What’s New
SUNDAY SUPPERS (NEW LOCATION)
People have been gathering for our Sunday Suppers program since 1982. Sunday Suppers is a social gathering for adults living with mental illness. The event is monthly is on Sunday, August 18th begins at 3 pm at the Way Station 9030 Route 108, Back of Building, Columbia, MD 21045.
Register Now for Fall 2019 Classes!
(Our programs are free of charge, just pre-register)
September Education Forum:
Emotional Support Humans
September 17, 2019
7:00-8:30 pm
Wilde Lake Interfaith Center
10431 Twin Rivers Rd
Columbia, MD 21044
Join us for a talk about being an Emotional Support Human. Wanting to help your friend, neighbor or loved one is all that’s needed.
What do I say?
I’d like to ask if they’re ok, but what do I say to bring it up? Finding the words to ask a friend or loved one if they’re dealing with a mental health challenge might be the hardest part. Consider using one of these phrases – they might help break the ice.
– How have you been feeling lately, really?
– What can I do to help you feel better?
See Flier 9 September Education Forum flier 091719
Free and Open to the Public
Light refreshment will be served.
Why Mental Health First Aid?
Saturday, October 12th from 9-5 pm
Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This 8-hour training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to appropriate care.
Registration required for Oct. 12th class. Click here to register online or call the office 410-772-9300.
Have you had direct contact with the Police?
You can still donate to NAMI Walks Howard County!
Donate at: https://www.namiwalks.org/Maryland. NAMIWalks is the nation’s largest and most successful mental health awareness and fundraising event. Funds raised enable us to provide our education, advocacy and support programs free of charge.
(Don’t forget to choose Howard County when asked to enter an Affiliate!)
The Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition (HCLHIC) is working to increase participation in evidence-based mental health and suicide prevention education and stigma reduction programs by 20% in order to reduce emergency department visits related to mental health conditions and decrease suicide rates in Howard County. HCLHIC partner organizations including: Howard County General Hospital, Grassroots Crisis Intervention, Humanim and the Mental Health Association of Maryland are collaborating to make these programs accessible to the community.
A NEW WAY to Donate:
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Police expand voluntary “flagging” program for calls to 911
Howard County police are expanding a program in which residents can voluntarily “flag” their address in the 911 system to make police aware of a family member with a disability. The program began through a partnership with autism advocates in 2012, but has expanded to include other information residents believe would be relevant to a police response, if 911 is ever called.
- Autism
- Alzheimer’s
- Intellectual, developmental or degenerative disabilities
- Physical disabilities
- Mental health diagnoses
- Other behavior that may affect police response