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Behavioral Health News, Events, & More
for the Mid-Shore Region
| | Recognizing MSBH Team Member Anniversaries | | |
Please join us in celebrating the work anniversaries of J Howard, BS, EIL, Behavioral Health Coordinator for Specialty Populations and Programs (MCCJTP, DDBHH-LD/LEP, Veterans, Consumer Support) (four years), and Ann Simpers, LCPC, Behavioral Health Coordinator for Wellness and Recovery (seven years). J has played an important role in strengthening support for underserved populations across the region, and Ann has helped advance wellness and recovery initiatives throughout the mid-shore. We are grateful for the passion, commitment, and care they bring to their work every day. Thank you both for all you do to support MSBH and our community!
View our full team here.
| | Workplace Excellence Series Graduation | |
(James E. Morris Jr., CWDP, DCC, Continuum of Care Housing & Outreach Specialist, and America McKinney, Continuum of Care Support Specialist, pose with the recent graduates of MSBH's first Workplace Excellence Series)
Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc.'s Continuum of Care Team recently celebrated the first graduating class of its Workplace Excellence Series, as featured in The Star Democrat. The program supports individuals reentering the workforce by building skills, confidence, and understanding of employer expectations. Seven participants completed the inaugural cohort, gaining practical workplace skills, including communication, problem-solving, self-organization, and strategies for long-term employment success. This initiative highlights the power of partnerships and the impact of investing in workforce development across the mid-shore.
To learn more about MSBH’s Workplace Excellence Series, contact James Morris: jmorris@midshorebehavioralhealth.org.
| Free Good Samaritan Training | |
Join Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. on April 10th from 9 AM to 12 PM for a free Good Samaritan Training at the Saint Michaels Community Center: 103 Railroad Avenue, Saint Michaels, MD. This in-person event will include training on the Good Samaritan Law, a Q&A panel, breakfast, and discussions focused on recovery and community support. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and strengthen resources across our mid-shore community.
Register here.
| 28th Annual Caliber Award Nominations | |
Nominations are now open for the 28th Annual Caliber Awards, which honor individuals and organizations making outstanding contributions to strengthen the public behavioral health system in the mid-shore region. This event recognizes excellence across multiple categories, including advocacy, programming, recovery, collaboration, leadership, and lifetime achievement. Award recipients are celebrated for their dedication, impact, and commitment to improving behavioral health services and supports in our communities. We encourage partners, providers, and community members to submit nominations for those who are making a meaningful difference.
The Caliber Awards are by invitation only.
Nomination submissions have been extended to April 10th.
Click here to view and submit nominations.
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Request for Proposals Now Open:
Urgent Care & T.A.M.A.R. Programs
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Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. (MSBH) has released two new Requests for Proposals (RFPs) aimed at expanding behavioral health services across the Eastern Shore. The first RFP is for an Urgent Care Clinic in Worcester County, designed to provide immediate behavioral health assessments, crisis stabilization, and connections to ongoing care and community supports. The second RFP seeks a provider to implement the Trauma, Addictions, Mental Health, and Recovery (T.A.M.A.R.) program across five detention centers in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot Counties. Both opportunities support MSBH’s mission to increase access to timely, evidence-based behavioral health services for individuals in need.
View both RFP's here.
| Three New Job Opportunities at MSBH! | |
Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. is seeking a part-time, contractual certified peer to support the implementation of a new grant titled "Peer Power: Advancing the Workforce" awarded via the Department of Labor's "Rural Advancement of Maryland Peers (RAMP)" grant. The RAMP Program Coordinator will support 15 peers in becoming Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS) in the State of Maryland. This will be an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on recovery supports in the mid-shore region. The position supports a 25-hour work week and is a 1099 contractual position that pays $50.00 per hour with no benefits. For more information, contact Ashley Strazza at astrazza@midshorebehavioralhealth.org or call 410-770-4801 ext. 321.
Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. is seeking a full-time Statewide Assisted Living Administrative Specialist to support Maryland’s Public Behavioral Health System through coordination of the State Hospital Discharge Initiative (SHDI). This role serves as the primary point of contact for SHDI and is responsible for facilitating hospital-to-assisted-living transitions, coordinating individualized aftercare plans, supporting assisted living provider onboarding, managing contract and financial documentation, tracking vacancies, reviewing invoices, monitoring budgets, preparing required reports, and conducting annual site visits to ensure quality and compliance standards are met. The Specialist works closely with the Statewide Assisted Living Care Coordinator, hospital discharge teams, assisted living providers, community partners, and the Behavioral Health Administration, and should have strong organizational and communication skills, experience with financial processes and documentation, and the ability to travel statewide to support resident transitions and provider oversight. For more information or to apply, contact Kelley Moran at kmoran@midshorebehavioralhealth.org or call 410-770-4801 ext. 318.
Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. is seeking a full-time Grants Coordinator to manage the financial administration of sponsored projects and grants. This role is responsible for preparing and monitoring grant budgets, reconciling expenditures, submitting financial reports and reimbursement requests, supporting audits, and ensuring compliance with funder and organizational requirements. The Grants Coordinator works closely with program staff, the finance team, and service providers and should have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, 2–5 years of grants or nonprofit finance experience, and proficiency in QuickBooks, grant tracking systems, and Excel. For more information or to apply, contact Kelley Moran at kmoran@midshorebehavioralhealth.org or call 410-770-4801 ext. 318.
View all MSBH open positions here.
| | Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center: Certified Peer Recovery Specialist Training | |
The Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center has received funding through the Department of Labor’s Rural Advancement of Maryland Peers (RAMP) program to expand the Peer workforce on the Eastern Shore. This opportunity will support training for new Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS), with in-person cohorts in Salisbury and Cambridge in late spring and early summer 2026. Peer Recovery Specialists use their lived experience to support others on their recovery journey, and participants will receive training, supervision, and assistance with certification costs. Individuals interested in pursuing a career in peer support are encouraged to complete the interest form to begin the application process.
Learn more here.
| April is Autism Acceptance Month | |
April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum. This month emphasizes the importance of acceptance and connection so that everyone can access the support they need to thrive. Organizations like the Autism Society of Maryland are hosting events, sharing resources, and amplifying the voices of the autism community. From community gatherings to educational opportunities, there are many ways to get involved and show your support. We encourage you to visit their Autism Acceptance Month webpage to learn more, explore events, and find meaningful ways to participate.
Learn more about Autism Acceptance Month events and resources here.
| April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) | |
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), marking the 25th anniversary of this movement led by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. This year’s theme, “25 Years Stronger: Looking Back, Moving Forward,” honors survivors and the progress made in preventing sexual violence. SAAM raises awareness that sexual violence is widespread and encourages communities to take action through education and advocacy. On Denim Day (April 29th), individuals are encouraged to wear denim to show support for survivors and challenge victim-blaming.
Learn more here.
| | Updated MSBH Behavioral Health Resource Guide | |
MSBH has released its updated Behavioral Health Resource Guide for the mid-shore region. Now updated monthly, the guide serves as a growing resource for local behavioral health services.
For questions or concerns, please contact jqvarnstrom@midshorebehavioralhealth.org.
View the Guide and submit additions/edits here.
| Mental Health Awareness Month: Share Your Story | |
Share your story with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and be part of Mental Health Awareness Month this May. Submissions are open on a rolling basis, and selected stories will be featured throughout the year to uplift real experiences and inspire others. Add your voice to help reduce stigma and remind others they are not alone.
Learn more here.
| Mental Health Association of Maryland 2026 Legislative Bill Tracking | | In-Person Trainings & Events | | |
- April 9th – 10th, 2026, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Brain Injury Association of Maryland (BIAMD) Annual Conference: Connecting Minds, Changing Outcomes. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Baltimore North – Pikesville, 1726 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208.
- April 23rd, 2026, All Day: Compass Regional Hospice: Golf Tournament. Queenstown Harbor, Queenstown, Maryland.
- April 24th, 2026, 10 AM – 12:30 PM (ET): Queen Anne’s County Department of Health: Reentry Simulation. Queen Anne’s County Department of Health, 206 N. Commerce St, Centreville, MD.
- April 25th, 2026, 10 AM - 1 PM: Town of Greensboro: 3rd Annual Autism Awareness Event. 627 N Main St, Greensboro, MD 21639.
- April 27th – 29th, 2026, All Day: National Council for Mental Wellbeing: NatCon 2026. Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO.
- May 14th–17th, 2026, All Day: American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM): Preventive Medicine 2026. Baltimore, Maryland.
- June 5th, 2026, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Queen Anne’s County Department of Aging & Transportation: QAC Inter-Agency Meeting. Queenstown Landing, Queen Anne’s County, Maryland.
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- April 9th, 2026, 12 PM - 1 PM: Kennedy Krieger Institute: Autism Medical FAQ: What Parents Ask and What Doctors Think.
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Need support during a mental health or substance use crisis? Marylanders can call, text, or chat 24/7 with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to connect with trained, compassionate specialists. In addition to immediate help, 988 can connect you with local mental health and substance use services.
For more information and resources, click here.
| Mid Shore Suicide Coalition | | |
The Mid Shore Suicide Coalition, a partnership between Channel Marker and Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc., focuses on suicide prevention through educational resources, training initiatives, and community events. The coalition offers toolkits, suicide prevention training, and a variety of resources for survivors of suicide loss, along with support for individuals and communities impacted by suicide.
To join or learn more, visit Mid Shore Suicide Coalition.
View the MD Department of Health Suicide Prevention Linktree Resources.
| | Pathways to Wellness: Integrating Suicide Prevention in Substance Use Disorder Treatment | | |
This resource provides guidance on integrating suicide prevention in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. It describes the importance, feasibility, and effectiveness of incorporating suicide risk screening and brief interventions in SUD treatment and offers a list of resources to help you apply suicide prevention strategies in your practice. Designed for substance use disorder treatment professionals, this document may also be useful for other behavioral and mental health clinicians.
View the resource here.
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- Mindful Mondays meets Mondays, 10 a.m to 11 a.m. at the Dorchester County Health Department. This class is for individuals involved in the justice system (parole, probation, pre-trial release) who want to learn how to calm themselves through stretches and breathing techniques. For more info, contact sue.radcliffe@maryland.gov.
- The Talbot County Caregiver Support Group meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 1-2 p.m. This group helps Alzheimer's caregivers develop a support system, exchange information on challenges and solutions, and talk through issues and ways of coping. For more info, contact swolfberg@intergracare.com or jane.bateman@homeinstead.com.
- The Healthy Living Workshop is a one-time interactive class that focuses on healthy lifestyle strategies to prevent/manage hypertension and diabetes. Meets on the third Tuesday of every month.
- Ages and Stages Class addresses new parent topics such as caring for your baby, healthy nutrition, and self-care. For more info call 410-479-8185.
- Mid Shore Therapist Support Network: A monthly network group for therapists who are open to working with lgbtq+ individuals and need to build skills and confidence to do so. Email Rachel Hutchison for more information.
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NAMI KQA offers a free online peer-led Family Support Group, for family members of older teens and adults struggling with serious mental illness -- the FSG meets twice a month. More info at 443-480-0565 or namikentandqueenannes@gmail.com.
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Talbot Mentors Parent Support Group, the last Wednesday of every month. This support group focuses on three areas that families have identified as important: Financial Literacy, Mental Health, and Art.
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The Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. (MCVRC) invites families and friends of homicide victims to participate in a safe peer support group. MCVRC welcomes individuals, families, and friends to benefit from this free support service whether or not there has been an arrest or prosecution. To join, please call MCVRC at 301-952-0063 and do an intake with an advocate. This group meets on the first Tuesday evening of every month in a hybrid format.
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Chesapeake Voyagers, Inc. is hiring a full-time Peer Support Specialist (PSS) in Easton, MD. This 40-hour-per-week position is part of a peer-operated nonprofit where staff use their lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges to build mutual, supportive relationships rooted in Intentional Peer Support. Responsibilities include building non-judgmental connections, co-facilitating support groups, supporting self-advocacy in the community, collaborating with staff and local partners, and helping maintain a welcoming peer-run center. Candidates should have at least five years of wellness/recovery (if applicable) and a willingness to share their lived experience in a collaborative environment. Please submit your resume and a detailed letter about your lived experience and interest in a peer-run environment to careers@chesapeakevoyagers.org.
- Channel Marker is hiring a Residential Crisis Services Coordinator in Easton, MD. This full-time role supports adults in need of short-term mental health crisis stabilization, including supervising crisis support staff, conducting admissions and intakes, assisting with transitions and discharge planning, and connecting clients to community resources. Flexible, team-oriented candidates with a bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) are encouraged to apply here.
- Dorchester County Health Department is hiring mental health clinicians (LCSW-C) to work in an expansion of the School-Based Wellness Center program. Position would serve early elementary ages (PreK -2nd grade) in a small Tier II behavior program. Individual and family treatment, classroom-wide groups, and case management. Please apply via the Maryland State application if interested and/or contact Mindy Black-Kelly, LCSW-C, for more information, 443.521.1662 mindy.black-kelly@maryland.gov
- The Parents’ Place of Maryland is hiring Family Peer Support Specialists (FPSS) across the state to support families navigating mental health, substance use, and problem gambling challenges. Applicants must have lived experience caring for a loved one with behavioral health needs. Additional openings include Program Director, Regional Supervisors, Intake/Program Assistant, and Financial/HR Assistant. Services will be available in English and Spanish through one-on-one support, workshops, and groups. For more information and to apply, visit the careers section here.
| | Introduction to Careers in Healthcare (ITCH) Program | | |
The Introduction to Careers in Healthcare (ITCH) program, established in 2023, connects middle and high school students in Caroline, Chestertown, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot Counties with career opportunities in the medical field. ITCH provides hands-on experiences, mentorship, and career planning to help students explore healthcare professions beyond what they see on TV. Through job shadowing, internships, and professional guidance, ITCH empowers young people to build confidence, develop career goals, and support the future of local healthcare.
Learn more here.
| | Grant & Funding Opportunities | | Children’s Mental Health Initiative Grant Opportunity from SAMHSA | |
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Children’s Mental Health Initiative (NOFO SM-26-013), which supports comprehensive community-based mental health services for children, youth, and young adults up to age 21 with serious emotional disturbance. This competitive grant opportunity is open to eligible state and local governments as well as tribal organizations and offers significant funding to expand and strengthen mental health systems of care. Applications are due Monday, April 20, 2026.
Click here to learn more
| Minority Outreach and Technical Assistance (MOTA) Program | |
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is awarding $19 million in new supplemental funding to states through the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant (MHSBG) for efforts to address the intersection of homelessness and serious mental illness (SMI). This funding advances the President’s Executive Order, Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets.
Click here to learn more
| | Make a Big Difference with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore | | |
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore (BBBSES) is a local mentoring non-profit serving all nine counties across Maryland’s Eastern Shore. By committing just 2-4 hours a month, volunteer mentors help youth facing adversity discover their strengths, grow in confidence, and reach their full potential. Mentoring also helps volunteers strengthen their leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills! Each match is carefully made based on shared interests and personalities, so both children and volunteers can build a genuine connection.
Interested in becoming a Big or referring a child? Visit shorebiglittle.org, call 410-543-2447, or email info@shorebiglittle.org to learn more.
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Caroline County Residents
Kent County Residents
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Queen Anne's County Residents
Talbot County Residents
| | Mid Shore Health Improvement Coalition Interactive Food Resource List | | |
The Mid Shore Health Improvement Coalition provides a range of food resources to support individuals and families in need across the region. From food pantries and soup kitchens available daily to mobile meal services through Shore Gourmet 'SHO-GO,' fresh groceries and prepared meals are delivered to various locations in Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot counties. The coalition also supports homebound seniors through Meals on Wheels, as well as students and families with weekend food through Backpack Programs.
For more information on eligibility and services, visit their website or reach out to the coalition directly.
| | Additional Links & Resources | | Mid Shore Health Improvement Coalition | | |
The Mid Shore Health Improvement Coalition is making it easier to get connected to health resources in the region.
Residents can now text MIDSHORE to 898-211 and receive a monthly notification with a calendar of health events taking place within Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's, and Talbot counties.
Find health fairs, support groups, new parent classes, blood pressure screening, food pantries, walking groups, diabetes prevention programs, and so much more!
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The A.F. Whitsitt Center is a 24/7 inpatient residential treatment program in Chestertown, Maryland, that provides comprehensive care for adults experiencing substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. The center offers medically monitored withdrawal management, residential treatment, crisis stabilization, and a range of therapeutic services delivered by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. With a focus on dignity, compassion, and recovery, the program supports individuals from admission through aftercare planning to help them achieve long-term stability and improved quality of life.
Click here to learn more.
| | BHIPP Consultation Warmline is Available Year-Round | |
Child mental health specialists are available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. (except on major holidays) to provide consultation in many areas of behavioral health, including medication management, diagnostic issues, developmental delays, school/learning issues, autism spectrum disorders, trauma, and early childhood mental health. Call 855-Md-BHIPP (632-4477)
Click here for more information.
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Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc.
28578 Mary’s Court, Suite 1
Easton, MD 21601
410-770-4801
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