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Behavioral Health News, Events, & More
for the Mid-Shore Region
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Recognizing MSBH Team Member Anniversaries | | |
Please join us in celebrating the 6-year work anniversary of Yvette Hynson, MS, Certified SOAR Case Specialist and Certified Aging in Place Specialist!
Over the past six years, Yvette has helped individuals navigate important resources and services that support greater stability, independence, and quality of life. As a Certified SOAR Case Specialist, she assists individuals who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness with accessing Social Security disability benefits and connecting to needed supports. As a Certified Aging In Place Specialist, Yvette helps individuals identify ways to remain safe and independent in their homes by connecting them with resources and support related to accessibility, housing, and daily living needs.
Through her dedication, compassion, and expertise, Yvette continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. We are grateful for her many contributions and thank her for six years of dedicated service and continued commitment to Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. and the communities we serve.
View our full team here.
| | Celebrating Recovery Month | | |
Join Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. for the Annual Going Purple Together event on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Moton Park as we celebrate September as National Recovery Month and support recovery throughout the mid-shore region. This free community event will feature family activities, food, peer recovery speakers, raffle prizes, and opportunities to connect with local resources.
Community organizations and vendors are invited to register to table and share their resources with attendees by completing the vendor registration form.
View other County Recovery Month Events here.
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September is National Recovery Month, a time to celebrate the progress of people in recovery, recognize the individuals and organizations that support them, and remind our communities that recovery is possible. The 2026 theme, The Great American Recovery, emphasizes that recovery is strengthened through connection, belonging, meaningful relationships, and supportive communities. This year’s focus highlights Community & Connection, Reducing Stigma, Wellness, Multiple Pathways, and Youth in Recovery, recognizing that every person’s recovery journey is unique.
View the SAMHSA Recovery Month Toolkit.
View the CDC Recovery Month Toolkit.
View Regional Recovery Month Events.
| Rural Advancement of Maryland Peers | |
Turn your recovery journey into an opportunity to support others through the Rural Advancement of Maryland Peers (RAMP) Program. Designed for individuals interested in becoming Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS), RAMP provides training, mentorship, workforce development, and hands-on experience to help participants build meaningful careers in behavioral health. Eligible participants receive 50 hours of virtual peer recovery training, opportunities to complete up to 500 volunteer or internship hours, job readiness support, assistance with CPRS certification costs, and transportation support for the exam. Applicants must be 18 or older, hold a high school diploma or GED, have at least 18 months of sustained recovery, and reside in a Maryland Eastern Shore county.
To learn more, contact Michael Blair, CPRS, at (410) 463-3343 or email RAMP@midshorebehavioralhealth.org.
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National Suicide Prevention Month | |
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, encourage conversations about suicide prevention, and remind our communities that support is available. September 8 marks 988 Day, a national day of action focused on increasing awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and its 24/7 availability. This year’s theme, “988 Reasons: Your reason is reason enough,” reminds us that you do not have to be in crisis to reach out for support, and whatever you are facing, your reason is enough. Throughout September, help spread the message, learn the warning signs, check in with the people around you, and remind others that they can call or text 988 or chat online with a trained crisis counselor whenever they need support.
Get 988 Day Resources here.
View the MD Office of Integrated Wellness & Prevention Suicide Prevention Toolkit here.
View the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Toolkit here.
View the National Alliance on Mental Illness Suicide Prevention Month Resources and Toolkit 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.
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Support is always within reach through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Marylanders can call, text, or chat 24/7 to connect with trained, compassionate counselors who provide free, confidential support for individuals experiencing emotional distress, mental health challenges, or substance use concerns. In addition to immediate support, 988 can also connect individuals with local mental health and substance use services.
View the 988 website here.
| | Join the Regional Behavioral Health Advisory Committee | | |
Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. is accepting applications for the Regional Behavioral Health Advisory Committee (RBHAC), a Maryland statute-established committee that brings together community members interested in improving behavioral health across Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's, and Talbot counties.
The committee meets every other month to discuss current behavioral health issues, identify emerging trends, and provide valuable community input that helps guide regional planning and decision-making.
Individuals with lived experience, family members, providers, advocates, and other community stakeholders are encouraged to apply by submitting an RBHAC membership application and a brief statement of interest to Jon Qvarnstrom.
| | Updated MSBH Behavioral Health Resource Guide | | In-Person Trainings & Events | | |
- September 12th, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Dorchester Goes Purple. City Corner Lot on Race St. and Cedar St., Cambridge, MD. 21613
- September 16th–17th, All Day: Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy: 5th Annual State Summit on Behavioral Health and the Justice System (State SIM Summit). DoubleTree Baltimore North Hotel, Baltimore, MD.
- September 16, 2026, 6:30–8:30 PM: For All Seasons: Reclaiming Our Stories, Reclaiming Ourselves, featuring Dr. Annie Brewster. The Ebenezer Theater, 17 S Washington St, Easton, MD 21601.
- September 20, 2026, 7:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (approx.): Caroline County Health Department: Paddle for Prevention & Remembrance. Martinak State Park Boat Landing, Denton, MD. For more info, call 410-479-1882.
- September 21st–23rd, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM: Mental Health Association of Maryland: Dialogic Practice: The Art of Presence. Bon Secours Conference & Retreat Center, 1525 Marriottsville Rd., Marriottsville, MD 21104.
- October 13th–15th, All Day: National Federation of Families: 2026 Conference. Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista, FL.
| | Additional Links & Resources | | Free Online Youth Mental Health Resources | | |
Created by For All Seasons, Inc. with local Maryland youth, Real Talk: Conversations That Matter helps teens and trusted adults talk about mental health, social media stress, isolation, supporting a struggling friend, and asking for help.
For more information click here.
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Beginning January 1, 2027, new federal Medicaid requirements may impact up to 320,000 Maryland residents enrolled in Medicaid coverage. Some adults ages 19–64 may be required to demonstrate employment, school participation, or completion of approved activities and will need to renew their Medicaid coverage every six months instead of annually. Maryland Health Connection will notify affected members beginning in September 2026 and provide additional guidance on meeting these requirements. Individuals are encouraged to keep their account information up to date, report any changes in income or household status, and carefully review future communications to maintain coverage.
For more information click here.
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Navigating Mental Helath and Substance Use Care | |
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), has released a new resource titled Navigating Mental Health and Substance Use Care: An Introductory Guide for Families. The guide is designed to support families navigating mental health and/or substance use treatment and recovery with a loved one. It highlights the diverse experiences of family members and emphasizes a whole-family approach to wellness and recovery. Developed with input from more than sixty family representatives, the guide encourages connection to peer support and community-based resources to strengthen resilience and recovery outcomes.
Learn more here.
| Maryland Assisted Outpatient Treatment Resource and Training Webpage | |
The Maryland Department of Health has launched a new Maryland Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) Resource and Training webpage, serving as a centralized hub for implementation materials, updates, and educational tools. The site includes access to a free AOT E-Learning Portal, developed in partnership with the Treatment Advocacy Center, featuring the “Foundations of AOT” training series and additional modules that will continue to be added. Users can create an account, select their role, and access self-paced trainings designed for behavioral health providers, courts, law enforcement, hospitals, and community partners. Stakeholders are encouraged to explore and share these resources broadly as Maryland continues preparing for statewide AOT implementation.
Explore the Assisted Outpatient Treatment Resource and Training Webpage here.
| Mental Health Association of Maryland 2026 Legislative Bill Tracking | |
The Mental Health Association of Maryland works to improve access to behavioral health care and strengthen mental health systems across Maryland. As part of this work, MHAMD actively tracks state legislation that may impact behavioral health services, funding, and access to care.
Read MHAMD’s 2026 Legislative Bill Tracking Sheet to learn more about the policies being monitored, supported, or opposed.
| Maryland Health Indicator Dashboard | |
The Maryland Department of Health has launched the Maryland Health Indicator Dashboard, a new online tool designed to strengthen public health awareness and support data-driven decision-making statewide. The dashboard features more than 75 key indicators, allowing users to explore topics such as behavioral health, chronic disease, insurance coverage, and maternal and child health. With interactive charts, maps, and demographic comparisons, it makes complex health data easy to understand and apply.
Explore the Maryland Health Indicator Dashboard 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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- The Shelter Alliance is hiring a Housing Case Manager to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability. This position provides trauma-informed, participant-centered case management, including housing navigation, service planning, advocacy, benefits assistance, and coordinated referrals to community resources. The ideal candidate will have strong communication, documentation, organizational, and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to collaborate effectively with participants, landlords, service providers, and community partners. To learn more about the position and apply, visit www.shelteralliancemd.org/joinourteam.
- Chesapeake Bay Psychological Services is actively recruiting candidates for a part-time school-based therapist position or a full-time hybrid office/school-based position to begin on or around July 1st. Click here to learn more.
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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 for a variety of mental health positions, including Residential Associates and Rehab Specialists/Case Managers. Job postings are listed on their website at www.channelmarker.org. Channel Marker is seeking individuals who would like to make a difference, enjoy working with people, and bring patience, compassion, and strong organizational skills to their work. Ideal candidates thrive in a team environment, communicate effectively, and have strong oral and written communication abilities. If you’re looking to join a supportive, mission-driven organization, Channel Marker encourages you to explore our openings and apply today.
| | 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 | | SAMHSA Announces More Than $281 Million in Funding Opportunities | |
On July 6, 2026, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced more than $281 million in funding opportunities across 15 grant programs. The funding will expand substance use treatment, overdose prevention, mental health and suicide prevention, trauma-informed care, integrated care, recovery support services, and workforce development. Individual grant awards range from $1 million to $68.2 million, with the largest investments supporting opioid treatment, school-based mental health services, and trauma care for children and youth.
Learn more here.
| | Maryland Opioid Restitution Fund Announces New Grant Opportunities and Community Input Sessions | |
Maryland’s Office of Overdose Response (MOOR) announced the 2027 Opioid Restitution Fund (ORF) Grant Program, providing eligible organizations with the opportunity to apply for up to $1 million to support efforts addressing the harms of the opioid and overdose crisis.
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
| |  | | 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.
| | 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.
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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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