DIGEST Newsletter

February 2025

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Community Corner

Howard County to Launch Food Council

The Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition (HCLHIC) is pleased to announce plans to establish a Food Council. It will focus on reducing food insecurity through various strategies and build on the work of the HCLHIC’s Food Security Committee and recommendations from the Howard County Food & Nutrition Security Roundtable Report. The establishment of the Howard County Food Council represents a crucial step in addressing the root causes of food insecurity.

Click here to view the Media Release.

2024 Health Department Annual Report

The Howard County Health Department (HCHD) 2024 Annual Report highlights important services and programs that promote healthy behaviors, prevent disease and injuries, and eliminate barriers so that everyone has the opportunity to achieve optimal wellness.

Click here to view the 2024 Howard County Health Department Annual Report.

Healthy Beginnings

2025 Howard County Parent's Guide

The 2025 Howard County Parents Guide is a comprehensive resource to support parents, grandparents, and guardians with children and teens. The guide includes virtual workshops, in-person programs at the Family Support center, an annual Child Care Information Fair, and digital communications.

Click here to view the 2025 Howard County Parent's Guide.

Parenting from the Heart

This free webinar is to learn how to build connections with kids in order to foster lifelong love and success.

Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Time: 7:00 - 8:15 pm

Location: Virtual

Click here to learn more and to register.

Parent Support Group

This is a group for parents and caregivers of children and teens with mental health concerns ages 5-18 years old. The Transition Age Youth (TAY) support group is for parents and caregivers of transition age youth with mental health concerns with a fluid age range of 16-26 years old.

Date: Second Monday of each month

Time: 7:30 am

Location: Virtual

Click here to learn more and to register.

Diaper Giveaway

The Howard County Health Department Perinatal Equity and Care for Everyone (P.E.A.C.E.) Project is continuing hosting Diaper Giveaway Days.

Date; April 1, 2025

Time: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Location: 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd.

Laurel, MD 20723

Walk-up only. No registration required. First come first served!

Click here to learn more.

Free RSV & Tdap vaccines

Strong moms and strong babies get vaccinated!

The Howard County Health Department P.E.A.C.E. Project is offering free RSV & Tdap vaccines to pregnant moms.

Click here for more information.

You can also call 410-313-7540 or send an email to HCHDPeace@howardcountymd.gov.

Howard County Parent Pages

The Howard County Office of Children and Families Parent Pages newsletter has resources for parents, caregivers and agencies working with families.

Each monthly issue features information to help parents and caregivers learn how to promote positive parenting for children’s development.

Click here to view February's newsletter.

Healthy Living

Kick Out Cancer "Together, We Fight"

In honor of World Cancer Day, please join us for our 2nd Annual Kick-Out Cancer event and punch, kick, and sweat for a good cause. This is a 50-minute Cardio Kickboxing class and collaboration with the Claudia Mayer/Tina Broccolino Cancer Resource Center to raise funds for their Resource Center.

Date: Thursday, February 5

Time: 8:30 am - 9:20 am

Location: Bain 50+ Center

5470 Ruth Keeton Way

Columbia, MD 21044

Click here to learn more and to register.

Resource Guide for Older Adults, Persons with Disabilities, and Caregivers

This resource guide provides older adults and caregivers with updated information about aging-in-place programs and disability services in Howard County, as well as state and federal assistance programs

Click here to view the Resource Guide for Older Adults, Persons with Disabilities and Caregivers.

Office of Aging and Independence: Upcoming Events and Classes

A photo with the words Howard County 50+ Centers dispalyed

Healthy Minds

Sharing the Care with Adult Children and Other Caregivers

This workshop will provide practical strategies for collaborating with adult children and other caregivers to create a cohesive and supportive care plan.

Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025

Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Location: Elkridge 50+ Center, 6540 Washington

Blvd, Elkridge, MD 21075

Click here to learn more and register.

Meditation Class

A certified yoga instructor will provide participants with knowledge about what meditation entails and how it can be used as a method for relaxation, to cope with stress, and gain mindfulness and self-awareness.

Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Location: Central Branch Library

10375 Little Patuxent Parkway

Columbia, MD 21044

Click here to learn more.

Good Night, Sleep Tight

This workshop explores practical tips and proven techniques to improve sleep quality, manage sleep disruptions, and create a soothing bedtime routine for you and those in your care. This is part of the Grand Connections series.

Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025

Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Location: Elkridge 50+ Center,

6540 Washington Blvd,

Elkridge, MD 21075.

Click here to learn more.

Care Talks at 50+ Centers

Are you caring for a friend, family member or loved one? The Office of Aging and Independence (OAI) Caregiver Support Program offers personalized one-on-one sessions with a Caregiver Specialist. Designed for those providing care to loved ones, these sessions provide a safe space to discuss challenges, share experiences and receive tailored guidance.

Click here to register for a session.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

If you are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988. Maryland veterans and their loved ones can call 988 and press 1 to transfer to the Veterans Crisis Line. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for LGBTQIA+ support.

Learn more at 988.maryland.gov and access free community outreach materials in the 988 Toolkit.