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 and healthcare provider information, visit our Health Alerts and Recalls page HERE
(Information courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point.
The good news is that most women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. A mammogram — the screening test for breast cancer — can help find breast 
cancer early, when it’s easier to treat.
- If you are a woman age 40 to 49, talk with your doctor about when to start getting mammograms and how often to get them.
- If you are a woman age 50 to 74, be sure to get a mammogram every 2 years. You may also choose to get them more often.
The Health Department has a Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP) which may be able to assist with getting screening, diagnosis, treatment and patient navigation services. Visit the BCCP web page HERE or call us at 410-313-4255.
Please feel free to join us for our Annual Tree of Hope Ribbon Pinning on October 17, 2019 at 11:00. Pink ribbons with the names of those who have battled breast cancer and for those who have lost their battle with the disease will be placed on the tree. Come by the Health Department lobby and pin a ribbon on the "tree".
Flu Clinics 2019-2020
For upcoming Flu Vaccination Clinics visit our Seasonal Flu Information page for more information.
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 s
chool students and 1 in 5 middle school students have “seriously considered attempting suicide”.
An 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.
“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.
Learn suicide warning signs and get tips about how to start a conversation by visiting teenhealthmatters.org
If you, or someone you know is in crisis, contact:
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Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center 24/7 at 410-531-6677 or
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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
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The Bonavitacola Family shares their experience with opioid overdose and how it can happen in any family.