Updated CDC Recommendations for Respiratory Illness (including COVID-19)

The CDC has released updated recommendations for how people can protect themselves from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, Flu and RSV. This updated guidance applies to community settings. There are no changes to respiratory virus guidance for healthcare settings.

The updated guidance also includes additional considerations for people who are at higher risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses, including people who are immunocompromised, people with disabilities, people who are or were recently pregnant, young children, and older adults.  

If you are sick with a respiratory virus:

  • Stay home
  • Return to normal activities when symptoms improve and you are fever free for 24 hours without medication
  • For the next 5 days, wear a mask and limit close contact with others, especially those at risk for severe illness

To help prevent illness:

  • Stay up-to-date with vaccination
  • Test to help prevent spreading a virus to others and to get the right treatment
  • Improve ventilation to bring in more fresh air or gather outdoors
  • Practice good hygiene – cover coughs and sneezes, wash or sanitize hands often and clean frequently touched surfaces

(Updated March 1, 2024)

Visiting Us

Hours of Operation: 8:00am-5:00pm  Monday through Friday
(Program hours may vary. Confirm specific operating hours.) 

Masks are NOT required at the Health Department (February 20, 2024), but are welcome. If you are sick (not related to why you are coming to the Health Department), please consider rescheduling your appointment.

For more information or questions, contact 410-313-6300.  For emergencies dial 9-1-1

Interpretation services can be provided.


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Topics of Interest

Lead Contamination in Ground Cinnamon

The FDA has issued an alert concerning cinnamon products due to elevated lead levels, including ground cinnamon sold at Dollar Tree and Family Dollar. Learn more about this alert and find more information about what to do if you have concerns about the presence of lead in your food on our Elevated Blood Lead Program page.

Crisis Services:

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Our Programs

Title

Access to Health Care Services

Content

The Bureau of Access to Health Care Services facilitates enrollment into quality healthcare by: processing insurance applications for low income children under age 19 through the Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP); assisting clients with applying for health insurance and providing services to help clients navigate the Medicaid system in the Administrative Coordination Care Unit (ACCU);  and scheduling transportation for Medicaid recipients to receive necessary medical treatment with the Medical Assistance Transportation Program.

Title

Behavioral Health

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The Bureau of Behavioral Health works on the promotion of mental health, resilience, and wellbeing; the treatment of mental and substance use disorders; and the support of those who experience and/or are in recovery from these conditions, along with their families and communities

Title

Cancer Prevention

Content

Approximately one out of every two American men and one out of every three American women will develop Cancer at some point during their lifetime.

The goals of the Cancer Control Program at the Howard County Health Department are to:
  • Reduce cancer deaths in Howard County and to reduce the differences in cancer outcomes among whites and ethnic minorities.
  • Increase breast and cervical cancer screening among the uninsured, low income women statewide and provide follow-up diagnosis
  • Carry out public and professional education to assure the quality of screening services
  • Provide early detection of Colorectal Cancer by increasing the number of Maryland adults screened and to decrease racial and ethnic health disparities
  • Work with community partners, State agencies, healthcare entities, resource centers and other local health departments to implement proven strategies to protect Maryland residents from tobacco-related death and disease
  • Prevent youth and young adults from ever using tobacco products
  • Provide resources to assist residents who are ready to quit using tobacco
  • Eliminate exposure to harmful toxins found in second-hand smoke
  • Identify and eliminate health disparities among population groups disproportionately affected by tobacco-related death and disease
Title

Community Engagement

Content

The goal of the Community Engagement Team is to achieve health equity in Howard County by identifying and reducing health disparities through collaborative partnerships and building trusting relationships with the community.  

 

Title

COVID-19

Content

The COVID-19 page provides information, resources and services related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Title

Emergency Preparedness & Response

Content

The mission of this program is to prepare the County and its healthcare system to respond to natural and man-made public health emergencies including but not limited to: severe weather conditions, bioterrorism and disease outbreaks.

Title

Environmental Health

Content

The Bureau of Environmental Health has three programs that address the physical environment. Programs include: Well & Septic, Food Protection and Community Hygiene.

Title

Immunizations

Content

The Immunization Program offers information and services for adult, adolescent and childhood immunizations

Title

Infection Prevention & Control Program (IPC)

Content

The IPC Program monitors, investigates, responds to, reports, and provides prevention guidance to limit the spread and duration of illnesses caused by infectious diseases. 

The IPC Program does not perform immunizations. Please contact our Health Clinic at 410-313-7500 for more information about Immunization services.

Title

Local Health Improvement Coalition (LHIC)

Content

The Local Health Improvement Coalition (LHIC) works to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities in Howard County. Participation is sought from individuals and organizations that seek to ensure access to programs and services that support our vision of equitable health outcomes for all.

Title

Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health

Content

The Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health Program addresses those issues from preconception to teen years and beyond.

Title

Assessment Evaluation and Review Services (AERS) Program

Content

The goal of the Assessment Evaluation and Review Services (AERS) Program is to help county residents to remain safe at home by connecting them with services and supports that can encourage their independence and personal well-being. This often means that individuals can live at home longer without having to consider moving to a nursing home or other facility placement.

Title

Sexual & Reproductive Health Services

Content

Howard County Health Department provides Sexual and Reproductive Health Services to Howard County women, men and teens and LGBTQIA+ communities. At our clinics there is no residency requirement, no one is turned away because of ability to pay, services are confidential, and there is no need for parental consent, regardless of age.

We have both onsite and telehealth services available and we always accept new patients. Call us for more information: 410-313-7500.

Title

Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program

Content

WIC is a federally funded program that provides healthy foods and nutrition counseling for pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children under age five.

Other Health Department Services

Title

About Us

Content

The Mission, Vision & Values of the Howard County Health Department

Title

Birth Certificates

Content

Birth certificates for those born in Maryland after 1939 are available from the Health Department Administrative Offices.

Title

Job Opportunities

Content

The Howard County Health Department has numerous programs and services that work to improve the health and well being of those who live, work, play and study in the County.  

In order to accomplish this, we rely on a large group of dedicated and talented people.  Our staff includes medical personnel, social workers, counselors, nutritionists, environmental health inspectors, as well as, administrative, clerical, fiscal and facilities staff.

Title

Volunteering/Internships

Content

The Health Department has several volunteer opportunities available for those who wish to give their time in the service of others.

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Public Information Act Requests

Content

Public Information Act (PIA) requests grant people the right to access to public records. To submit a PIA request to the Howard County Health Department, you can use the forms below.

For Well & Septic, Food Service Facility or other Environmental concerns, use the Environmental PIA Form. For Health Department records, Media Inquiries or other non-environmental informational requests, use the General PIA Form.

Note: If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Title

Public Health Accreditation

Content

Public Health Accreditation is a voluntary national program developed to measure health department performance against an established set of nationally recognized, practice-focused, and evidenced-based standards. Public Health Accreditation is overseen by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) and jointly supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Title

Health Boards

Content

Members, Meetings & Minutes for the Howard County Board of Health and the Howard County Local Behavioral Health Authority.

Title

Reports & Data

Content

Howard County Health Department continuously monitors and evaluates health-related data to ensure a safe, healthy Howard County community. As part of this analysis, the Health Department produces periodic reports examining significant health factors to the community.

Title

Health Department Request Forms

Title

Health Department Funding Opportunities

Content

Stay tuned for new funding opportunities!

Title

HCHD Social Media Comments Policy

Content

The purpose of HCHD's social media accounts is to present matters of public interest to Howard County, including our many residents, businesses, partners, stakeholders and visitors. We welcome questions and concerns, either publicly, as private messages here, or via email at [email protected]. However, they are not moderated online discussions. To reach our team most efficiently, we encourage you to email us directly.

We reserve the right to report or hide, at our sole discretion, public comments on these accounts that contain vulgar or threatening language; propose or promote illegal activity; include protected, personally identifiable information (doxxing); or that present misinformation.

We ask that you do not share protected, personally identifiable health information, such as your social security number, case number, or specific diagnoses, here.

Please note that, while we strive to be as responsive as possible, our accounts are not monitored 24/7. If you require immediate emergency assistance, please call 9-1-1 (24/7). If you or someone you love is in crisis, please call 2-1-1 Press 1 (24/7).

The content posted on these accounts by Howard County Health Department reflect the opinions and positions of the Howard County Health Department. Public comments or posts do not reflect the opinions and position of the Howard County Health Department or its officers and employees. If you have any questions concerning this account, please contact us directly at [email protected].

News

Find the latest news updates.

News

Health Department Leadership

Dr. Maura Rossman, Health Officer
Maura J. Rossman, MD
Health Officer
Read Biography

About

Dr. Maura Rossman is the Health Officer for the Howard County Health Department.  She has 35 years’ experience in the medical profession, and 25 years+ experience in Public Health. She was appointed Health Officer in 2012 and has worked for the Howard County Health Department since 2007, serving as Medical Director and Deputy Health Officer of Clinical Services.

Dr. Rossman is a versatile and strategic public health professional possessing exceptional leadership and management skills. She has designed and implemented innovative and sustainable population health-based program initiatives with an emphasis on data driven, outcome oriented, evidenced based practices. She and her team are customer focused to ensure health equity and optimal wellness are achievable for all who live, work, play and pray in Howard County.

Prior to joining Howard County Health Department, she served as the Medical Director of School Health for 10 years in the Baltimore City Health Department. The first ten years of her medical career were spent in academic pediatrics and as a neurodevelopmental specialist. She and her family are happy to call Ellicott City home since 1993.

Antigone Vickery, MPH - Deputy Health Officer
Antigone Vickery, MPH
Deputy Health Officer
Kelly Russo, MD, MPH - Medical Director
Kelly Russo, MD, MPH
Medical Director
Linda Ashburn, MPH
Linda Ashburn, MPH
Director, Bureau of Assessment, Planning and Community Engagement
Mike Davis - Director Bureau of Environmental health
Michael J. Davis, LEHS
Director, Bureau of Environmental Health
Connie Ford photo
Connie Ford, BSN, RN
Director, Bureau of Access to Healthcare
Ilise Marrazzo, MPH, BSN, RN - Director of Nursing
Ilise D. Marrazzo, MPH, BSN, RN
Director, Bureau of Health Services & Director of Nursing
Lenora Painter, MS, RN
Lenora Painter, MS, RN
Director, Bureau of Infection Control & Public Health Readiness
Roe Rodgers-Bonaccorsy PhD, LCADC, LCPC, NCC, CRC - Director Bureau of Behavioral Health
Roe Rodgers-Bonaccorsy, PhD, LCADC, LCPC, NCC, CRC
Director, Bureau of Behavioral Health
Dan Triplett - Bureau Director Administrative Services
Dan Triplett
Director, Bureau of Administration
Erin Anderson
Erin Anderson, MS, RN
Deputy Director Bureau of Health Services; Assistant Director of Nursing,
Shereen Cabrera-Bentley
Shereen Cabrera-Bentley, LCSW-C
Deputy Director, Bureau of Behavioral Health
Michelle Clark, LMSW, MPH - Deputy Director, Assessment, Planning & Community Engagement
Michelle Clark, LMSW, MPH
Deputy Director, Assessment, Planning & Community Engagement/Director of Strategic Initiatives
Allysin Houle photo
Allysin Houle
Deputy Director, Bureau of Access to Health Care Services
Lynn Moretz
Lynn Moretz, RN
Deputy Director, Bureau of Infection Control & Public Health Readiness
Jeff Williams
Jeffrey Williams, MS, LEHS
Deputy Director, Bureau of Environmental Health
Moenik Blue
Moenik Blue, BS
Director, Fiscal Services
Lisa de Hernandez, Director of Communication
Lisa M. de Hernández, CCPH, MPIO
Director, Communications & Public Information
Shelley English PHR, SHRM-CP - Director of Human Resources
Shelley English, PHR, SHRM-CP
Director, Human Resources
Joshua Forehand
Joshua Forehand
Director of Central Services
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Barry A. Graham
Director, Technology Services
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Christopher Hughan
Director, Contract Management & Purchasing
 

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