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May 2026 Local Behavioral Health Advisory Board Meeting

The Board's mission is to advise the County Health Officer and the County Executive of their responsibility to plan, manage and monitor Behavioral Health programs and services for Howard County Residents.
05/13/2026

Local Behavioral Health Advisory Board Meeting Agenda 

May 13, 2026 5:00 p.m. 

WebEx 

  1. Welcome 
  2. Introductions 
  3. Approval of Agenda and Minutes 
    1. May 13, 2026 Agenda 
    2. April 08, 2026 Board Meeting Minutes  
  4. Attendance Review 
  5. Presentation: 

Suicide in Adolescents 

Chad Lennon – Sheppard Pratt Health Systems, Staff Psychiatrist Co-Ed Adolescent Unit  

  1. LBHA Director Updates  
  2. Committee Updates 
    1. Program Development & Strategic Planning 
    2. Board Development 
      1. Action Items from Barbara Allen 
    3. Proposal Review 
    4. Critical Indicator 
      1. Currently dormant  
  3. Chairman Updates  
  4. Announcements 
  5. Adjournment 

Future Meeting Dates: 

June 10, 2026 

July is our break month – no meeting in July! 

Local Behavioral Health Advisory Board Meeting Minutes 

  1. Welcome
  2. Introductions
  3. Approval of Agenda and Minutes
    1. May 13, 2026 Agenda
      1. Motion to approve agenda seconded and passed
    2. April 08, 2026 Board Meeting Minutes
      1. Motion to approve previous meeting minutes seconded and passed
  4. Attendance Review

    1. In Attendance:

      Barbara Allen, Margaret Chippendale, Dana Couch, Janet Edelman, Michael Holliday, Ayesha Holmes, Christopher King, Devora Kirschner, Stephanie Porter,

      Kelly Proctor, Joan Webb Scornaienchi, Kami Wagner, Andre’a Watkins, John Way

    2. Excused:

      Mark Donovan, Jennifer Jenkins, Genny LaPorte, Geneva Rieu, Joshua Speert

    3. Absent:

      Shakirra Haynes, Victoria Myles, Jacqueline Scott

    4. HCHD Staff:

      Roe Rodgers-Bonaccorsy, Shereen Cabrera-Bentley, Andrew Moore

    5. Guests:

      Travis Baird, Chad Lennon, Garrett Neal

  5. Presentation:

Suicide in Adolescents

Chad Lennon – Sheppard Pratt Health Systems, Staff Psychiatrist Co-Ed Adolescent Unit

  1. Suicide is becoming one of the leading causes of death among teens. He reviewed major risk factors for suicidality like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, substance abuse, bullying, social isolation, and lack of support systems, while also discussing populations at an elevated risk such as Black youth and LGBTQ+ adolescents.
  2. Chad highlighted the importance of understanding how loneliness, rejection sensitivity, emotional masking, shame, and a lack of feeling of belonging contribute to suicidal ideation in adolescents. Particular attention should be paid to the impact of ADHD and anxiety among women and people of color, and how delayed recognition or misunderstanding of these conditions will intensify emotional distress and feelings of failure or disconnection.
  3. Prevention and intervention strategies focus on access to therapy, school-based mental health resources, supportive community connections, and compassionate, nonjudgmental communication efforts. Chad’s presentation reinforced the importance of directly assessing suicidal thoughts, recognizing warning signs early, and creating environments for adolescents to feel supported, connected, and safe in order to discuss mental health challenges.
  4. Please reach out to Chad at Chad.Lennon@sheppardpratt.org with any questions you may have.
  5. Presentation slides attached alongside meeting minutes.

 

  1. LBHA Director Updates
    1. May is Mental Health Awareness month
      1. The May Mental Health Awareness month campaign aims to promote mental health awareness by encouraging Maryland organizations, businesses, and communities to “Go Green” – a symbol of growth, hope, and solidarity for mental wellness.
      2. The Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) is partnering with the Mental Health Association of Maryland (MHAMD), and The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling to promote this national campaign.
      3. Howard County Government will be lighting up the George Howard Building green for May.
      4. Howard County Health Department will be wearing green for a group photo to share across social media in support of this campaign.
    2. Anne Arundel Counseling will conduct a virtual training entitled Trauma Informed Care for Diverse Communities, with Social Work CEUs available, on May 13th, 11am-1pm.
      1. This training is funded by the Howard County Health Department.
    3. The next meeting of the Maryland Overdose Response Advisory Council will be at the Maryland State House in Annapolis on Thursday, May 14th at 10am. Members of the public are welcome to attend or to tune-in virtually. Attendees can sign up to provide public comment in person or send written comments to StopOverdose@maryland.gov
    4. Connecting the Dots will conduct a free online Mental Health First Aid workshop on Saturday, May 30th. There is pre-work due before the class starts.
      1. This training is funded by the Howard County Health Department.
        1. Saturday, May 30th, 10am-4pm
        2. Virtual Training – Zoom link provided after registration 
        3. Free to attend, space is limited.
        4. National Adult Mental Health First Aid Certification available.
      2. Be the one to help an adult in crisis!
        1. Learn how to:
          1. Recognize the signs of mental health or substance abuse challenges
          2. Respond to crises like panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, or trauma
          3. Support adults and connect them to professional help
        2. Who should attend:
          1. Family members, caregivers, and friends;
          2. Teachers, school staff, and coaches;
          3. HR professionals, managers, and supervisors;
          4. First responders, healthcare and social service workers;
          5. Faith leaders and community volunteers.
      3. Register online using this form by Saturday, May 23. If you have any questions, please contact Travis Broaddus, CEO of Connecting the DOTS, LLC, at tbroaddus@ctdservices.netor 301-377-4398.
    5. Third Annual Good Vibes & Voices Concert and Event – Double time it over to Rockburn Branch Park on Thursday, June 4, 2026 from 6:30pm-8:30pm for a night of FREE music, entertainment, healing conversations, activities (axe throwing, inflatables, lawn games, video games, etc.), food, and fun! Learn about local resources for service members, veterans, and their families. For more information, go to www.howardcountymd.gov/goodvibes.
    6. Sage Wellness will conduct two free Youth Mental Health First Aid Training workshops. The purpose of this training is to develop tangible skills to support youth with diagnosed and suspected mental health and/or substance abuse challenges. Participants will be empowered to identify common mental health challenges and behaviors, stigmas surrounding mental health treatment, and behaviors and strategies to employ in a crisis situation until professional help is accessed.
      1. Space is limited for this FREE training. Pick the training date that is best for you:
        1. Two-part virtual training, June 4th and 5th, 10am-1pm
        2. In-person training, June 6th, 10am-5pm, North Laurel Community Center
      2. Complete this form to register for the class of your choice.
      3. This training is funded by the Howard County Health Department.
    7. Sage Wellness Group will conduct a virtual training entitled Addressing Community & Cultural Stigma, with CEUs available, on June 9th from 10am-12pm.
      1. This training is funded by the Howard County Health Department.
      2. Register here!
    8. Community Survey on Firearms
      1. We are seeking your input to better understand community views on firearms/guns, safety concerns, and potential solutions. Your responses will help shape the materials and conversations we provide to the community.
      2. The survey will take approximately 4 minutes to complete.
      3. Your participation is voluntary, and all responses will be kept confidential. No personally identifiable information will be collected or shared.
      4. Survey Monkey form
  2. Committee Updates
    1. Program Development & Strategic Planning
      1. Bill SB707, cross-filed with HB1014, has been passed.
        1. This bill defines "danger to the life or safety of the individual or of others" for purposes of the involuntary admission of individuals with mental disorders to a facility or Veterans' Administration hospital and the emergency evaluation of individuals with mental disorders.
        2. Maryland was the only state to not have a definition or standard to apply to the concept of being a danger to oneself or others.
    2. Board Development
      1. The slate of candidates to elect the LBHA Board executive leadership positions has been established:
        1. LBHA Chairperson – Ayesha has agreed to stand for the chairperson position.
          1. Ayesha taking the Chairperson position will leave the Program Development & Strategic Planning Committee Lead position vacant – Kelly has agreed to stand for the PD&SP Committee lead to replace Ayesha.
        2. LBHA Vice-Chairperson – Barbara has agreed to stand for the Vice-Chairperson position.
        3. LBHA Secretary – John has agreed to stand for the Secretary position.
      2. If you are interested in serving in one of these roles, we can still add you to the slate of candidates to be voted on in our next meeting, June 10th. Please reach out to Andrew or Barbara to be put on the slate of candidates running for these positions.
      3. Motion to approve slate of candidates for board executive openings seconded and passed.
        1. We will vote to elect these candidates at our next meeting, June 10th.
    3. Proposal Review
      1. No activity to report.
  3. Chairman Updates
  4. Announcements
  5. Adjournment
Date
May 13, 2026
Time
05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Department/Office
Local Behavioral Health Advisory Board

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