Investigation of E. coli Outbreak Linked to Romaine Lettuce from Salinas, Californ
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FDA, CDC, and state health authorities are investigating an outbreak of illnesses caused by E. coli O157:H7 in the United States.
Consumers: Consumers should not eat romaine lettuce harvested from Salinas, California. Additionally, consumers should not eat products identified in the recall announced by the USDA on November 21, 2019.
Romaine lettuce may be voluntarily labeled with a harvest region. If romaine lettuce has “Salinas” on the label in any form (whether alone or with the name of another location) do not eat it. Throw it away or return it to the place of purchase. If romaine lettuce does not have information about harvest region or does not indicate that it has been grown indoors (i.e., hydroponically- and greenhouse-grown), throw it away or return it to the place of purchase. Consumers ordering salad containing romaine at a restaurant or at a salad bar should ask the staff whether the romaine came from Salinas. If it did, or they do not know, do not eat it.
At this time, romaine lettuce that was harvested outside of the Salinas region has not been implicated in this outbreak investigation. Hydroponically- and greenhouse-grown romaine, which is voluntarily labeled as “indoor grown,” from any region does not appear to be related to the current outbreak. There is no recommendation for consumers to avoid using romaine harvested from these other sources.
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.
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
For vaping and the effects it can have on teens and young adults, visit the Tobacco Control Program page.
(Information courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
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
Monday - Friday (excluding holidays)
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Howard County Public Library Flu Clinics: All Clinics 3-6 pm
- December 10 - Glenwood Branch
- December 12 - Miller Branch
- December 17 - East Columbia Branch
- December 19 - Central Branch
For additional information visit our Seasonal Flu Information page.
Breaking the Cycle of Youth Suicide in Howard County
Youth Suicide Prevention Program Created - 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 school students and 1 in 5 middle school students have “seriously considered attempting suicide”.
An evidence-based Youth Suicide Prevention Plan, accompanied by an “It’s OK to Ask” outreach campaign, was created to encourage both youth and adults to talk openly about suicide and suicide prevention. Learn suicide warning signs and get tips about how to start a conversation by visiting teenhealthmatters.org
Phase Two: Sources of Strength
The second phase of the Youth Suicide Prevention Program began in November with the implementation of the Sources of Strength Program. Sources of Strength is a best-practice youth suicide prevention project. Student peer leaders and adult advisors design and share Hope, Help and Strength-based messages with youth in the community to prevent suicide, bullying and substance use.
How does Sources of Strength work?
- Creates an interactive peer leadership program that influences positive social change
- Empowers students to create networks of connection and resiliency
- Increases help-seeking behaviors
- Promotes positive connections between peer leaders and adults
Follow the HCHD Sources of Strength Program on Facebook and Instagram.
“It’s OK to Ask” and Sources of Strength campaign materials, information, resources and training are available at teenhealthmatters.org, or by contacting Kayla Blasher, Health Department Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator at 410-313-6240.
If you, or someone you know is in crisis, contact: Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center 24/7 at 410-531-6677
or 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