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Behavioral Health News, Events, & More
for the Mid-Shore Region
| | Don't miss this FREE life-saving documentary film June 26! | | |
Stay Alive is a documentary film featuring international speaker Kevin Hines, Dr. Mark Goulston, and advocate Rayko, focused on suicide prevention and mental health. The film will air from 6 PM – 7:15 PM, followed by a discussion panel led by Kevin Hines from 7:15 PM – 8 PM. This event is free and open to the public. RSVP at stayalive@channelmarker.org.
Read the full press release here.
| | Continuum of Care Team hosts New Member Meeting | | |
The Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. Continuum of Care (CoC) team hosted a successful May Roundtable on Homelessness meeting where participants had meaningful discussions about the homeless services system in the mid-shore community. In addition to providing program updates, the team welcomed new members and offered an overview of the Roundtable and MSBH’s CoC program.
To learn more about the CoC team and its work click here.
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Left: The CoC Team: America McKinney, Continuum of Care Program Support Specialist, Jimmy Morris, Continuum of Care Housing & Outreach Specialist, Ashley Kessinger, Continuum of Care Program Manager.
Right: New members participate in the May Roundtable on Homelessness meeting.
| | 27th Caliber Awards Press Release | | |
Easton, MD – The 27th Annual Caliber Awards was hosted by Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. (MSBH) on May 16th, 2025, at the Temple B’nai Israel in Easton, MD, with catering provided by Royal Oaks Catering. This annual event honors the exceptional work and dedication of community leaders working to strengthen and enhance the behavioral health system across the mid-shore region.
MSBH recognized three remarkable individuals for a Lifetime Achievement Award: Posthumously, Bernie Vervin, Katie Schoonover, and Rob Schmidt.
Read the full press release here.
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Top left: The Lifetime Achievement Award winner Bernie Vervin (posthumously awarded).
Top right: MSBH CEO Katie Dilley, LCSW-C, presents a Lifetime Achievement Award to Katie Schoonover, CPRS.
Bottom: MSBH HUB Manager Taylor Garrett presents a Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Rob Schmidt, Ed. D, LCPC, NCC.
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June is National Pride Month, a time to celebrate and uplift the LGBTQ+ community across the nation. In honor of Pride, we’re highlighting important regional resources available to the Mid-Shore LGBTQ+ community. If you know of additional resources, please share them with us so we can promote them throughout the month on social media.
MSBH has two team members on staff who can provide free Ally and CARE training. Ally Training provides a basic framework for understanding LGBTQ+ identities and the unique challenges young people often face. CARE Training is an interactive training program for youth-serving adults that focuses on suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth. Contact MSBH for more information at 410-770-4801.
Pride Resources
History of Pride Month
Delmarva Pride Programs & Events
Caroline Pride
The Trevor Project
MSBH 2025 Resource Guide for more regional resources
988 Press 3
| | Celebrating Older Americans Month | | Men's Health Awareness Month | | |
June is Men’s Health Awareness Month, a time to focus on mental wellness among men and encourage open conversations to break the stigma around seeking help.
Did you know men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women? One reason is that men often use firearms in suicide attempts, which are fatal 85% to 90% of the time. To help prevent these tragedies, Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. is offering FREE gun locks. Call 410-770-4801 to get yours today.
Read more about Men's Health Awareness Month
Read more about Men's Mental Healh
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June is PTSD Awareness Month, dedicated to raising understanding about post-traumatic stress disorder and supporting those affected. PTSD can impact anyone who has experienced trauma, affecting their mental health and daily life. Increasing awareness helps reduce stigma, encourages people to seek help, and promotes access to effective treatments and support services.
National Center for PTSD Resources
PTSD Resources in the mid-shore region.
| | Steering Wheel Feedback Survey | | Behavioral Health Surveys | | |
We've heard your feedback! The Steering Wheel will be a single-month issue format to incorporate the suggestions from our subscribers. Please continue to give us feedback so we can keep providing the best resources possible.
Please take a few moments to share your thoughts by clicking on this survey link.
| | Call for Papers: From Digital Divide to Digital Literacy, Equity and Inclusion | | Researchers and advocates are invited to submit papers for the mini-track From Digital Divide to Digital Literacy, Equity and Inclusion at the Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS), taking place January 6–9, 2026, in Maui. This call seeks original research, case studies, and review articles examining how digital literacy impacts marginalized populations and promotes digital equity. Submissions are welcome from various fields, including public health, education, information science, and social justice. For questions or to learn more, contact Dr. Mega Subramaniam at mmsubram@umd.edu or 301-405-3406. | | In-Person Trainings & Events | |
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- Click here to view the full list of the Mental Health Association of Maryland's "Resiliency Road Trip" training series.
- June 2nd, 2025, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Empower Me: Child Safety Presentations. Talbot County Free Library – Easton Branch, 100 West Dover Street, Easton, MD 21601. Two simultaneous sessions: one for children ages 3–12 and one for adults. Contact Paris Quillet at 410-770-5870.
- June 4th, 2025, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (EST): Break the Cycle Conference. Johns Hopkins Hospital, Chevy Chase Auditorium, 1800 Orleans Street, Shiek Zayed Tower, Baltimore, MD 21287.
- June 4th, 2025, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM: Legal Resource Center for Public Health Policy and Maryland Department of Health: 9th Annual Maryland Tobacco Control Conference – Navigating the Changing Landscape: The Future of Tobacco Control in Maryland. UMBC University Commons, Third Floor, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250. Contact: mgriest@law.umaryland.edu.
- June 6th, 2025, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Dorchester County Health Department: Emotional Trauma & the Brain. 627 Race Street, Cambridge, MD. Presentation by Sue Radcliffe, LCSW-C. To register, email sue.radcliffe@maryland.gov.
- June 12th, 2025, 8 AM – 4:30 PM: Mental Health Association of Maryland: Summit for CHANGE. Judicial College of Maryland, 187 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD.
- June 14th, 2025, 11 AM – 2 PM: Recovery In Motion: 11th Annual Community Connections Backyard Bash. 300 Scheeler Road, Chestertown, MD. For more information, call 410-490-4715.
- June 16th, 2025, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM & June 26th, 2025, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Risk, Threat, and Crisis Management: Violence: Can You Prevent It? The Packing House, 411 Dorchester Ave., Cambridge, MD. Funded by Moving Dorchester Forward.
- June 17th, 2025, 6 PM – 7:30 PM: Caroline County Public Library: The Gifts of Imperfection Book Discussion. 123 Morris Avenue, Federalsburg, MD. No registration required.
- June 26th, 2025, 6 PM – 8 PM: Mid Shore Suicide Coalition: Stay Alive with Kevin Hines, International Speaker. Cambridge South Dorchester High School Auditorium, Cambridge, MD. RSVP at stayalive@channelmarker.org.
- July 17th, 2025, 6 PM – 7:30 PM: Caroline County Public Library: The Five Second Rule Book Discussion. 123 Morris Avenue, Federalsburg, MD. No registration required.
- August 23rd, 2025, 12 PM: Caroline County Public Library: What is an Almshouse? Documentary Screening and Q&A. 100 Market Street, Denton, MD. No registration required.
- September 20th, 2025, 12 PM – 1:30 PM: Caroline County Public Library: From Conflict to Connection – Raising Resilient Teens. 100 Market Street, Denton, MD. No registration required.
- October 2nd, 2025, 6 PM – 7:30 PM: Caroline County Public Library: Co-parenting – Strategies for Success. 100 Market Street, Denton, MD. No registration required.
- November 6th, 2025, 6 PM – 7:30 PM: Caroline County Public Library: Bridging Gaps – Enhancing Workplace Collaboration. 100 Market Street, Denton, MD. No registration required.
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- View all Maryland Family and Youth Interventions for Substance Use (Maryland FYI) Free Provider Training and Family Support Opportunities here.
- View all Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center SUD Series here.
- View Maryland Digital Equity Coalition: Digital Equity Grant Webinar Planning Series here.
- June 11th - 13th, 2025, All Day: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMICon 2025.
- June 12th, 2025, 12 PM: Maryland Behavioral Health Integration in Pediatric Primary Care (BHIPP): Surveillance and Screening for Young Children in Pediatric Primary Care.
| | 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.
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- 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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Grief Share Recovery Group meets Thursdays, 6:30 - 8:30 PM, starting February 6th to May 1st. Bethlehem Wesleyan Church, Preston, MD.
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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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Delmarva Gender Expression Movement (GEM) is a support group for those exploring or identifying anywhere along the gender spectrum. They meet every 3rd Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at UUFE. The address is 7401 Ocean Gateway, Easton—email Tina.
- Anne Arundel County Department of Health Youth Support Group for youths ages 12-17. Call 410-222-7076 for more details.
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- CASA of the Mid-Shore is hiring a Case Supervisor to train, supervise, and support Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteers working with children in the court system due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. This full-time position requires a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, and at least two years of experience in child welfare or human services. Strong oral and written communication skills and a commitment to child advocacy are essential. Background checks are required in accordance with National and State CASA standards. To apply, send your resume to info@casamidshore.org.
- Channel Marker, Inc. is hiring full-time Mental Health Case Managers/Rehab Specialists in Denton, MD to support youth or adults in Caroline County through individual and group mental health services. Applicants must be 21 or older, hold at least an Associate’s degree, and have a valid driver’s license. Channel Marker is also hiring Residential Overnight Group Home Counselors to assist individuals in their recovery journey. For more information and to apply, visit the employment section here.
- The Shelter Alliance, a non-profit organization in Chestertown, MD, is seeking a full-time Executive Director. The ideal candidate will have experience in shelter operations, nonprofit management, and fundraising, with a commitment to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. Responsibilities include program and resource management, community outreach, policy development, and personnel oversight. For best consideration, view the job posting here.
- Chesapeake Voyagers, Inc. is hiring a Young Adult Peer Support Specialist to provide peer support for individuals ages 18-35 facing mental health and/or substance use challenges. This full-time position (40 hours/week) includes daytime, evening, and some weekend hours. Applicants must have lived experience with recovery and a valid driver’s license. To apply, email your resume to dianelane@chesapeakevoyagers.org.
- The Dorchester County Council (Council) is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to procure the contract services of an attorney or several attorneys, licensed in the State of Maryland, to serve as legal counsel and Director of the new Dorchester County Family Advocacy Clinic. This position is grant-funded and the Dorchester County Circuit Court (Court) is the administrator of such grant. The Council intends to make a single award as a result of this RFP. If multiple attorneys submit a proposal, it is expected that they will submit their proposal together and identify which of them will serve as the Director of the Clinic. To learn more click here.
- CASA of Caroline, Inc., an established non-profit located in central Denton, MD, seeks a qualified professional to serve as its next Executive Director. Qualified professionals should have a master’s degree in social work, psychology, or child welfare-related field, or a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5 years of experience in child welfare and/or case management. Applicants who have knowledge & understanding of the juvenile court system and the needs of abused & neglected children are preferred. Other desired areas of skills and knowledge include grant writing, volunteer management, public relations, fundraising & development, as well as excellent written and oral communication skills. Please send your resume to carolinecasa@verizon.net.
- Dorchester County CWS is hiring compassionate individuals to serve as paid shelter monitors from December 1st through March 31st, with evening and overnight shifts available on weeknights and weekends. Applications are accepted in person at Delmarva Community Services, Inc., 2450 Cambridge Beltway, Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 4 PM.
- For All Seasons is seeking dedicated professionals for multiple positions, including Licensed Therapist, Licensed School-Based Therapist, and Licensed Therapist (Forensic Program). Ideal candidates will provide trauma-informed clinical services and support clients in various settings. These full-time opportunities offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits. Click here to apply.
| | 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 | | Rural Maryland Council Hosting FY2026 Grant Information Series | | |
The Rural Maryland Council is offering $6 million in funding for rural communities through two grant programs: the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) and the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF). To support applicants, RMC will host five FY2026 Grant Information Sessions this spring, both virtually and in person across the state. These sessions will offer attendees the chance to connect with RMC staff and learn about program eligibility, priorities, and application processes. Lunch will be provided at the in-person events.
Registration links and full details are available at rural.maryland.gov.
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Caroline County Residents
Kent County Residents
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Queen Anne's County Residents
Talbot 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 | | New Spanish Resources from Mental Health America | | |
Mental Health America (MHA) is excited to offer new Spanish-language resources designed to support young people's mental health. The Supporting Young Minds guides feature practical tools, including sample communications, engaging classroom activities, colorful handouts, and a DIY worksheet and poster. Ideal for parents, educators, and caregivers, these free guides provide valuable resources for empowering Spanish-speaking youth and promoting mental well-being.
Get the guide here.
| | Maryland Behavioral Health Administration Burial Assistance | | |
The Maryland Behavioral Health Administration provides resources for families struggling with the cost of burials. Through their programs, they offer financial assistance to help cover funeral expenses for individuals who have passed away, particularly for low-income residents. These services ensure that families facing financial hardship can give their loved ones a dignified burial.
Learn more here.
| | New 988 Partner Toolkit Resources Now Available | | |
Exciting updates have arrived in the 988 Partner Toolkit from SAMHSA! Here’s a quick rundown of the latest resources to help you promote the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in your community:
- Updated 988-Branded Photography
- High- and low-resolution images with new vertical dimensions for social media are now available. You can also access photos of rural older men to enhance your marketing materials.
- Updated designs with refreshed 988 branding and revised language based on audience feedback. Replace older materials as you use them with these newly updated versions, available for download in the Partner Toolkit.
- 988 Judgment-Free Bus Stop Banner
- The bold 48” x 69” bus stop banner is now available. This colorful banner is perfect for high-traffic public spaces like bus stops and community centers, helping to spread awareness of 988.
- Updated "What is 988 and How Does it Work?" Video
- The video now includes fresh branding and music. It explains the 988 Lifeline and highlights the people working behind the scenes. The best part? The video is now free to use without restrictions.
- The "Advising People on Using 988 vs. 911" guide helps healthcare providers understand when to call 988 or 911. This valuable resource, along with new social media content, is available in the Toolkit to educate the public on the differences between these two services.
To access these new resources, visit the 988 Partner Toolkit.
| | 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!
| | The A.F. Whitsitt Center is now offering convenient pick-up services for individuals seeking treatment. This new initiative ensures that transportation is no longer a barrier to accessing care. Scan the qr code in the image below to learn more. | | Click here for a centralized electronic resource for community partners on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, focusing on Autism-related needs such as events, education, medical support, advocacy, and mental health. | | |
Do your patients currently have health insurance through Medicaid or the
Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP)?
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This year, Medicaid renewals are not automatic.
- Ask your patients to make sure their contact information is up to date with Maryland Health Connection.
- Encourage them to be on the lookout for notices, as they will be contacted by mail or through their online account when it’s their turn to renew.
- And please stress the importance of completing renewals on time. Participants can log in to their account at MarylandHealthConnection.gov/Checkin or call 855-642-8572 to get started.
| | BHIPP Consultation Warmline is Available Year-Round | Child mental health specialists are available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. (except on major holidays) to provide consultation in many areas of behavioral health including medication management, diagnostic issues, developmental delays, school/learning issues, autism spectrum disorders, trauma, and early childhood mental health. Call 855-Md-BHIPP (632-4477) Click here for more information. | | |
DEI Impact Statement
Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. acknowledges that behavioral health systems have historically been used as a tool to perpetuate racism. Racism causes trauma. Racial bias within these systems cultivates health disparities and inequities, which can reinforce racial oppression.
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Value Statement
Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. is devoted to providing exceptional service to our community with passion and commitment to our core values: Integrity, Inclusive Collaboration, Progressive Leadership, and Advocacy.
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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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