DIGEST Newsletter

December 2024

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Community Corner

Howard County Releases Age-Friendly 5-Year Progress Report

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced the release of the County’s “Age-Friendly Howard County Five-Year Progress Report.” Recently approved by AARP, this report highlights the progress made these last five years to implement the more than 50 recommendations outlined in the County’s Age-Friendly Howard County Action Plan.


Click here to learn more about the County's Age-Friendly Howard County initiative and/or to view the report.
A picture of different people wlaking, biking, and moving around Howard County. The words Age-Friendly Howard County 5-year progress report are shown.
 

Healthy Food Partnership

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and Howard County Public School System Superintendent (HCPSS) Bill Barnes celebrated the establishment of an innovative healthy foods partnership between the County’s Roving Radish program and HCPSS.


Click here for more information on the Healthy Food Partnership with HCPSS.
A group of people standing in front of the Roving Radish mobile truck.

Expanded Behavioral Health Unit at County Hospital

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball joined hospital leaders, state and local officials, and community partners to celebrate the grand opening of the newly expanded Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center (JHHCMC). 


Click here for more information on the Behavioral Health Unit expansion at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center.
d opening ribbon for the Behavioral Health Unit at Johns Hopkins Howard COUnty Medical Center.

Healthy Beginnings

Supporting your Child’s Development
A photo of two children playing with blocks.

This presentation will cover different aspects of care, family needs, and available resources. Participants will:


  1. Understand what effective family and parental support means and its benefits.
  2. Learn strategies on how to meaningfully utilize resources to meet your child’s developmental needs.
  3. Recognize areas of potential within your child and how to embrace them.
  4. Learn how to seek and utilize available resources.


Date: December 4, 2024

Time: 12 pm - 1 pm

Virtual


Visit here for more information and to register.

Festive Fridays Return

Festive Friday Family Fun Returns to the Downtown Columbia Lakefront!


Watch ice sculptures, capture a memory at the holiday-themed photobooth, listen to the live choral music and enjoy arts and activities at the craft tent.


Entry is free, with snacks, drinks and S’mores kits available for purchase.


Dates: December 6, 13, and 20, 2024

Time: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Via Zoom


Visit here for more information and to register.
 
 
A photo with the words Festive Fridays displayed

Adventure Day at KidSpace
A photo with the words KidSpace ADventure Day displayed

When schools are out, join for a day of games, arts and crafts, swimming, roller skating (SSC only), and hours of fun active play! You don't have to be a Columbia Association (CA) or KidSpace member to join!


Pizza lunch is also included.


Register online today at your local CA fitness club. 


Dates: December 23, 26, 27, and 30, 2024

Time: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Location varies


Visit here for more information and to register.

Healthy Living

Medicare Open Enrollment

Open enrollment ends soon! Howard County’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can help you explore options to ensure your Medicare plan still meets your needs and protect you from Medicare scams and fraud.


Deadline: December 7, 2024



Call 410-313-7392 to schedule personal appointment.


Visit here for more information.
 
Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7. Call 410-313-7392 to schedule your personal appointment.
 

Healthy Holidays

Join Priority Partners for their Healthy Holidays webinar!


  • Learn how to make healthier meal choices during the holiday season.
  • Identify foods to avoid and foods to enjoy.
  • Learn how to bake healthy holiday treats using smart substitutions.
  • Get tips for staying active during the holiday season.


Date: December 18, 2024

Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Virtual


Visit here for more information and to register.
 

Let's Get Physical

Join Priority Partners for their Let's Get Physical webinar!


  • Learn the benefits of physical activity, how to overcome barriers to being more active and how proper nutrition fuels physical activity.
  • Learn how to develop a well-rounded exercise plan.


Date: December 19, 2024

Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Virtual


Visit here for more information and to register.
 
A mother and daughter working out side by side in their living room.
 

Living Well Diabetes Self-Management Workshop

Join online for a 6-weeks workshop and get the tools you need to change your health symptoms. This workshop is recommended for adults with Type 2 Diabetes or are pre-Diabetic. 


Dates: Tuesdays, January 9, 16, 23, 30, 2025, and February 6, and 13, 2025

Time: 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Virtual


Visit here for more information and to register.
 

Stay in touch with OAI for Upcoming Events and Classes


A photo with the words Howard County 50+ Centers dispalyed
Healthy Minds

Managing Stress and Anxiety

Increase your knowledge about stress and anxiety and how they affect your health. Identify your individual stressors, learn techniques to reduce stress and anxiety and practice mindfulness.


Date: December 12, 2024

Time: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Virtual


Visit here for more information and to register.
A group of people sitting down with their legs crossed, and each hand facing the sky with their thumb and index finger touching eachtoher
 

Sleep Well for your Workday
A man sleeping in bed.

How well are you sleeping? This class you will:


  • Receive the tools and resources to create a better work-sleep balance.
  • Learn to recognize the symptoms of common sleep disorders.
  • Gain strategies to improve your sleep.
  • Learn how to practice good sleep hygiene.


Date: December 4, 2024

Time: 11:30 am - 12:00 pm

Virtual


Visit here for more information and to register.
 

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.
 

Opioid Overdose Response Training

The Howard County Health Department (HCHD) offers free virtual training on Narcan.


In-person Narcan training is also available at the HCHD van.


Dates and Times: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10 am to 2 pm

Place: 8930 Stanford Blvd. Columbia, MD 21045

Phone: 410-313-6202 

Email: orpresponse@howardcountymd.gov 


Register for virtual training.
A phot of Narcan Spray with the words, " This Spray Saves Lives" displayed
 
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