike Choice One UC Phoenix 22.6 miles
Phoenix, MD 21131
844 WASHINGTON RD, STE 203 22.9 miles
WESTMINSTER, MD 21157
19785 CRYSTAL ROCK DR, STE 308 23.0 miles
GERMANTOWN, MD 20874
826 WASHINGTON RD 23.0 miles
WESTMINSTER, MD 21157
19785 CRYSTAL ROCK DR 23.0 miles
GERMANTOWN, MD 20874
12321 MIDDLEBROOK RD 23.1 miles
GERMANTOWN, MD 20874
11947 WINGED FOOT CT 23.2 miles
WALDORF, MD 20602
820 Bestgate Rd, 23.4 miles
Annapolis, MD 21401
3422 GEORGIA AVE NW 23.5 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20010
222 Washington Road, 23.6 miles
Westminster, MD 21157
12555 CENTRAL AVE. STE A&F 23.6 miles
CHINO, CA 91710
226 WASHINGTON HTS MED CTR A 23.6 miles
WESTMINSTER, MD 21157
2661 RIVA RD BLDG 600 SUITE 610 23.7 miles
ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401
1600A BRIGHTSEAT RD APT 301 24.0 miles
HYATTSVILLE, MD 20785
8700 CENTRAL AVE STE 204 24.2 miles
LANDOVER, MD 20785
PO BOX 59815 24.2 miles
ROCKVILLE, MD 20859
11435 ABBOTTSWOOD CT 24.2 miles
UPPER MARLBORO, MD 20774
11435 ABBOTTSWOOD CT 24.2 miles
LARGO, MD 20774
4121 MINNESOTA AVE NE 24.3 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20019
911 U ST NW 24.5 miles
WASHINGTON, DC 20001
How to schedule a drug test in Near Me Columbia, MD
Schedule Online or By Phone-Easy As 1, 2, 3
Step 1: Select and purchase your test online or call our Local scheduling center at (800)-221-4291. One of our representatives is ready to assist you and schedule your test. Payment must be received at the time of registration as testing centers do not accept payments,Same day service is available for most types of tests.
Step 2: If you scheduled online, complete the Donor Information/Registration Section and enter where you want the confidential test results sent via email. The zip code you enter will be used to determine the closest drug/alcohol testing center to you and where you will go to take your test.
Step 3: Your authorization form/donor pass will include the local testing center address and hours of operation. It will be sent to the e-mail address you provided. Take the form with you or have it available on your smart phone to provide to the testing center. No appointment necessary!
Urine or hair drug testing methods in Near Me Columbia, MD - You choose!
Accredited Drug Testing offers different testing methods depending upon our customer's needs. With a 1 to 5-day detection period urine testing is the most common method used by employers, courts and schools. However, hair drug and alcohol testing are becoming a frequently used testing method due to a detection period of approximately 90 days.
What is the most common urine/hair drug test?
Both a 5-panel urine or 5 panel hair drug test screens for the same drugs, however, the look-back period or detection window is very different. A urine drug test provides a look back period of 1-5 days while a hair drug test provides use up to 90 days from the date the specimen was collected.
- Amphetamines
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Opiates
- PCP
Court Ordered Drug Testing (Probation/Child Custody)
Our local drug testing Near Me Columbia, MD centers provide drug and alcohol tests that are utilized for a wide variety of court ordered proceedings, including probation and other types of government required tests. Observed tests are available and tests results can be submitted for a wide variety of court ordered proceedings including probation hearings, child custody cases, litigation and all manner of government required tests.
Court ordered drug tests should contain detailed instructions specifying the type of test to be administered and the drugs that should be screened for. If sample collection needs to be witnessed in order to prevent potential tampering or substitution, those specifications will be stated in the court order.
DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Services in Near Me Columbia, MD
We also specialize in providing testing services for all DOT Modes including Trucking Industry (FMCSA), Maritime Industry (USCG), Aviation Industry (FAA), Public Transportation (FTA), Railroad Industry (FRA) and Pipeline Industry (PHMSA) in accordance with Part 40 of the US Department of Transportation Compliance Regulations. Additional DOT Services include consortium enrollment, MVR reports, Supervisor Training and policy manual development. In addition, we offer a complete DOT Compliance Program for single operators and small trucking companies.
Additional DOT Services:
- Consortium Enrollment
- DOT Physicals
- Supervisor Training
- Employer Drug Policy Development
- MVR Reports
- Employee Training
- Background Checks
- FMCSA Clearinghouse Verification/Search
The Opioid Overdose Crisis
Every day, more than 130 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids. The misuse of and addiction to opioids,including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl,is a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the total "economic burden" of prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is $78.5 billion a year, including the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement.
- Roughly 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them.
- Between 8 and 12 percent develop an opioid use disorder.
- An estimated 4 to 6 percent who misuse prescription opioids transition to heroin.
- About 80 percent of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids.
- Opioid overdoses increased 30 percent from July 2016 through September 2017 in 52 areas in 45 states.
- The Midwestern region saw opioid overdoses increase 70 percent from July 2016 through September 2017.
- Opioid overdoses in large cities increase by 54 percent in 16 states.
In the late 1990s, pharmaceutical companies reassured the medical community that patients would not become addicted to prescription opioid pain relievers, and healthcare providers began to prescribe them at greater rates. This subsequently led to widespread diversion and misuse of these medications before it became clear that these medications could indeed be highly addictive.3,4 Opioid overdose rates began to increase. In 2017, more than 47,000 Americans died as a result of an opioid overdose, including prescription opioids, heroin, and illicitly manufactured fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid.1That same year, an estimated 1.7 million people in the United States suffered from substance use disorders related to prescription opioid pain relievers, and 652,000 suffered from a heroin use disorder (not mutually exclusive).
Employer/Drug Free Workplace Testing in Near Me Columbia, MD
Many companies and employers may be interested in being a drug free workplace, if so, Accredited Drug Testing specializes in providing comprehensive and cost-effective drug free workplace programs for small, medium and large companies. Organizations that utilize an employee drug testing program are commonly referred to as a Drug Free Workplace. However, many times companies do not fully qualify as a Drug Free Workplace because the drug testing program which they use does not have all of the components which make up a true Drug Free Workplace under their State specific law. Our Drug Testing Near Me Columbia, MD locations are ready to serve your needs.
Want to open a No Fee employer account? Click Here to open your employer drug testing account today and save money!
What Are the Benefits of Being a Drug Free Workplace in Near Me Columbia, MD ?
- Enhanced Employee Performance
- Reduced Job-Related Accidents
- Reduced Employee Absenteeism
- Lower Workers Compensation Rates
- Improved Employee Moral
- Customer Satisfaction
On-site/Mobile Drug Testing in Near Me Columbia, MD
Do you have at least 10 employees needing a drug or alcohol test? If so, Accredited Drug Testing can provide on-site drug testing at your place of business. On-site drug testing services is frequently used by construction sites, manufacturing facilities, job fairs. On-site drug testing is available for pre employment and random testing. Call us today at (800)221-4291 and speak to our on-site coordinator to schedule your drug testing event in Near Me Columbia, MD .
Drug Testing Locations in Near Me Columbia, MD
Accredited Drug Testing has drug testing locations in Near Me Columbia, MD and the surrounding areas. Many of our drug testing centers open early and have evening hours to accommodate a person's work schedule. Our drug testing locations in Near Me Columbia, MD have certified and trained drug testing specialists ready to serve your testing needs in a friendly, knowledgeable and confidential manner.
Drug testing purposes for employers include pre-employment, random selection, post-accident and reasonable suspicion. Testing purposes for individuals can include court ordered, probation, child custody or for any other personal reason.
Accredited Drug Testing is a nationwide drug testing company with testing centers in Near Me Columbia, MD specializing in Drug, Alcohol, DNA testing. DOT Physicals and Background Checks.
On the road or vacation? No worries! We can schedule your test, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!
With over 20,000 testing centers throughout the United States, Accredited Drug Testing has testing centers in all States and in most cities and towns.
Which drug testing panel is right for you?
Drug test screening groups are commonly referred to as a drug testing panel. The most common panels used are a 5 panel, 10 panel and 12 panel drug tests, (panels specify how many drugs will be screened) however customized screening can be analyzed for drugs such as opiates, bath salts, synthetic cannabinoids and a wide range of prescription drugs.
Customized Drug Testing Near Me Columbia, MD
Accredited Drug Testing in Near Me Columbia, MD also provides customized drug testing for synthetic marijuana, Ketamine, spice, kratom, bath salts and various opioids including Fentanyl, Oxycodone, Vicodin, Percocet, and others. Prescription drugs can be screened including Adderall, Ritalin, and Suboxone with levels reflecting usage.
Additional customized Drug Testing panels available include
- Narcotics
- Meperidine
- Tramadol
- Fentanyl
- Meprobamate
- Butorphanol
- Ketamine
- Nalbuphine, Naloxone, Naltrexone and/or Metabolite
- Pentazocine
- Antidepressants
- Amitriptyline
- Nortriptyline
- Fluoxetine and/or Metabolite
- Sertraline
- Antihistamines
- Chlorpheniramine
- Diphenhydramine
- Doxylamine
- Pheniramine
- Brompheniramine
- Stimulants
- Stimulants Diethylpropion
- Ephedrine
- Methylphenidate
- Phenmetrazine
- Phendimetrazine
- Phentermine
- Phenylpropanolamine
- Pseudoephedrine
- Alcohol (8-hour lookback)
- ETG Alcohol (80-hour look back)
- Other Drug(s)
- Zolpidem
What is a Drug Test?
A drug test is a technical analysis of a biological specimen, for example urine, hair, blood, breath, sweat, and/or oral fluid/saliva-to determine the presence or absence of specified parent drugs or their metabolites. Major applications of drug testing include detection of the presence of performance enhancing steroids in sport, employers and parole/probation officers screening for drugs prohibited by law (such as cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin) and police officers testing for the presence and concentration of alcohol (ethanol) in the blood commonly referred to as BAC (blood alcohol content). BAC tests are typically administered via a breathalyzer while urinalysis is used for the vast majority of drug testing in sports and the workplace. Numerous other methods with varying degrees of accuracy, sensitivity (detection threshold/cutoff), and detection periods exist. A drug test may also refer to a test that provides quantitative chemical analysis of an illegal drug, typically intended to help with responsible drug use.
Does passive smoke inhalation cause a false positive for marijuana?
"Passive" smoke inhalation from being in a room with people smoking marijuana is not considered valid, as the cut-off concentrations for lab analysis are set well above that which might occur for passive inhalation.
Other abnormalities in the urine screen may indicate that results may be a false negative or that there was deliberate adulteration of the sample. For example:
- a low creatinine lab value can indicate that a urine sample was tampered with; either the subject diluted their urine by consuming excessive water just prior to testing, or water was added to the urine sample. creatinine levels are often used in conjunction with specific gravity to determine if samples have been diluted. To help avoid this problem, the testing lab may color the water in their toilet blue to prevent the sample being diluted with water from the toilet. subjects may also attempt to add certain enzymes to the urine sample to affect stability, but this often changes the pH, which is also tested.
How long do drugs stay in your system?
The window of detection or often times referred to as look back period of a drug test depend on several factors. Some of the factors impacting how long a drug will stay in your system are:
- The amount of the drug taken
- The frequency of the drug taken
- The type of drug taken
- An individual's body metabolic rate and general health
- The amount of fluids consumed since ingesting the drug
- The amount of exercise since ingesting the drug
- Other genetic variations that would impact an individual's response to a specific drug
Why choose Accredited Drug Testing in Near Me Columbia, MD ?
Our staff is prepared to assist you with any questions you may have in a friendly and confidential manner and providing exceptional customer service and being available when you need us for drug testing in Near Me Columbia, MD is our #1 Priority and we look forward to serving the needs of employers and individuals who need any type of test.
Don't see a location near you? Call us (800) 221-4291)
"When you need a test, choose the best!"
Alcohol Testing Columbia, MD Services
(800)221-4291
For more information regarding the effects of drug abuse - Click Here
For more information on a drug free work place - Click Here
Handy Resources
Comprehensive Online Resources for Drug Testing
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Provides comprehensive information on drug testing and its role in substance use disorder treatment.
- FDA: Drug Testing
Explains the FDA's role and regulations concerning drug testing for consumers.
- PDR.net
Provides detailed drug information and safety updates through a mobile-friendly platform.
- BeSafeRx - FDA
Resource by the FDA to help consumers identify and choose safe online pharmacies.
- SAMHSA: Drug Testing Resources for the Workplace
Resources and guidelines for drug testing in the workplace.
- Drugs.com
Provides drug information, side effects, and interactions for consumers and professionals.
- Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST)
Online version of the DAST to help individuals assess whether they have a drug problem.
- Merck Manuals
Consumer-friendly medical resource providing comprehensive information on a wide array of health topics, including drug testing.
- SAMHSA Store
Provides access to resources and publications on substance use prevention and treatment.
- National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
Information on state boards of pharmacy and regulations, including those related to drug testing.
- CDC: Workplace Health Promotion
CDC's resources on substance use and drug testing in the workplace.
- Mayo Clinic: Drug Testing
General information about the procedures and types of drug tests.
- MedlinePlus: Drug Testing
Offers information about various drug tests and their uses in medical diagnosis and treatment.
- University of Rochester Medical Center Health Encyclopedia
Provides a detailed entry on drug testing, including how tests are conducted and what they detect.
- World Health Organization (WHO)
International guidelines and information on public health, including substance abuse and drug testing.
- Healthline: Drug Testing
Consumer health site offering information on how drug tests work and what they look for.
- WebMD: Drug Testing
Provides a patient-oriented overview of drug testing and its purposes.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
Provides a vast database of scientific studies, including research on drug testing and its effectiveness.
AI Overview
Local Drug Testing: An Essential Guide
Local drug testing plays a pivotal role in maintaining safe and productive environments across a variety of sectors, including workplaces, schools, and sporting events. It involves analyzing biological samples to detect the presence of drugs and is crucial for enforcing drug-free policies. This guide provides consumers with comprehensive information about the importance, methods, and benefits of local drug testing.
Importance of Local Drug Testing
Drug testing at a local level helps organizations comply with legal requirements, supports public safety, and promotes health within communities. It is a deterrent against the use and abuse of drugs, providing a basis for intervention and support when needed.
Common Methods of Local Drug Testing
- Urine Testing: The most common method due to its cost-effectiveness and the ability to detect a wide range of drugs over a considerable period.
- Saliva Testing: Gaining popularity for its non-invasive nature and the ability to conduct tests easily on-site with immediate results.
- Hair Follicle Testing: Provides a longer detection window, up to 90 days, making it effective for identifying habitual drug use.
- Blood Testing: Offers highly accurate results but is less commonly used due to its invasive nature and higher cost.
Choosing a Local Drug Testing Provider
- Accreditation: Ensure the provider is accredited by relevant health and safety regulatory bodies to guarantee high standards in testing.
- Types of Tests Offered: Consider the range of drug testing services offered to ensure they meet specific needs, whether for employment screening, legal compliance, or personal reasons.
- Confidentiality and Privacy: The provider should have strict protocols to protect the privacy and confidentiality of individuals undergoing drug testing.
Benefits of Local Drug Testing
Implementing drug testing locally offers numerous benefits:
- Safety: Reduces the risks associated with drug-related accidents in the workplace and public spaces.
- Compliance: Helps organizations adhere to industry regulations and legal standards.
- Health and Prevention: Promotes a healthier environment and provides early detection, which is crucial for effective drug prevention and treatment strategies.
Local drug testing is an invaluable resource for ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, enhancing workplace productivity, and fostering community health. By understanding the options and selecting a reputable provider, organizations and individuals can effectively utilize drug testing to meet their specific needs.
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Local Area Info: Columbia, Maryland
Columbia is a census-designated place in Howard County, Maryland, United States, and is one of the principal cities of the Baltimore metropolitan area and the Washington metropolitan area. It is a planned community consisting of 10 self-contained villages. It began with the idea that a city could enhance its residents' quality of life. Creator and developer James W. Rouse saw the new community in terms of human values, rather than merely economics and engineering. Opened in 1967, Columbia was intended to not only eliminate the inconveniences of then-current subdivision design, but also eliminate racial, religious and class segregation.[citation needed]
Columbia proper consists only of that territory governed by the Columbia Association, but larger areas are included under its name by the U.S. Postal Service and the Census Bureau. These include several other communities which predate Columbia, including Simpsonville, Atholton, and in the case of the census, part of Clarksville. The census-designated place had a population of 99,615 at the 2010 United States Census. It is the second most populous community in Maryland after Baltimore. More recent estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey put the population at approximately 103,467 as of 2015.
Columbia was founded by James W. Rouse (1914-1996), a native of Easton, Maryland. In 1935, Rouse obtained a job in Baltimore with the Federal Housing Administration, a New Deal agency whose purpose was to promote home ownership and home construction. This position exposed Rouse to all phases of the housing industry. Later in the 1930s he co-founded a Baltimore mortgage banking business. In the 1950s his company, by then known as James W. Rouse and Company, branched out into developing shopping centers and malls. In 1957 Rouse formed Community Research and Development, Inc. (CRD) for the purpose of building, owning and operating shopping centers throughout the country. Community Research and Development, Inc., which was managed by James W. Rouse and Company, became a publicly traded company in 1961. In 1966, Community Research and Development, Inc. changed its name to The Rouse Company, after it had acquired James W. Rouse and Company in exchange for company stock.