This workgroup identifies social and environmental barriers to health and recommends strategies to improve health equity for Medicaid-insured and uninsured residents.

The Howard County Interfaith Advisory Council is established to address religious intolerance, enhance community support, and coordinate services for at-risk populations through interfaith collaboration and dialogue.

The Office of Consumer Protection is a division of the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services. The Office helps to protect Howard County consumers by mediating disputes, taking enforcement action or providing tips on how to avoid scams or make smart purchasing decisions.

The Howard County Police Department provides a secure environment for the citizens of Howard County by protecting life and property, reducing the opportunity for crime and disorder, enforcing the law, assisting victims and providing other police-related services as required by the community in a manner consistent with the values of a free society.

The Howard County Office of Community Sustainability aims to protect and enhance the quality of life in our communities by addressing environmental and economic issues affecting County citizens and future generations. Guided by principles of science, ingenuity, sustainability and stewardship, the Office engages in water quality, economic development, agriculture, energy and education initiatives.

The Office of Human Resources (OHR) coordinates the administration of all personnel related tasks for Howard County Government.  The office actively promotes a philosophy of equal opportunity for all through the impartial application of rules and regulations pertaining to hiring, promotion, training, compensation, and benefits.

The Office on Aging and Independence promotes the full inclusion of persons with disabilities, addresses the needs of an increasingly diverse cultural community, and supports the desires of our residents to remain independent as they grow older. Our commitment to a No Wrong Door approach makes it easier for older adults, caregivers, adults with disabilities and their families to find the services they need. 

The Office of Community Partnerships promotes collaboration among Howard County’s human service providers to support individuals seeking to attain self-sufficiency. The Office also administers the County’s Community Services Partnership Grant program, coordinates the County’s response to homelessness, and supports initiatives of the Howard County Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency.

Local Boards are convened in qualifying jurisdictions to determine the highest need and best use of funds and to select Local Recipient Organizations that will provide emergency food and shelter services.

This center is a 46,000-square-foot, silver LEED-certified community center that includes a swimming pool, splash pad, basketball and volleyball courts, classrooms, fitness and exercise rooms with cardio and PRECOR strength training equipment, a climbing wall and more . 

The Office of Procurement and Contract Administration maintains approximately 775 annual contracts for the goods, services and capital improvement projects that allow Departments to serve the residents of Howard County.