DIGEST Newsletter
June 2023
HCLHIC Quarterly Meetings
Register for the next HCLHIC Quarterly Meeting on July 20, 2023 at 8:30am to 10:30am (in-person or hybrid).

or call 410-313-6204 with any questions.
HCLHIC Community Corner
HCLHIC - 2023 NACo Achievement Award Winner
The Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition (HCLHIC) was awarded a 2023 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement award for it's Healthy Lifestyle in Residential Communities Project in Howard County. This project was a new effort to strengthen community partnerships using a place-based approach with targeted outreach and education in eight identified residential communities to address diabetes and improve health equity in Howard County. Read more about this project.
Owen Brown Place Planting Party Video
The Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition (HCLHIC) collaborated with partners to host a "Planting Party" at Owen Brown Place in Columbia on Saturday, May 20, 2023. This event was held for residents to plant container gardens with vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Residents also participated in a healthy salad demonstration. Check out the YouTube video of the event here. 
Healthy Beginnings
Program Highlight: HCHD Maternal Health Programs
The Maternal Health programs at the Howard County Health Department (HCHD) strive to promote equitable access to health care and other resources needed to create healthy moms, healthy babies, and healthy families. From pregnancy planning and preconception care to cancer screenings and interventions, the HCHD empowers the community through the whole reproductive life course to achieve individual health goals. Learn more about the maternal health program.
15th Annual HoCo Family Wellness Day is June 4
We Promote Health is pleased to share the Howard County Family Wellness Day and the Matzohball 5K Run/Walk - bringing the community together to make wellness a priority. The Family Wellness Day is FREE to the public and an opportunity to share wellness resources, health education and healthy fun for everyone. Join the Howard County Health Department (HCHD) and partners on Sunday, June 4th 2023 at Centennial Park.
HCPSS Free Summer Meals Program
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is pleased to share the FREE SUMMER MEAL PROGRAM to provide meals for children over the Summer. This program will run weekdays June 21-Aug. 4, 2023 and meals will be served only on days schools are open and there will be no meal service Tuesday, July 4. There are no applications, enrollment or fees to participate in this program, however children must be present to receive free meals.
Visit LHIC's Healthy Eating Resource page for more nutrition and food access services.
Swimming Safety for Children and Adults
Drowning is a leading cause of death for children. As such, the Howard County Health Department (HCHD) is urging residents to learn about water and swimming safety, including how to help someone in trouble in the water safely, and calling for emergency help. For more water safety tips, check out the American Red Cross's “Water Safety” website and the Howard County Health Department swimming safety webpage.
Healthy Living
HoCo Receives Perfect Score for its Complete Streets Policy
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced the County received a national recognition for a perfect score for its Complete Streets Policy in Smart Growth America’s 2023 report. “Complete Streets allow our children and students to walk and bike safely to schools and parks. They ensure that our neighbors with disabilities can access transit and other transportation modes,” said Ball. Video of the event can be found here. 
Old Ellicott City Pride Weekend is June 3 and 4
Old Ellicott City (OEC) welcomes all to join on June 3rd & 4th to celebrate PRIDE and HoCo's diverse vibrant community! This year’s town-wide festivities include the return of the Mascara Run (this time up and down Main Street), the Art Fair, and Drag Story Hour. The Howard County Health Department (HCHD) will be providing Sexual and Reproductive Health Services to all Howard County residents. Learn more about HCHD services.
2023 MDAC Oral Health Summit is June 26
Registration is open for the 2023 Maryland Dental Action Coalition (MDAC) Oral Health Summit on Monday, June 26, 2023 from 9am to 6pm at Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, MD. The summit will feature sessions by professionals in the field of oral health that encourage discussion and reflection on pivotal initiatives. Register for the event here and any questions, please contact Mary Backley at mbackley@mdac.us.
Latino Community Health Worker Conference is June 30
Registration is open for the Latino Community Health Worker (CHW) Conference on June 30, 2023. This event is dedicated to providing an educational, networking and professional platform for Latino CHWs. The conference aims to create a collaborative space where Latino CHWs can showcase their valuable work through abstracts and poster presentations.

Healthy Minds
Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics
The Howard County Law Enforcement Torch Run is an event that benefits the Special Olympics-Maryland and brings Law Enforcement officers and Howard County Special Olympics athletes together to run the "Flame of Hope" a 3.1 miles (5K) run. Sign up for this event on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 14800 Carrs Mill Road in Woodbine, MD here.
Medicare Fraud Prevention Week is June 5 - 11
Fraud costs Medicare beneficiaries in time, causes stress, compromises medical identities, and can negatively impact health. Join Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) and the Maryland Department of Aging in recognizing Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, held June 5 -11, 2023. To learn about ways to participate in Medicare Fraud Prevention Week go to aging.maryland.gov. 
World Elder Awareness Abuse Day is June 15
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15) is a call-to-action for individuals, organizations and communities to raise awareness about elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. To learn what you can do to spot and prevent elder abuse, register now to attend one or more sessions in person, or follow on Facebook live. 
Howard County Office on Aging and Independence 50+ Centers
Howard County 50+ Centers offer endless opportunities for older adults to maintain a healthy mind and body - during Older Americans Month and all year long. Choose from a wide variety of in-person or virtual fitness classes, explore your passion for flower arranging, fashion or birding, or join in for lunch at a center near you to reconnect with old friends. For a look at what's coming up this month, view the June lunch menus.
Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid Trainings
Howard County General Hospital (HCGH) is offering free trainings on youth and adult mental health first aid. Learn to assist an adult or a youth experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. These virtual trainings will teach about common signs and symptoms of mental illness and substance use and how to provide resources and support to connect the person with care.

Register: https://events.hcgh.hopkinsmedicine.org/ or for more information: HCGH-J2BH@jhmi.edu or call 410-740-7601.
Opioid Overdose Response Training
The Howard County Health Department offers FREE Opioid Overdose Response Program monthly virtual trainings. In-person training and Narcan distribution also available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am-2pm at the Harm Reduction RV in the Health Department parking lot. Call Bureau of Behavioral Health at 410-313-6202, orpresponse@howardcountymd.gov.