Measles Information & FAQs
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through coughing and sneezing. Measles starts with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat. It’s followed by a rash that spreads over the body.
For more information, fact sheets and resources about Measles go to our Health Alerts and Recalls page.
Howard County Named 10th Healthiest Community in the United States
U.S. News and World Report released its annual Healthiest Communities edition on March 26, 2019. Howard County ranked #10 of nearly 3,000 jurisdictions. Click here to read the announcement by County Executive Calvin Ball. To read the U.S. News & World Report article on Howard County, click here.
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 school students and 1 in 5 middle school students have “seriously considered attempting suicide”.
On February 28, 2019, County Executive Ball and the Howard County Health Department announced a plan to reduce youth suicide in Howard County. Strategies include increasing awareness and reducing the stigma around suicide/mental health, educating the community about how to recognize risk factors and warning signs, demonstrating how to talk to someone about suicide, and linking youth to appropriate resources. The 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. A Teen Mental Health Ambassador program will be implemented in high schools throughout the county. 
“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.
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)
Learn suicide warning signs and get tips about how to start a conversation by visiting teenhealthmatters.org
Photos and video of the Youth Suicide Prevention campaign announcement may be found at:
Seasonal Flu Clinics
Walk-In hours. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. No appointment necessary.
Wednesday clinics are 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Howard County Health Department
8930 Stanford Blvd.
Columbia, MD 21045
Lead Information & Resources
Visit the following Health Department pages:
The Doctor Is In - Episode Three - Public Health 101
The third episode of the Health Department podcast, The Doctor Is In is now available on Howard Community College’s Dragon Digital Radio. It is no surprise that the words public health conjure up images of health inspectors investigating restaurants or perhaps a clinic for mothers and their babies. While both are accurate, there is much more to public health than meets the eye. In fact, it is often said that when public health is working, it is invisible. We’ll talk to three people working in very different areas of public health. 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.