The Howard County Health Department and other State agencies will be closed on Monday, May 29, 2017 in observance of Memorial Day.  There will be no birth certificate services.  We will reopen on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at regular business hours.

Maryland Public Opinion Survey for Howard County
We would like you to take part in an opinion survey about perceptions, awareness and use of prescription opioids in our community.  The survey is designed for HOWARD COUNTY RESIDENTS age 18 and OLDER ONLY. The anonymous survey takes approximately 5-10 minutes.

Click on the following link which will take you to the survey. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MPOSHoward

May is a Month of Many Health Observances
National Prevention Week - May 14-20, 2017
This week is an annual observance dedicated to increasing the public awareness of, and action around, substance abuse and mental health concerns. The three primary goals are to: Involve communities in raising awareness about behavioral health issues and implementing prevention strategies; Foster partnerships and collaboration with federal agencies and national organizations dedicated to behavioral and public health; and Promote and disseminate quality behavioral health resources and publications. For more information, visit the  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website .

Walk & Bike to School Day - May 10, 2017
This day brought children, parents, teachers and the community together to focus on the importance of physical activity, safety and a walkable community.  There were a number of events activities at area elementary and middle schools, including: Stevens Forest ES, Northfield ES, Swansfield ES, and Oakland Mills MS.  Check with your school for the "meet-up" places to begin your walk or bike to school!

Walk & Bike to School is a joint project of the Howard County Health Department, Howard County Government, Local Health Improvement Coalition, Howard County Police Department, Howard County Public School System, Howard County Recreation & Parks, Safe Kids Howard County, The Columbia Association and The Horizon Foundation

Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed since 1949, building an understanding of mental illness, increasing access to treatment and ensuring those who are struggling know they are not alone.  1 in 5 adults in the United States lives with a mental health condition. 1 in 25 lives with a serious mental health condition.  If you or someone you know needs to reach out for support, contact any or all of the resources below.
Resources:

• Howard County Mental Health Authority - 410-313-7350
• Howard County Bureau of Behavioral Health - 410-313-6202
• Grassroots Crisis Intervention - 410-531-6677
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - Maryland - 1-877-878-2371
  

Healthy and Safe Swimming Week - May 22-28, 2017
Each year Healthy and Safe Swimming Week focuses on simple steps swimmers and pool operators can take to be sure everyone has a healthy and safe swimming experience.  Swimmers must play a role in helping to protect themselves and prevent the spread of germs using good hygiene.  For information about Recreational Water Illnesses, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website about healthy recreational water.

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
Regular physical activity is good for everyone's health and people of all ages and body types can be physically active.  National Physical Fitness and Sports Month is a great time to spread the word about the benefits of getting active. Some of the benefits of physical activity are: improved bone and heart health lowered risk of heart disease and with older adults, lowered risk of falls*  For more information about National Fitness and Sports Month, visit www.healthfinder.gov
*information provided by Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

The influenza vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from becoming ill with the influenza (flu). Yearly vaccinations are important because the strains of influenza that circulate change over time. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months . It is especially important for people who are at high risk for influenza-related complications and severe disease including:

• Children younger than 5 years old,
• People 65 and older,
• Pregnant women,
• Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities,
• People of any age with chronic medical conditions
• People undergoing therapy or with a condition that may weaken their immune systems.

The newly scheduled clinics are Walk-In.  No appointment necessary.  There is NO charge! 
Flu vaccine is thimerisol-free.  Pediatric doses are limited. Vaccine is for those ages 6 months and up. For questions or more information, call 410-313-7500

For more information about substance use/abuse and prevention see our Behavioral Health page.  For Opioid Overdose Response (naloxone) Training, visit our Behavioral Health page or call 410-313-6202.

An Opioid Overdose Response Program Information video is available for viewing online. To view, click on the following ezcast.com link to Opioid/Heroin Overdose Training.

Suicide Prevention App for Smart Phones

(Click above to get more information about the app.)

Apple App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/there-is-hope/id1122136102?mt=8

Google Play Store:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nextlogik.grassroots&hl=en

Important: If you think you are sick due to eating bad food or food product contact the Bureau of Environmental Health at 410-313-1772.  After business hours, leave a message with your call back information and we will return your call first thing the morning of the following day.