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COVID-19 is a disease caused by a respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in December 2019. COVID-19 is a new virus that hasn't caused illness in humans before. Worldwide, COVID-19 has resulted in thousands of infections, causing illness and in some cases death. Cases have spread to countries throughout the world, with more cases reported daily.

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Visit the Anne Arundel County Department of Health and the Anne Arundel County Partnership for Children, Youth, and Families websites for local information and resources, the Maryland Department of Health website for Statewide information or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for national information.

Visit the OpenArundel website for current data on the Anne Arundel County Cross-Departmental COVID-19 Response.

 

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24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Posted: 12/14/2020

On July 1, 2021, certain executive orders issued during the State of Emergency were terminated. One of the orders was Executive Order 20-04-01-01, which expanded the use of telehealth and audio-only services. This order is replaced by the Preserve Telehealth Act (SB 3).

CLICK HERE to view a list of FAQs regarding this update.

If you have a behavioral health question related to post COVID-19 telehealth services, please contact bha.inquiries@maryland.gov with additional questions or concerns, or contact your Local Behavioral Health Authority

Posted: 08/12/2021

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) released its Student and Young Adult Resource Guide for Coping During COVID-19. MDH’s Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) created the guide in response to mounting evidence that the pandemic is having a negative impact on youth behavioral health, including increased rates of anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide and increased mental health-related emergency room visits. 

To view the guide, click here.

Posted: 03/03/2021

Preregistration and appointment links are below:

Anne Arundel County Department of Health:
https://aacounty.org/covidvax

Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center:
https://living.aahs.org/community-vaccine-clinics/

University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center:
umbwmc.org/getthevaccine

Giant Food (Glen Burnie and Annapolis):
https://giantfood.com/pages/covid-info

For Veterans, VA Maryland Health Care System:
https://www.maryland.va.gov/services/covid-19-vaccines.asp

Maryland Department of Health Vaccination Site Locator:
https://maryland.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/nearby/index.html?appid=0dbfb100676346ed9758be319ab3f40c&find=

Posted: 02/03/2021

Stress related to COVID-19 is at an all-time high –  the American Psychological Association’s Stress in America report found that nearly eight in 10 adults say COVID-19 is a major factor in their stress levels. Resilience includes our ability to bounce back from adversity and come back stronger, and while that may not come effortlessly, it is achievable.Here are five tips from Mental Health First Aid to get you started:

1. Accept change. We all got a good dose of change in 2020! Whether we were working from home, virtual learning, or staying indoors for days at a time, we had to adapt to something completely new. Managing your expectations and allowing for flexibility are great places to start, so if things don’t happen as planned, you can continue to adapt.
2. Keep things in perspective. This takes practice, but a great place to begin is thinking about and writing down what you’re grateful for. When you focus on the positives around you, the negatives don’t feel as overwhelming. How you organize your thoughts matters and realizing that some things are out of your control can free you from harmful thought patterns. It helps to think about the big picture. You can’t always change what happens, but you can control how you react to it.
3. Take care of yourself. We can’t emphasize self-care enough, as it really can help bring you to a more positive and hopeful mindset. Doing nice things for yourself or planning activities you enjoy can promote a better mood, and it’s a great excuse to do something enjoyable for yourself if you’ve been feeling down. Try going for a brisk walk, watching a funny movie, or crafting – anything that’s going to make you feel more like you.
4. Prioritize relationships. Connecting with other people and cultivating relationships are innately human activities; we are social by nature. Lean on your social network for support if you need it. You are not alone in feeling “2020 fatigue,” and investing time in your relationships will help foster a sense of solidarity. Your friends and family may need some support from you as well, so be sure to offer them help too.
5. Seek professional help. Last year was far from the norm, and if you’re finding it hard to adjust, know that help is available. A licensed mental health professional can help you find some strategies for staying afloat and moving forward. Community organizations and faith-based groups are also available for support. The important thing to remember is that you are not alone, and your well-being is the top priority

For a shareable link to these tips, click here

Posted: 02/01/2021

The mission of Operation Courage is to provide quality mental health care and improve access to care for Maryland frontline workers.

Click here for a Secure, Free & Confidential Mental Health Assessment.

Posted: 01/12/2021

From the Maryland Department of Labor:

On December 27, the federal COVID-19 relief package, called the “Continued Assistance for Unemployment Workers Act” that extends the CARES Act programs and provides additional federal unemployment benefits, was signed into law. Labor has reviewed the legislation and is working with the vendor to begin programming the four new and On extended programs in the BEACON system. 

However, the department is waiting to receive complete and detailed guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor for each program before it can be implemented and paid in Maryland. States cannot move forward without this critical guidance and it is likely that guidance will be issued early in the new year. As the guidance is received, Maryland will modify the BEACON system and implement each program as quickly as possible to bring much-needed relief to eligible claimants. 

Please note that while there will be no gap in benefit eligibility because the PUA, PEUC, FPUC, and MEUC programs are retroactive to the week ending Saturday, January 2, 2021, for eligible claimants, there may be a delay in the receipt of payment. However, rest assured that eligible claimants will receive ALL benefits they are owed backdated to their earliest date of eligibility within the extended and additional programs. 

 Click here for an overview of the four programs.

Posted: 01/05/2021

Visit the OpenArundel website for current data on the Anne Arundel County Cross-Departmental COVID-19 Response.

Posted: 11/04/2020

Tips, helpful books, activities and journal prompts for children and parents.

Click here to see the full list.

Posted: 10/29/2020

• 10 tips for building resilience
• Strategies for resilience
• Building resilience
• Resilience at any age
• Resilience and taking care of yourself 

Posted: 10/02/2020

In response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, many individuals and families have been affected. As a result, Catholic Charities of Baltimore has launched a bilingual SNAP telephone hotline to assist with SNAP applications.

Help is available by calling the bilingual SNAP hotline at 667-600-2291 between 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Monday – Friday.

Benefit Counselors are also available at 667-305-6024 or 443-885-9707 to assist with additional benefits.

Pandemic EBT Frequently Asked Questions

SNAP Online FAQ

Beneficios de emergencia están disponibles

Posted: 07/09/2020

The purpose of this tool is to assist behavioral health providers in planning for safe, long-term organizational preparedness during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are universal preparedness questions that all providers should consider, however, there is not a one size fits all approach to planning for continuity of operations.

Click here for the checklist.

Posted: 06/19/2020

In the last month, as the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically slowed the U.S. economy,more than 50 0 Maryland families asked Catholic Charities for help with expenses.

In response, on April 22, Catholic Charities expanded its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, hotline to reach a wider community throughout the state, and added Spanish-language capability.

Click here for more information.

Posted: 05/12/2020

Inspector General Warns About New Social Security Benefit Suspension Scam

The Social Security Office of the Inspector General has received reports that Social Security beneficiaries have received letters through the U.S. Mail stating their payments will be suspended or discontinued unless they call a phone number referenced in the letter. Scammers may then mislead beneficiaries into providing personal information or payment via retail gift cards, wire transfers, internet currency, or by mailing cash, to maintain regular benefit payments during this period of COVID-19 office closures.

Social Security will never:

• Threaten you with benefit suspension, arrest, or other legal action unless you pay a fine or fee.
• Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.
• Require payment by retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, internet currency, or prepaid debit card.
• Demand secrecy from you in handling a Social Security-related problem.
• Send official letters or reports containing personally identifiable information via email.

Click here for more information.

Posted: 05/12/2020

Updated COVID-19 FAQ and Resources

May 5, 2020

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) has released new and updated resources on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19):

New

• BHA created an interactive Telehealth Map outlining known behavioral health providers now offering telehealth services across the state.

Update Resources:

• FAQ for Telehealth (updated May 4)
• Recovery and Wellness Support Resources (includes an updated list of virtual self-help an dother support for those seeking or in recovery) (updated May 4)
• Mental Health Supports
  • BHA developed an extensive list of webinars, trainings, support groups, info guides for clinicians, and info guides for the general public.  This resource is updated regularly here.  If you see a resource that w ehave not included, let us know:  bha.inquiries@maryland.gov.

BHA will continue to update behavioral health COVID-19 related FAQs on the BHA website.  Please visit frequently for the latest information.  Also, please submit any COVID-19 related questions here or you can email bha.inquiries@maryland.gov.

Optum Maryland would like to reassure providers that all of our services are operating as normal during the current national response to COVID-19.  Providers can continue to contact us at 1 (800) 888-1965.  After-hours and holidays will be covered by clinical night staff for crisis and emergency services.

Thank you,

Optum Maryland Team

Posted: 05/06/2020

Since 2004, Oasis has been offering a safe and supportive refuge for individuals and families seeking
relief. Our team of board-certified experts works to help every patient become a better version of
themselves. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, let Oasis: The Center for Mental Health
help you find peace. Contact us today for a free screening and to set an appointment.

Click here for more information.

Posted: 04/29/2020

New eviction prevention program first of its kind in the state 

Annapolis, MD (April 15).  Today County Executive Steuart Pittman announced a new Eviction Prevention Program that will help renters struggling to pay rent or utility bills because of recent job loss or employment disruption in the wake of the COVID-19 public health crisis.  

Click here for the full news release.

Posted: 04/27/2020

In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Network of Care team is working with our content partners to ensure that every Network of Care website provides comprehensive, continually updated resources at the local, state and national levels. Please find this content in your local Network of Care website at the red “Coronavirus (COVID-19)” bar near the top of every page.

Click here for the full press release.

Posted: 04/14/2020

From the Maryland Department of Health

Frequently Asked Questions:  COVID-19 and Maintaining Mental Health, updated March 25, 2020

Tips on Mental Health During Pandemics

‘Mental Vaccine’ for Covid-19: Eight Psychosocial Strategies for Virus Nosophobia

From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19

Mindfulness Resources

Mindful Living Calendar

From the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress

Helping Homebound Children During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Posted: 03/20/2020

Anne Arundel County Police Department compiled the following list of resources:

Posted: 04/01/2020

Managing Suicidal Clients During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Click here for more information.

Posted: 03/30/2020

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

The Maryland EIP and our partners are taking measures to support public health during these difficult times. We acknowledge the stress of coping with COVID-19 among providers, consumers, friends, and family. To that end, please find specific resources below on coping with COVID-19 and adjusting during this time. As a reminder, there are also helpful early psychosis resources that are available online at www.MarylandEIP.com.

General Resources and Info on Protecting Your Mental Health

• The Mental Health Association of Maryland has compiled a list of resources to protect your wellbeing at this time (this will be updated daily).

• The Maryland Coalition for Families has resources for recovery supports during this pandemic, including for Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Gamblers Anonymous (GA) groups.

• The Suicide Prevention Resource Center also has a number of resources for coping with COVID-19.

• The National Alliance on Mental Illness has also released a comprehensive guide to answer frequently asked questions regarding the intersection between COVID-19 and mental health, in addition to an article on coping skills to use during this time.

• For general information on COVID-19 and information on ways to protect your mental health, please visit our partner’s resource guide at the National Center for School Mental Health.

• SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline also provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. More information can be found here.

  • If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others call 911.

For Providers

• The Maryland Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Administration has a comprehensive list of resources for the community and providers.

• Behavioral Health System Baltimore has COVID-19 Prevention and Response Resources for providers, including specific state guidance on mental health services. Further Baltimore-specific resources can be found here.

• Maryland Association of Behavioral Health Authorities also offers county-specific information for providers in Maryland.

• The American Psychological Association has a free office and technology checklist for telepsychological services and has also made their Telepsychology Best Practice 101 Series freely available.

 Early Psychosis Resources

• Our website now has a revamped Resource area with extensive early psychosis information for providers, consumers, family, and friends.

• Maryland’s Behavioral Health website has 24 free modules on early psychosis for individuals interested in supporting youth/young adult mental health

Please follow us on Facebook for weekly updates and more information.

Take care,

The Maryland EIP

Posted: 03/30/2020

The Institute for Innovation & Implementation has released two Special Guidance Reports on Wraparound and FOCUS modifications to effectively support young people and families during COVID-19, while also adhering to public health and safety standards.

Posted: 03/27/2020

Tips for Caregivers on Media Coverage of Upsetting Events

These tips include information on Understanding Media Exposure and What Parents/Caregivers Can Do to Help.  This resource has been translated into the following languages:

• Arabic
• English
• French
• Spanish
• Swahili

Posted: 03/26/2020

There is a need for health care personnel who are in close contact with ill patients to have adequate protection.  Given the unprecedented demand for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), extraordinary measures to conserve PPE were issued on March 23, 2020 by the Maryland Secretary of Health Robert Neall.

Click here for the full order.

Posted: 03/25/2020

Toolkit for Responder Self-Care/Psychological First Aid (PFA)

Responder self-care is a critical component of Psychological First Aid. Responders deploy on short notice, face terror and destruction, and work long hours. These challenges make normal mechanisms of self-care difficult to access and easy to overlook.

It is imperative for responders to tend to their physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Without adequate self-care, fatigue, adrenaline, and a desire to help can lead to ineffective, or even regrettable, decisions and practices.

Self-care includes actions taken before, during and after deployment.

Click here for more information.

Posted: 03/24/2020

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) released three communications with guidelines for expanded telehealth services as a result of COVID-19 during the state of emergency on March 21, 2020.

• Telephone Services Authorized for General Health Care Services [attachment 4a]
• Telephone Services Authorized for Behavioral Health Services [attachment 4b]
• Telehealth Services Authorized for Psychiatric Rehabilitation Programs (PRP) [attachment 4c]

These documents are posted on the BHA website as well.

For questions about the information included in these guidelines, please email BHA at ivajean.smith@maryland.gov.

Posted: 03/23/2020

Notice - As of March 19, 2020, Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency's main office located at 1 Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD will be closed to the public.  For assistance, please call (410) 222-7858.

As always, our Crisis Response System Warmline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at (410) 768-5522.

Thank you.

Posted: 03/18/2020

The recent news about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak can feel scary and isolating. Check out these tips and resources for coping during this difficult time:

• Mental Health and Coping during COVID-19
• Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty 
• Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health during an Infectious Disease Outbreak: Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation
• Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource

Posted: 03/20/2020

Maryland Summer Meals Program has a searchable website at:

mdsummermeals.org

Posted: 03/20/2020

Anne Arundel County has established a Health Line, available at:  410-222-7256 

The hours are Monday - Friday 7:30 AM - 10:30 PM |Saturday - Sunday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Posted: 03/20/2020