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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 Mary Becraft, BSW, Forensic Mental Health Case Manager; Ashley Kessinger, Continuum of Care Manager; Tim Wright, Chief Financial Officer; and Melinda Butler, Administrative Coordinator.
Mary continues to play a vital role in supporting individuals within forensic mental health services, demonstrating dedication, professionalism, and compassion in her work with clients. Ashley has been instrumental in strengthening Continuum of Care coordination across the region, helping ensure individuals and families are connected to the supports they need. Tim provides steady leadership and financial oversight that supports the organization’s stability and ability to deliver high-quality services throughout the mid-shore. Melinda is a valued member of the administrative team whose reliability and attention to detail help keep daily operations running smoothly and efficiently.
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.
| Building Hope and Connection in Queen Anne’s County | Join the Mid Shore Suicide Coalition and the Queen Anne's County Family YMCA on June 5th from 4–7 PM for Bridging Our Community: Building Hope and Connection. This free community event will bring youth, families, and community members together for an evening of fun, connection, and positive energy. Enjoy live music, a Gaga Ball pit, interactive art projects, food trucks, community resources, and a special presentation from Matt Runnalls, mental health advocate and Mind & Behavioral Specialist. The event will be held at the Queen Anne's County Family YMCA, 101 Vincit Street, Centreville, MD. We encourage everyone to attend and help strengthen connections that support hope, wellness, and belonging throughout our community. | | MSBH Hosts 28th Annual Caliber Awards | |
Pic 1: Attendees listen to an award being presented.
Pic 2: MSBH Chief Executive Officer Katie Dilley, LSCW-C, presents a Lifetime Achievement Award to Susan Runnels, Executive Director of Caroline Human Services Council.
Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. proudly celebrated the 28th Annual Caliber Awards on May 15th, recognizing individuals, organizations, and partners making an outstanding impact on behavioral health across Maryland’s mid-shore region.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients:
• Interagency & Community Award – Delmarva Pride Board of Directors: Ivan Colon, Zach Parreco, Tina Jones, and Kyle O’Donnell
• Effective Programming Award – Cathy Cassell, LCSW-C
• Mary Beth Brennaman Award – Brian Lambert, CPRP, CFRP
• Bernie Vervin Beacon of Light Award – Stevie Hicks, LCPC, NCC
• Roundtable on Homelessness Award – Frances M. Doran
• Substance Use Recovery Award – Melanie Jones-Dalziel, CPRS, RPS, ADT
• Special Recognition Award (Unsung Hero) – Jakeria Holliday CCI/CRMHS
• Special Recognition Award (Emergency/Crisis) – James Siegman
• Special Recognition Award (Wellness & Recovery) – Kaitlyn Cardwell, BSN, RN
• Special Recognition Award (Peer Support) – Samantha Hogan, PRS
• Special Recognition Award (Education) – Angela Ford, LCSW-C
• Special Recognition Award (Leadership) – Stefanie Johnson
• Special Recognition Award (Advocacy) – Wendy S. Kraus, LCPC
• Adult Support & Service Award – Mandy Trivits, BSW
• Aging and Community Leadership Award – Lee Lynch Newcomb, LCSW-C
• Child and Adolescent Advocate Award – Skylar Blades
• CIT Award – Sergeant Jerry Stivers
• Consumer Empowerment Award – Laura Christ
• Forensic Mental Health Award – Judge John Nunn
• Lifetime Achievement Awards – Stirling Ward, Susan Runnels, Executive Director, and Tabitha Groce, CPRS (Posthumously)
Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the compassion, advocacy, leadership, and dedication that continue to strengthen behavioral health services throughout our communities.
Read the full press release here.
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Pic: The MSBH Team concludes this year's Volunteer Day by singing karaoke to residents.
On May 8th, 2026, Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. (MSBH) spent the day at Queenstown Landing Assisted Living in Queenstown, MD, for our annual Volunteer Day. Team members engaged with residents through a variety of meaningful activities, including bingo, crafts, veterans certificate presentations, nail care, hydration support, and one-on-one visits. The day fostered connection across assisted living and memory care residents and concluded with a shared karaoke session and ice cream social that brought laughter and celebration to the entire community.
MSBH extends appreciation to Queenstown Landing for their partnership and commitment to creating a welcoming, person-centered environment where residents and our team could connect throughout the day.
Read the full press release here.
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Need support during a mental health or substance use crisis? Marylanders can call, text, or chat 24/7 with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to connect with trained, compassionate specialists. In addition to immediate help, 988 can connect you with local mental health and substance use services.
For more information and resources, click here.
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It’s important to remember that support is always within reach through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. By simply calling or texting 988, individuals can connect 24/7 with trained counselors who provide free, confidential support for those experiencing emotional distress, mental health challenges, or substance use concerns.
View the 988 website 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.
| | Caroline County Workplace Excellence Training | |
Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. is pleased to announce the upcoming Workplace Excellence Training beginning June 4, 2026, held every Thursday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This program is now accepting Caroline County residents and is designed to help participants strengthen workplace skills, build confidence, and develop leadership abilities. The training offers a supportive environment for individuals looking to improve effectiveness and advance professionally.
For more information, please contact James Morris at 410-770-4801 or email jmorris@midshorebehaviorlahealth.org.
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June is PTSD Awareness Month, a time to help raise awareness about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the importance of seeking support and treatment. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 12 million people in the United States are currently living with PTSD, including Veterans and survivors of trauma such as accidents, violence, and natural disasters. Effective treatments are available, and raising awareness can help reduce stigma and encourage individuals to access the care they need. Throughout the month, the VA encourages communities to learn more about PTSD, share helpful resources like the Veterans Crisis Line, and support those impacted by trauma.
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.
| 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.
| Mental Health Association of Maryland 2026 Legislative Bill Tracking | | In-Person Trainings & Events | | |
- June 13th, 2026, 11 AM - 2 PM: Recovery in Motion: Annual Backyard Bash. 300 Scheeler Road, Chestertown, MD.
- June 16th, 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM: Tall Cop Speakers Network, Midshore OMPP, and Cambridge Police Department: Community Presentation. CSD High School Auditorium, 2475 Cambridge Beltway. No registration needed.
- June 16th, 2026, 1 PM: Talbot Family Network: Introduction to HOPE: In-Person Session. Talbot County Education Center, 12 Magnolia Street, Easton, MD.
- June 17th, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Tall Cop Speakers Network, Midshore OMPP, and Cambridge Police Department: Professional Staff Presentation. CSD High School Auditorium, 2475 Cambridge Beltway. No registraion needed.
- June 20th, 2026, 10 AM - 2 PM: Talbot County Health Department: Community Baby Shower. Easton Elementary School, 307 Glenwood Avenue, Easton, MD.
- October 13th–15th, 2026, All Day: National Federation of Families: 2026 Conference. Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista, FL.
| | Pathways to Wellness: Integrating Suicide Prevention in Substance Use Disorder Treatment | | |
This resource provides guidance on integrating suicide prevention in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. It describes the importance, feasibility, and effectiveness of incorporating suicide risk screening and brief interventions in SUD treatment and offers a list of resources to help you apply suicide prevention strategies in your practice. Designed for substance use disorder treatment professionals, this document may also be useful for other behavioral and mental health clinicians.
View the resource 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 | | 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.
| | Additional Links & Resources | |
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.
| | 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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