January is Cervical Health Month
The United States Congress designated January as Cervical Health Awareness Month. Nearly 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, but the disease is preventable with vaccination and appropriate screening (Pap and HPV tests). The Health Department provides both the tests and the HPV vaccine. Call us at 410-313-7500 for more information or to make an appointment.
The Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP) provide screening, diagnosis, treatment and patient navigation services to those who qualify. Visit the BCCP page here.
Resources:
January is National Radon Action Month
January Is National Radon Action Month. January is Radon National Radon Action Month. During January, the U.S. Surgeon General and the Environmental Protection 
Agency (EPA) urges all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes for radon. You can’t see, smell or taste radon, but it could be present in your home. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America and claims the lives of about 21,000 Americans each year.
Exposure to radon is a preventable health risk and testing radon levels in your home can help prevent unnecessary exposure. If a high radon level is detected in your home, you can take steps to fix the problem to protect yourself and your family.
Resources:
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)
Flu Clinics 2019-2020
Walk-In Flu Vaccination Clinics
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 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