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Behavioral Health News, Events, & More
for the Mid-Shore Region
| | Recognizing MSBH Team Member Anniversaries | | |
Please join us in celebrating the work anniversaries of Deborah Becker, Finance Coordinator; James Morris, CWDP, DCC, WPE Certified Facilitator, Continuum of Care Housing & Outreach Specialist; and Lisa Short, BA, CPRP, Adult Population Supervisor & SOAR Lead.
Deborah plays an essential role in the organization’s financial operations while supporting the team in countless other ways. Beyond her talent for numbers, she is a natural advocate and cheerleader, consistently uplifting her colleagues with encouragement and support.
James brings both professional expertise and lived experience to his work supporting veterans and individuals experiencing housing instability. His dedication to outreach and connecting community members to stable housing and supportive services continues to make a meaningful impact throughout the region.
Lisa provides strategic leadership and guidance in supporting adult populations and SOAR initiatives. Her commitment to enhancing access to services and assisting individuals in navigating complex systems contributes to improved outcomes and strengthens the overall well-being of the communities we serve.
We are grateful for each of their contributions and thank them for their continued commitment to Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. and the communities we serve.
View our full team here.
| | Workplace Excellence Series | |
Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. celebrated the first graduating class of its Workplace Excellence Series in Caroline County, recognizing four residents for completing the workforce readiness program. Designed to support individuals who have experienced homelessness, incarceration, or extended unemployment, the series builds essential workplace and soft skills that prepare participants for long-term success and employment opportunities. Interest in the program continues to grow, with His Hope Ministries preparing to facilitate the next Workplace Excellence Series class.
To learn more, contact James E. Morris Jr., CWDP, DCC
CoC Housing & Outreach Specialist.
| Rural Advancement of Maryland Peers | | |
Turn your recovery journey into an opportunity to support others through the Rural Advancement of Maryland Peers (RAMP) Program. Designed for individuals interested in becoming Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS), RAMP provides training, mentorship, workforce development, and hands-on experience to help participants build meaningful careers in behavioral health. Eligible participants receive 50 hours of virtual peer recovery training, opportunities to complete up to 500 volunteer or internship hours, job readiness support, assistance with CPRS certification costs, and transportation support for the exam. Applicants must be 18 or older, hold a high school diploma or GED, have at least 18 months of sustained recovery, and reside in a Maryland Eastern Shore county.
To learn more, contact Michael Blair, CPRS, at (410) 463-3343 or email RAMP@midshorebehavioralhealth.org.
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Extreme summer heat can pose serious health risks, especially for older adults, young children, and individuals with chronic health conditions. Community members are encouraged to stay hydrated, limit time outdoors during peak heat hours, and take advantage of available public cooling stations across the region.
To find a cooling center near you, click here.
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Beginning January 1, 2027, new federal Medicaid requirements may impact up to 320,000 Maryland residents enrolled in Medicaid coverage. Some adults ages 19–64 may be required to demonstrate employment, school participation, or completion of approved activities and will need to renew their Medicaid coverage every six months instead of annually. Maryland Health Connection will notify affected members beginning in September 2026 and provide additional guidance on meeting these requirements. Individuals are encouraged to keep their account information up to date, report any changes in income or household status, and carefully review future communications to maintain coverage.
For more information click here.
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Support is always within reach through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Marylanders can call, text, or chat 24/7 to connect with trained, compassionate counselors who provide free, confidential support for individuals experiencing emotional distress, mental health challenges, or substance use concerns. In addition to immediate support, 988 can also connect individuals with local mental health and substance use services.
View the 988 website here.
| Maryland "Ask the Question" Suicide Prevention Training | |
Maryland Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families (SMVF): Ask the Question Training. This free virtual training helps professionals and community partners ask whether individuals or their loved ones have served in the military to ensure proper identification and connection to veteran-specific resources and supports. It is designed for healthcare, behavioral health, social services, criminal justice, and community-based providers to strengthen early identification and culturally competent care for SMVF populations. Participants can register online and may also request support from Regional Resource Coordinators or trainers for implementation assistance.
Learn more here.
| Mid Shore Suicide Coalition | | |
The Mid Shore Suicide Coalition, a partnership between Channel Marker and Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc., focuses on suicide prevention through educational resources, training initiatives, and community events. The coalition offers toolkits, suicide prevention training, and a variety of resources for survivors of suicide loss, along with support for individuals and communities impacted by suicide.
To join or learn more, visit Mid Shore Suicide Coalition.
View the MD Department of Health Suicide Prevention Linktree Resources.
| | Updated MSBH Behavioral Health Resource Guide | | In-Person Trainings & Events | | |
- October 13th–15th, 2026, All Day: National Federation of Families: 2026 Conference. Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista, FL.
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- July 14th, 2026 – July 17th, 2026: National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO): NACCHO360 Conference.
- July 21st, 2026, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: UT Health San Antonio: Zeroing in on Alzheimer’s, Brain Health, and Caregiving in At-Risk Populations.
| | Additional Links & Resources | | MDH Releases Findings on Emerging Substances in Maryland’s Drug Supply | |
The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) has released a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) examining the increasing presence of emerging sedative adulterants, including medetomidine, in Maryland’s drug supply. Findings highlighted the impact of overdose spikes on healthcare systems while emphasizing the importance of strong cross-sector collaboration and rapid response efforts. Recommendations include adapting overdose response protocols and expanding access to comprehensive care and medications for opioid use disorder (mOUD).
Read the report here.
| Navigating Mental Helath and Substance Use Care | |
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), has released a new resource titled Navigating Mental Health and Substance Use Care: An Introductory Guide for Families. The guide is designed to support families navigating mental health and/or substance use treatment and recovery with a loved one. It highlights the diverse experiences of family members and emphasizes a whole-family approach to wellness and recovery. Developed with input from more than sixty family representatives, the guide encourages connection to peer support and community-based resources to strengthen resilience and recovery outcomes.
Learn more here.
| Maryland Assisted Outpatient Treatment Resource and Training Webpage | |
The Maryland Department of Health has launched a new Maryland Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) Resource and Training webpage, serving as a centralized hub for implementation materials, updates, and educational tools. The site includes access to a free AOT E-Learning Portal, developed in partnership with the Treatment Advocacy Center, featuring the “Foundations of AOT” training series and additional modules that will continue to be added. Users can create an account, select their role, and access self-paced trainings designed for behavioral health providers, courts, law enforcement, hospitals, and community partners. Stakeholders are encouraged to explore and share these resources broadly as Maryland continues preparing for statewide AOT implementation.
Explore the Assisted Outpatient Treatment Resource and Training Webpage here.
| Mental Health Association of Maryland 2026 Legislative Bill Tracking | |
The Mental Health Association of Maryland works to improve access to behavioral health care and strengthen mental health systems across Maryland. As part of this work, MHAMD actively tracks state legislation that may impact behavioral health services, funding, and access to care.
Read MHAMD’s 2026 Legislative Bill Tracking Sheet to learn more about the policies being monitored, supported, or opposed.
| Maryland Health Indicator Dashboard | |
The Maryland Department of Health has launched the Maryland Health Indicator Dashboard, a new online tool designed to strengthen public health awareness and support data-driven decision-making statewide. The dashboard features more than 75 key indicators, allowing users to explore topics such as behavioral health, chronic disease, insurance coverage, and maternal and child health. With interactive charts, maps, and demographic comparisons, it makes complex health data easy to understand and apply.
Explore the Maryland Health Indicator Dashboard here.
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- Mindful Mondays meets Mondays, 10 a.m to 11 a.m. at the Dorchester County Health Department. This class is for individuals involved in the justice system (parole, probation, pre-trial release) who want to learn how to calm themselves through stretches and breathing techniques. For more info, contact sue.radcliffe@maryland.gov.
- The Talbot County Caregiver Support Group meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 1-2 p.m. This group helps Alzheimer's caregivers develop a support system, exchange information on challenges and solutions, and talk through issues and ways of coping. For more info, contact swolfberg@intergracare.com or jane.bateman@homeinstead.com.
- The Healthy Living Workshop is a one-time interactive class that focuses on healthy lifestyle strategies to prevent/manage hypertension and diabetes. Meets on the third Tuesday of every month.
- Ages and Stages Class addresses new parent topics such as caring for your baby, healthy nutrition, and self-care. For more info call 410-479-8185.
- Mid Shore Therapist Support Network: A monthly network group for therapists who are open to working with lgbtq+ individuals and need to build skills and confidence to do so. Email Rachel Hutchison for more information.
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NAMI KQA offers a free online peer-led Family Support Group, for family members of older teens and adults struggling with serious mental illness -- the FSG meets twice a month. More info at 443-480-0565 or namikentandqueenannes@gmail.com.
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Talbot Mentors Parent Support Group, the last Wednesday of every month. This support group focuses on three areas that families have identified as important: Financial Literacy, Mental Health, and Art.
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The Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. (MCVRC) invites families and friends of homicide victims to participate in a safe peer support group. MCVRC welcomes individuals, families, and friends to benefit from this free support service whether or not there has been an arrest or prosecution. To join, please call MCVRC at 301-952-0063 and do an intake with an advocate. This group meets on the first Tuesday evening of every month in a hybrid format.
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- Chesapeake Bay Psychological Services is actively recruiting candidates for a part-time school-based therapist position or a full-time hybrid office/school-based position to begin on or around July 1st. Click here to learn more.
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Chesapeake Voyagers, Inc. is hiring a full-time Peer Support Specialist (PSS) in Easton, MD. This 40-hour-per-week position is part of a peer-operated nonprofit where staff use their lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges to build mutual, supportive relationships rooted in Intentional Peer Support. Responsibilities include building non-judgmental connections, co-facilitating support groups, supporting self-advocacy in the community, collaborating with staff and local partners, and helping maintain a welcoming peer-run center. Candidates should have at least five years of wellness/recovery (if applicable) and a willingness to share their lived experience in a collaborative environment. Please submit your resume and a detailed letter about your lived experience and interest in a peer-run environment to careers@chesapeakevoyagers.org.
- Channel Marker is hiring a Residential Crisis Services Coordinator in Easton, MD. This full-time role supports adults in need of short-term mental health crisis stabilization, including supervising crisis support staff, conducting admissions and intakes, assisting with transitions and discharge planning, and connecting clients to community resources. Flexible, team-oriented candidates with a bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) are encouraged to apply here.
| | Introduction to Careers in Healthcare (ITCH) Program | | |
The Introduction to Careers in Healthcare (ITCH) program, established in 2023, connects middle and high school students in Caroline, Chestertown, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot Counties with career opportunities in the medical field. ITCH provides hands-on experiences, mentorship, and career planning to help students explore healthcare professions beyond what they see on TV. Through job shadowing, internships, and professional guidance, ITCH empowers young people to build confidence, develop career goals, and support the future of local healthcare.
Learn more here.
| | Grant & Funding Opportunities | | SAMHSA Announces 40 Million in Funding Opportunities | |
On June 11, 2026, SAMHSA announced $40 million in funding opportunities across eight grant programs focused on preventing addiction, supporting mental health, and strengthening the behavioral health workforce. The grants also support trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, tribal behavioral health, peer support services, and clinical training programs. Funding amounts range from $600,000 to $9.2 million, depending on the program area.
Learn more here.
| | Make a Big Difference with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore | | |
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore (BBBSES) is a local mentoring non-profit serving all nine counties across Maryland’s Eastern Shore. By committing just 2-4 hours a month, volunteer mentors help youth facing adversity discover their strengths, grow in confidence, and reach their full potential. Mentoring also helps volunteers strengthen their leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills! Each match is carefully made based on shared interests and personalities, so both children and volunteers can build a genuine connection.
Interested in becoming a Big or referring a child? Visit shorebiglittle.org, call 410-543-2447, or email info@shorebiglittle.org to learn more.
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Caroline County Residents
Kent County Residents
| |  | | Mid Shore Health Improvement Coalition Interactive Food Resource List | | |
The Mid Shore Health Improvement Coalition provides a range of food resources to support individuals and families in need across the region. From food pantries and soup kitchens available daily to mobile meal services through Shore Gourmet 'SHO-GO,' fresh groceries and prepared meals are delivered to various locations in Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot counties. The coalition also supports homebound seniors through Meals on Wheels, as well as students and families with weekend food through Backpack Programs.
For more information on eligibility and services, visit their website or reach out to the coalition directly.
| | Mid Shore Health Improvement Coalition | | |
The Mid Shore Health Improvement Coalition is making it easier to get connected to health resources in the region.
Residents can now text MIDSHORE to 898-211 and receive a monthly notification with a calendar of health events taking place within Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's, and Talbot counties.
Find health fairs, support groups, new parent classes, blood pressure screening, food pantries, walking groups, diabetes prevention programs, and so much more!
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The A.F. Whitsitt Center is a 24/7 inpatient residential treatment program in Chestertown, Maryland, that provides comprehensive care for adults experiencing substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. The center offers medically monitored withdrawal management, residential treatment, crisis stabilization, and a range of therapeutic services delivered by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. With a focus on dignity, compassion, and recovery, the program supports individuals from admission through aftercare planning to help them achieve long-term stability and improved quality of life.
Click here to learn more.
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Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc.
28578 Mary’s Court, Suite 1
Easton, MD 21601
410-770-4801
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