2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Visit our CORONAVIRUS PAGE for updated and detailed COVID-19 information!
Health Department Programs and Services During the Coronavirus
While the Health Department is open for essential services by appointment only, we offer many services virtually.
Birth Certificate Services:
- No walk-In services available. You can obtain application forms and detailed information for ordering vital records or requesting amendments may be found at www.health.maryland.gov/vsa
- You can visit www.vitalcheck.com
- You can order by mail by sending forms to:
Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 68760, Baltimore, MD 21215
- You can call MDH Vital Records at 410-764-3038, push 1.
Access to Healthcare:
Behavioral Health:
Clinical Services:
- By Appointment Only – Appointments must be scheduled in advance by calling the program or calling 410-313-6300.
- WIC participants call 410-313-7510
Environmental Health:
- By Appointment Only
- For Well & Septic call 410-313-1771
- For Food Protection Call 410-313-1772
- For Community Hygiene – 410-313-1773
Lung Disease Associated with E-Cigarette/Vaping Use
Electronic smoking devices (ESDs) contain harmful chemical that cause lung disease and possibly death. They also contain addictive nictoine that can damage your brain. For more information about the dangers of vaping and the effects it can have on teens and young adults, visit our Tobacco Control Program page.
***For clinician information, visit our Tobacco Control Program 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 2019 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. Watch a video about Sources of Strength in action in Howard County here.
“It’s OK to Ask” and Sources of Strength campaign materials, information, resources and training are available at teenhealthmatters.org, or by contacting Colleen Nester, Health Department Youth Suicide Prevention Coordinator at 410-313-0613.
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)
The Doctor Is In - Episode Six - Vaping and Teen Health
The dangers of vaping and e-cigarette use have been in the news almost daily for the past several months. Despite the dangers of vaping, teens are using e-cigarettes more than ever. In this podcast, we discuss the dangers of vaping, especially for teens and young adults, and what programs are available in Howard County to help those who use e-cigarettes quit their habit. 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