Outbreak of Lung Disease Associated with E-Cigarette/Vaping Use
CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), state and local health departments, and other clinical and public health partners are investigating a multistate 
outbreak of lung disease associated with e-cigarette product (devices, liquids, refill pods, and/or cartridges) use.
Consumer Alert: The USFDA and the CDC have issued a public alert to not use vaping products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. Additionally, consumers who choose to use any vaping products should not modify or add any substances such as THC or other oils to products purchased in stores and should not purchase any vaping products, including those containing THC, off the street or from other illicit channels.
What you should know:
- Electronic cigarettes – or e-cigarettes — are also called vapes, e-hookahs, vape pens, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).
- Using an e-cigarette product is commonly called vaping.
- E-cigarettes work by heating a liquid to produce an aerosol that users inhale into their lungs.
- The liquid can contain: nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinoid (CBD) oils, and other substances and additives.
For more information, including symptoms, visit our Health Alerts and Recalls page HERE
(Information courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month
Every year, 2% - 10% of pregnancies in the United States are affected by gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes, which can develop during pregnancy
, causes high blood sugar that can affect your pregnancy and your baby's health. Managing gestational diabetes will help you to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Gestational diabetes can increase the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy and increase the risk of having a large baby that needs to be delivered by cesarean section (C-section). About 50% of women with gestational diabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes, but there are steps you can take to prevent it.
Learn more by clicking on our Population Health page.
Open Enrollment for Healthcare Coverage Begins
Open enrollment for health care access begins on November 1, 2019 and runs until December 15, 2019. For enrollment information and hours call us at 410-313-5845. You can also visit Maryland Health Connection for additional information.
Flu Clinics 2019-2020
Walk-In Flu Vaccination Clinics (Beginning Tuesday, November 5, 2019)
Monday - Friday (excluding holidays)
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
For additional information visit our Seasonal Flu Information page.
Breaking the Cycle of Youth Suicide in Howard County
Youth Suicide Prevention Program Uses Multiple Tactics to Help Save Lives
Suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-24 in 2017. In Howard County, suicide was the leading cause of death for youth ages 15-19 between 2014-2016. According to the Maryland Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 1 in 6 high s
chool students and 1 in 5 middle school students have “seriously considered attempting suicide”.
An evidence-based plan, accompanied by an “It’s OK to Ask” outreach campaign, encourages both youth and adults to talk openly about suicide and suicide prevention.
Health Department staff will be working in the community to provide specialized presentations and training for those who would like to bring Youth Suicide Prevention Program components to their organizations and groups.
“It’s OK to Ask” campaign materials, additional information, resources and training are available at teenhealthmatters.org, or by contacting Kayla Blasher, Health Department Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator at 410-313-6240.
Learn suicide warning signs and get tips about how to start a conversation by visiting teenhealthmatters.org
If you, or someone you know is in crisis, contact:
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Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center 24/7 at 410-531-6677 or
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text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)
***For Media*** Suicide Reporting Recommendations
The Doctor Is In - Episode Five - Teen Mental Health and Suicide - Moving Forward
Teen health and suicide continue to dominate the news. In this episode, we look at new efforts being undertaken by the Health Department and partners, to combat the stigma surrounding mental health and how to take action to help those experiencing depression, anxiety and thoughts of suicide. Click HERE to hear the current podcast.
You can hear all of the episodes of The Doctor Is In at: https://dragondigitalradio.podbean.com/category/the-doctor-is-in
Featured Video
The Bonavitacola Family shares their experience with opioid overdose and how it can happen in any family.