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

or call 410-313-6204 with any questions.
HCLHIC Community Corner
Food Access News
The Food Security Committee is working to increase food access among priority populations with the recent expansion of the Howard County Food Resource Guide. This electronic resource includes over 30 food pantry listings with dates, times and locations.

The Committee members will be getting their hands dirty this Spring by planting over 190 raised garden grow boxes that were donated by the HCLHIC to the Owen Brown Place residents in Columbia. Interested in joining the Food Security Committee or planting vegetable garden boxes in Spring? Please email lhic@howardcountymd.gov.
Howard County's Veteran & Military Families Resource Guide
Howard County's Veteran and Military Families Resource Guide, a compilation of veteran and military family resources in the region that includes VA benefits, recreational opportunities, mental health support, employment assistance and more. For even more resources, check out HCLHIC's newly updated Veterans Resources page.
Healthy Beginnings
Prepare Your Child for a Visit to the Doctor
It helps when children know what to expect at a visit to the doctor. View resources to help you support them through sickness and in health, and to help them understand, appreciate, and care for their bodies. Visit Sesame Street resources here and also visit: HoCo Resources.
SNAP Healthy Incentives Program Expanded
The USDA is improving access to fruits and vegetables by expanding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program's (SNAP) healthy incentive initiatives. The SNAP healthy incentive program encourages SNAP participants to purchase healthy foods by providing a coupon, discount, gift card, bonus food item or extra funds when food shopping. Learn more
Kids, COVID, Trauma & Stress - Strategies for Healing, Growth & Hope
A virtual training opportunity for mental health & early childhood professionals. Attendees will learn the latest insights on the effect of the pandemic on children. Tools that professionals can use in supporting resilience in children amidst deep adversity. Contact Candace Ball cmball@howardcountymd.gov, 410-313-6552. Register!
Teen Slay: Mental Wellness Pop-Up Shop
A Healing Place & Response Recovery Presents TEEN SLAY: Mental Wellness Pop-Up Shop at
North Laurel Community Center
Monday, February 20, 1:00p-4:00p
Call 347-607-8797 for more information.
Healthy Living
How to Be a Stroke Smart Champion
One-third of American adults have a condition or habit that can cause strokes, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or smoking. The Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems created a Stroke Smart Resource Center to help raise awareness of the signs, symptoms, and how to respond to stroke. Check out LHIC's Chronic Disease Webpage.
Free CPR Classes with HC Fire & Rescue
CPR is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the heart stops beating. Immediate CPR can double or triple chances of survival after cardiac arrest. By learning how to administer CPR, you can help save a life. Howard County Fire and Rescue offers free CPR trainings. Sign up: https://bit.ly/CPRTrainingHoward
Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits 2023
Adults enrolled in the Maryland Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid) now have coverage for comprehensive dental services through the Maryland Healthy Smiles Dental Program. If you see a dentist who is a member of the Maryland Healthy Smiles dental network, you don't have to pay for dental services that are covered by the program. Learn about Maryland Healthy Smiles.
Member Care Support Network
Members of the Member Care Support Network (MCSN) are eligible to receive FREE transportation to and from medical appointments in HoCo. To utilize this service, you must live in Howard County, be able to get in and out of a vehicle independently and have a cell phone to receive updates about your ride. Request transportation at least 3 business days in advance. To enroll: 410-740-7601 or hcgh-j2bh@jhmi.edu
Howard County Office on Aging and Independence Newsletter
The 50+ Center offer a wide variety of programming each day. Click to subscribe and receive information on activities at 50+ Centers, Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) programs, and health and wellness offerings. Check out the OAI digital newsletter!
Healthy Minds
Lunch with MIA Mental Health and Heart Disease: The Connection and Prevention
The Maryland Insurance Administration is hosting a virtual event to discuss Mental Health and Heart Health on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 12pm to 1pm. Topics include managing mental health, making lifestyle changes and understanding how to use your health insurance to fit your needs. Register.
Mental Health First Aid for Military, Veterans, and Their Families
A skills-based training that teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to a veteran or service member experiencing mental health and substance use challenges, with a specific focus on the cultural factors related to military life. Register for February 24, 2023 from 9am to 5pm.
Light the Night 5K for Suicide Prevention
Participate in Light the Night 5K (run or walk) sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Maryland Chapter (AFSP), Howard County Rec and Parks, Bullseye Running and Howard County Health Department. The Light the Night 5K for Suicide Prevention will be more than just a race. It will serve as a county-wide acknowledgment that we support and care for those impacted by suicide. Register for Light the Night.
Opioid Collaborative Community Council
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball signed an Executive Order creating an Opioid Collaborative Community Council to assist in determining priorities for how the County should use funds received through a National Settlement Agreement with opioid manufacturers and any future settlements. Pictures from the event can be found here, and video can be found here. 
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, email orpresponse@howardcountymd.gov.