DIGEST Newsletter
December 2023
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Click on any of the above links to change the language using Google Translate
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HCLHIC Quarterly Meetings |
Register for the next HCLHIC Quarterly hybrid meeting on January 18, 2024 at 8:30am to 10:30am.
or call 410-313-6204.
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2023 Community Quilt Project Participation |
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The Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition (HCLHIC) participated in Columbia Association's (CA) Community Quilt Project where local organizations created a design on a swatch that was woven into an amazing piece of quilted art. You can see this beautiful quilt currently on display at the Columbia Art Center.
For more information about the 2023 CA Community Quilt Project learn more about this project.
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Public Health Intern Reflects on Internship |
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Lindsay Hall, new Bachelor of Science in Public Health graduate from Salisbury University, interned with the HCLHIC over the past four months.
Ms. Hall participated in the Movement workgroup, community events, and created a social media campaign for Walktober 2023. She enjoyed the networking opportunities, health department trainings, and personal growth. She is appreciative of her Supervisor and colleagues in helping her develop technical skills for her future career in public health.
Congratulations to Lindsay and thank you for all your hard work!
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The HCLHIC is seeking your feedback on the quarterly full coalition meetings and communications as we prepare for 2024.
Coalition members are asked to complete the short survey using this link by Thursday December 30, 2023. Thank you.
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Tobacco Enforcement Investigators Needed |
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The Howard County Health Department (HCHD) is recruiting Underage Tobacco Enforcement Investigators (UTEIs) between the ages of 16 to 20 years old. The UTEIs will assist Howard County Enforcement Officers with enforcing Maryland’s Tobacco 21 law in the county through retailer education compliance checks.
An UTEI will be scheduled an average of one (1) to two (2) days a month, with a maximum of 5 hours per day and compensated $19.00 per hour. Transportation is provided.
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Promoting Oral Health in Schools: A Resource Guide |
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Schools are ideal settings to reach children and adolescents and their families about health issues. The National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center (OHRC) produced Promoting Oral Health in Schools: A Resource Guide to provide information about materials for promoting oral health in schools.
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Howard County Opens New Sensory Trail Loop |
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Howard County opened the completed sensory trail loop located at the Centennial Park North playground area. This world-class trail loop includes music features, sensory panels, and sensory play equipment near the all-access playground. Pictures from the event are here, and video from the event can be found here.
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Potty Training Series from the Howard County Library System |
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Looking for resources to to train your children on the bathroom? Visit the Howard County Library System’s potty-training page to view a two-part series on potty training!
The first video is geared towards parents and discusses signs of readiness, materials, resources and potty-training plans. “Potty Party” is for the toddler in your life, to get them excited to become a big kid and learn how to use the potty. They will hear stories about kids using the potty, learn a hand washing song and get ready to say "goodbye" to diapers.”
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HoCoHealth Podcast - Food Insecurity in Howard County |
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Food Insecurity is a problem in Howard County, just like in many communities across the country. In the 2021 Howard County Health Assessment, nearly one in six residents reported concern about running out of food before they could afford more. Hear the story of a community member who struggles with food insecurity and listen to what the Health Department’s LHIC and others are doing to address the problem.
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Building a Healthier Maryland Survey |
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The Maryland Department of Health launched a collaborative initiative called “Building a Healthier Maryland” that is aimed at improving the health and well-being of all Maryland residents.
Please complete a brief survey so that your voice is heard. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean and is intended for any Maryland resident who is at least 18 years old. The survey closes on January 3, 2024.
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Asthma Educator Institute Course for Healthcare Professionals |
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The American Lung Association’s Asthma Educator Institute is a professional education course for frontline healthcare professionals, such as nurses, respiratory therapists, physicians, pharmacists, and many others.
The upcoming livestream is scheduled for December 12th , 13th and 15th and the registration fee is $300 however, healthcare professionals serving Howard County are eligible to receive a scholarship and register for free! Contact JaKaiya Frisby, jakaiya.frisby@lung.org.
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Open Enrollment Community Resource Fair |
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HealthCare Access Maryland (HCAM) is hosting an inaugural Open Enrollment Community Resource Fair in collaboration with the Howard County MultiService Center on Saturday, December 9th at the North Laurel Community Center (9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd. Laurel, MD 20723) from 10am - 2pm.
It's a free community event for all to attend with the following:
- Local organizations and community partners providing a wide range of FREE resources and information.
- The opportunity to meet with a navigator to receive FREE enrollment assistance with Maryland Health Connection.
- FREE flu vaccines provided by the Howard County Health Department.
- Distribution of FREE produce boxes from Hungry Harvest, which include bread and a dozen fresh eggs (while supplies last).
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Howard County Plans COVID-19 Memorial Grove and Sculpture |
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Howard County broke ground on the COVID-19 memorial and sculpture at Meadowbrook Park and Athletic Complex in Ellicott City. The memorial will consist of three main elements: a grove of native birch trees, a seating area surrounding a water fountain, and a sculpture.
“I hope that this memorial will serve as a place of reflection for the dedicated array of health workers, volunteers, partners and public across our community and stand as a testament to their resilience and unwavering spirit during this unprecedented worldwide health challenge” said Antigone Vickery, Howard County Deputy Health Officer. Pictures from the event can be found here and video here.
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Teen Talk & Safe Space Program |
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Join the Springboard Howard County team for Teen Talk every Thursday at 4pm. Teens can hang out and discuss the topics that matter most to them. All teens can have a safe, judgement-free space to be heard on the issues that are impacting them!
Springboard Howard County
10451 Twin Rivers Road STE 100
Columbia, MD 21044
Date & Time: every Thursday, 4pm to 5pm
Program for teens 13 to 18 years old
For more details contact the Howard County office here.
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Finding Joy While Living with Chronic Pain |
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HopeWorks’ survivor’s mental health awareness and wellbeing group, Thriving Together, is hosting a free event “Finding Joy While Living with Chronic Pain”. This presentation aims to offer a fresh perspective on navigating the complex landscape of chronic pain.
Event details:
Saturday, December 9, 2023
10am to 12pm, via Zoom.
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Managing Stress and Anxiety During the Holidays |
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Help yourself deal with stress during the Holiday Season by attending a free, virtual anxiety and stress management class with Priority Partners. In this class you will learn how to:
- 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
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2023 Howard County Resource Guide |
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Choose from a wide variety of in-person or virtual fitness classes, explore your passion for flower arranging, fashion or birding, or join lunch at a center near you to reconnect with friends. Check out the December lunch menu.
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Opioid Overdose Response Training |
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In-person training and Narcan distribution also available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00am - 2:00pm at the Harm Reduction RV in the Health Department's parking lot. Call Bureau of Behavioral Health at 410-313-6202, orpresponse@howardcountymd.gov.
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