Monday's Message

Dear HHS,

Today marks the start of Employee Appreciation Week, culminating on March 1 with Employee Appreciation Day. We want to ensure that every member of our team feels valued, seen, and equipped with the resources they need to thrive.

Your hard work, dedication, and resilience are the driving force behind our mission to serve the public good. Whether you are on the front lines providing direct care or working behind the scenes to support our operations, your efforts are truly valued. Every one of you plays a vital role in the success of our organization, and your dedication does not go unnoticed.

We are fortunate to have professionals, like you, on the front lines every day, working to make Baltimore County a place where people live healthy, safe, and productive lives. I am grateful to each of you for giving your TIME and TALENTS to HHS and to those we serve.

Continue!

Gregory Wm. Branch, M.D., MBA, CPE, FACP 

Director 



Notable Quotable

Quotes inspired by Women's History Month

Media Roundup

Providing news you can use.

WYPR: Maryland awards first behavioral health grants as part of statewide educational Blueprint plan.

USA News: Don't Use Smartwatches That Claim to Measure Blood Sugar, FDA Warns

WBAL: Health officials concerned over rise in measles cases



February/ March Awareness

Increase your awareness of significant workplace health and safety related topics or health or human service related topics recognized during the month.

Staff Recognition

Celebrating the professional achievements of the members within our HHS Community

Staff Farewells

Join us in celebrating Theresa Cunningham's retirement

after a career dedicated to supporting vulnerable adults, children, and families!

QI Corner

Information, announcements and events from the HHS Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) Committee

Upcoming OQI Trainings

• Stop the Bleed (Max 30 people)| Weds., Feb. 28

• Hands Only CPR (Max 30 people)| Weds., Feb. 28

• Leadership Learning Circle Training Series for Supervisors   

(Two sessions offered)

Register | Thurs., Apr. 11 

Register | Thurs., Apr. 18 

Questions? Contact jchan@baltimorecountymd.gov 

• Inter-Disciplinary Case Conference: Quality Improvement Is For All of Us| Tues., Apr. 16

Questions? Contact jchan@baltimorecountymd.gov

Your ideas matter, and they are the catalyst for shaping a more efficient and impactful workforce and work environment. Share your insights via our Just Do It form, and let's continue driving excellence together!

HHS Service Spotlight



Recognizing the outstanding programmatic or departmental contributions to the county, specific communities, or the HHS workforce.

HHS Out and About Program Highlight Reel

HHS is Out and About

Staff Notices



The latest important departmental announcements, reminders, and event details.

All Staff :

• Learn about the new projects underway to enhance staff convenience and safety!

• Download and complete the 2024 Competency Assessment for Public Health, Social Services, and Administrative Workforce. Click here for more details. Deadline: Mar.1.

County Staff:

• Be sure your photo follows these HR Badge Photo Requirements when submitting your request for a new or replacement ID.

Learn how to request an ID, then complete the online form.

For assistance with State Staff ID badge requests and requirements, please contact Nichele West or call 410-853-3987.

• Complete your mandatory Employee Influenza Vaccination Survey and submit it to the supervisor with your timesheet by Mar.1.

State Staff:

• State Central Payroll Bureau regarding Payroll changes effective as of Jan. 1.



Training Opportunities

• Interested in learning different languages and earning a certification? Enroll in the County's NEW Language Access Program that allows employees to earn a certification in one of eight languages.

• (VIRTUAL) Reducing Overdose Risk for Justice-Involved Individuals (for clinical, caregivers, and inter-professional providers ) |Mar. 21

• Incident Command System Trainings Now Open for Enrollment. Training dates are available from Feb. through Nov. 2024. Questions? Contact Jamie Spaulding.



Read and share the following information, events, and resources

Click the graphic above for details. 

For Your Mental Health

Health and wellness resources that may help you live and work at your best

Recognize the Signs of Burnout in Yourself and Others

Burnout: It's a common enough concept, but how do you know if you're experiencing it at work and at home?

According to experts at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, a myriad of daily pressures placed on individuals can culminate in burnout.

“Burnout is not a result of one singular thing,” explained Dr. Eric Storch, vice chair of psychology at Baylor. “Work, familial responsibilities and everyday stressors can all contribute to a sense of depleting motivation.” Storch lists the common signs of burnout...

Read the entire article at usanews.com