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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 Kelley Moran, Administrative Director (six years), and Caroline Smith (three years). Kelley began her tenure with MSBH just as the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020 and has since supported continual organizational growth, working closely with senior leadership to foster a welcoming culture of transparency and collaboration during a time of rapid expansion. Caroline began her journey at MSBH as an Accounting Specialist, later created the Grants Coordinator role to strengthen our contract and grant processes, and has since been promoted to Finance Manager. We are grateful for the passion, commitment, and care Kelley and Caroline bring to their work every day, thank you both for all you do to support MSBH and the mid-shore community!
View our full team here.
| | March is Social Workers Month | |
March is Social Work Month 2026, first established in 1963 by the National Association of Social Workers to build public support for the profession and recognize the vital contributions of social workers nationwide. This year’s theme, “Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform.”, honors the powerful role social workers play in strengthening individuals, families, and communities. Every day, social workers uplift those facing challenges, defend the rights of vulnerable populations, and transform systems to promote equity and well-being.
This month, we are proud to recognize the dedicated social workers on our team who make a difference every day:
- Alisha F. Saulsbury, LCSW-C – Forensic Mental Health Program Manager
- Ann Simpers, BSW, NCC, LCPC – Behavioral Health Coordinator, Wellness and Recovery
- Audra Cherbonnier, LMSW – Programs Manager
- Kathryn G. Dilley, LCSW-C – Chief Executive Officer
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Mary Becraft, BSW – Forensic Mental Health Case Manager
- Mary McDermott – Social Work Intern
- Sarah Fegan, LMSW – BH Coordinator | Children, Adolescents & Young Adults
Learn more about Social Work Month and this year’s theme here: NASW Social Work Month 2026
| MSBH SOAR Team Hosts Information and Training Session | |
Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. recently hosted a SOAR Training & Information Session in Easton, welcoming participants to strengthen their knowledge of SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR). This two-hour, in-person session guided attendees through the SOAR referral process, client eligibility screening, and real-world scenario applications. Facilitated by Lisa Short, BA, CPRP, Adult Population Supervisor & SOAR Lead, and Yvette Hynson, MS, CIRS, Certified SOAR Case Specialist | Aging & Disability, the training offered practical strategies for integrating SOAR effectively into client services and support.
To learn more about MSBH’s SOAR training and resources, contact Lisa Short: lshort@midshorebehavioralhealth.org.
| MSBH Continuum Of Care Team Hosts Workplace Excellence Training | |
Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. successfully launched its inaugural Workplace Excellence Series in Cambridge with six participants enrolled in the first cohort. The 10-module training, held at the Innovation Center in Dorchester County, focused on building essential workplace soft skills and strengthening participants’ readiness to return to employment. Facilitated by Certified Workplace Excellence Facilitators Jimmy Morris Jr., CWDP, DCC, and America McKinney, the series provided practical tools and insight into employer expectations.
To learn more about MSBH’s Workplace Excellence Series, contact Jimmy Morris: jmorris@midshorebehavioralhealth.org.
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HUD (Housing and Urban Development) has filed an emergency motion asking the court to lift the temporary injunction that has been in place since December. HUD argues that language included in the final FY2026 federal appropriations bill changes the circumstances that led the court to grant the injunction, and that the original urgency no longer applies. If the court agrees, HUD will move forward with its FY2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), including the filing issued on December 19, 2025, so it can make grant awards for programs set to expire in the third and fourth quarters of the year. HUD has asked the court to issue a decision by March 2.
To review the full filing and stay informed, click here.
| 15th Annual Across the Lifespan Conference Registration | |
Registration is now open for Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc.’s 15th Annual Across the Lifespan Conference: Hope at Every Age: A Lifespan Approach to Suicide Prevention on April 24, 2026 at the Miles River Yacht Club. This in-person event will bring together community leaders, providers, and advocates to explore suicide prevention strategies across the lifespan. Attendees will gain practical tools, hear diverse perspectives, and engage in meaningful conversations centered on connection and hope. Continental breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided, and 5 Category I CEUs are available. Space is limited—register today to secure your spot!
Click here to register.
| MSBH Welcomes New Board Members | |
Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. is excited to welcome three new members to its Board of Directors (pictured above from left to right): Amie Hoffman, MHA, LCSW-C; Dr. Ja’Tyra Smith, PhD, CMHC, ADT; and Katherine L. Schoonover, EHR Manager. Each brings unique expertise and a shared commitment to strengthening behavioral health services across the Mid-Shore region.
Read the full press release here.
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IT and Cybersecurity Services
Request For Proposals
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Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. (MSBH), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the regional Core Service Agency serving five mid-shore counties, is seeking qualified vendors to respond to its Request for Proposals for Information Technology and Cybersecurity Services. The RFP was released on January 22, 2026, with a pre-bid call on February 4, 2026, proposals due by March 6, 2026, at 4:30 PM, and an anticipated contract start date of July 1, 2026. Selected vendors will provide comprehensive IT and cybersecurity services, including Microsoft 365 administration, security monitoring, endpoint protection, help desk support, and compliance oversight for a hybrid workforce. This multi-year engagement offers an opportunity to partner with the largest regional CSA in Maryland and support critical behavioral health services across the lifespan.
View the full RFP here.
| Three New Job Opportunities at MSBH! | |
Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. is seeking a part-time, contractual certified peer to support the implementation of a new grant titled "Peer Power: Advancing the Workforce" awarded via the Department of Labor's "Rural Advancement of Maryland Peers (RAMP)" grant. The RAMP Program Coordinator will support 15 peers in becoming Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS) in the State of Maryland. This will be an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on recovery supports in the mid-shore region. The position supports a 25-hour work week and is a 1099 contractual position that pays $50.00 per hour with no benefits. For more information, contact Ashley Strazza at astrazza@midshorebehavioralhealth.org or call 410-770-4801 ext. 321.
Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. is seeking a full-time Statewide Assisted Living Administrative Specialist to support Maryland’s Public Behavioral Health System through coordination of the State Hospital Discharge Initiative (SHDI). This role serves as the primary point of contact for SHDI and is responsible for facilitating hospital-to-assisted-living transitions, coordinating individualized aftercare plans, supporting assisted living provider onboarding, managing contract and financial documentation, tracking vacancies, reviewing invoices, monitoring budgets, preparing required reports, and conducting annual site visits to ensure quality and compliance standards are met. The Specialist works closely with the Statewide Assisted Living Care Coordinator, hospital discharge teams, assisted living providers, community partners, and the Behavioral Health Administration, and should have strong organizational and communication skills, experience with financial processes and documentation, and the ability to travel statewide to support resident transitions and provider oversight. For more information or to apply, contact Kelley Moran at kmoran@midshorebehavioralhealth.org or call 410-770-4801 ext. 318.
Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. is seeking a full-time Grants Coordinator to manage the financial administration of sponsored projects and grants. This role is responsible for preparing and monitoring grant budgets, reconciling expenditures, submitting financial reports and reimbursement requests, supporting audits, and ensuring compliance with funder and organizational requirements. The Grants Coordinator works closely with program staff, the finance team, and service providers and should have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, 2–5 years of grants or nonprofit finance experience, and proficiency in QuickBooks, grant tracking systems, and Excel. For more information or to apply, contact Kelley Moran at kmoran@midshorebehavioralhealth.org or call 410-770-4801 ext. 318.
View all MSBH open positions here.
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The YouthREACH MD survey and census of young people experiencing housing will begin in the new year! Are you under age 25 and struggling to find or maintain reliable housing? Your voice matters! The online Youth Count survey is open now and closes March 13, 2026.
You can take the survey here.
| Updated MSBH Behavioral Health Resource Guide | |
MSBH has released its updated Behavioral Health Resource Guide for the mid-shore region. Now updated monthly, the guide serves as a growing resource for local behavioral health services.
View the Guide here.
Submit additions/edits here.
| Mental Health Association of Maryland 2026 Legislative Bill Tracking | | In-Person Trainings & Events | | |
- March 11th - 12th: Perennial Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC: Bloom Conference 2026. Mariotte Aloft Hotel, Ocean City, MD.
- March 28th, 2026, 9 AM - 4:30 PM: Talbot County Department of Emergency Services: Talbot County Lifesaver Marathon. Talbot County Health Department, 100 S. Hanson Street, Easton, MD.
- March 23rd, 2026, 6 PM - 7 PM: Peace of Mind Mental Health Services LLC: ADHD vs. Misconceptions. Talbot County Free Library, 100 West Dover Street, Easton, MD 21601.
- March 27th, 2026, 8 AM - 4:45 PM: Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center: Purpose in Life and the Aging Population. Eastern Shore Higher Education Center, 1000 College Circle, Wye Mills, MD 21679.
- Friday, March 27th, 2026, 8:00 AM – 4:45 PM: Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center (ESAHEC): Purpose in Life and the Aging Population: Eastern Shore Higher Education Center, 1st Floor, 1000 College Circle, Wye Mills, MD 21679. For more info, contact tcardillino@esahec.org.
- April 24th, 2026, 10 AM – 12:30 PM (ET): Queen Anne’s County Department of Health: Reentry Simulation. Queen Anne’s County Department of Health, 206 N. Commerce St, Centreville, MD.
- April 25th, 2026, 10 AM - 1 PM: 3rd Annual Autism Awareness Event.
- April 27th – 29th, 2026, All Day: National Council for Mental Wellbeing: NatCon 2026. Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO.
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- March 20th, 2026, 12 PM - 1 PM (ET): Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling: Shame and Guilt #2.
- April 9th, 2026, 12 PM - 1 PM: Kennedy Krieger Institute: Autism Medical FAQ: What Parents Ask and What Doctors Think.
| | 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.
| | 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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Click here to access a centralized electronic resource for community partners on the Mid Shore of Maryland, focused on Autism-related needs—including events, education, medical support, and mental health services.
The group meets on the first Wednesday of every month from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Microsoft Teams. To join the meetings, please contact Andrea Wolders, Gregory Gibson, or Rachel Stoyanov.
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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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- Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. is seeking a part-time, contractual RAMP Program Coordinator to support the implementation of the "Peer Power: Advancing the Workforce" grant, awarded through the Department of Labor's Rural Advancement of Maryland Peers (RAMP) program. This role will coordinate outreach and training for peers interested in becoming Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS), helping at least 15 participants complete certification. The RAMP Program Coordinator will handle grant administration, support training logistics, connect peers with volunteer or employment opportunities, assist with resumes and career readiness, and report program progress to the Department of Labor. View the position here.
- Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. is seeking a full-time Grants Coordinator to manage the financial administration of sponsored projects and grants. This role is responsible for preparing and monitoring grant budgets, reconciling expenditures, submitting financial reports and reimbursement requests, supporting audits, and ensuring compliance with funder and organizational requirements. The Grants Coordinator works closely with program staff, the finance team, and service providers and should have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, 2–5 years of grants or nonprofit finance experience, and proficiency in QuickBooks, grant tracking systems, and Excel. View the position here.
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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.
- Dorchester County Health Department is hiring mental health clinicians (LCSW-C) to work in an expansion of the School-Based Wellness Center program. Position would serve early elementary ages (PreK -2nd grade) in a small Tier II behavior program. Individual and family treatment, classroom-wide groups, and case management. Please apply via the Maryland State application if interested and/or contact Mindy Black-Kelly, LCSW-C, for more information, 443.521.1662 mindy.black-kelly@maryland.gov
- The Parents’ Place of Maryland is hiring Family Peer Support Specialists (FPSS) across the state to support families navigating mental health, substance use, and problem gambling challenges. Applicants must have lived experience caring for a loved one with behavioral health needs. Additional openings include Program Director, Regional Supervisors, Intake/Program Assistant, and Financial/HR Assistant. Services will be available in English and Spanish through one-on-one support, workshops, and groups. For more information and to apply, visit the careers section 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
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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 | | 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. | | 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. | |
Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc.
28578 Mary’s Court, Suite 1
Easton, MD 21601
410-770-4801
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