Welcome to the Latest News page where you will find the latest news and information on the Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency. This page is updated regularly, so check back often.
May is Mental Health Month 2020 Activity Calendar
May is Mental Health Month!
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Posted: 05/22/2020
May is Mental Health Month!
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Posted: 05/21/2020
May is Mental Health Month!
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Posted: 05/20/2020
May is Mental Health Month!
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Posted: 05/19/2020
May is Mental Health Month!
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Posted: 05/18/2020
May is Mental Health Month!
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Posted: 05/18/2020
May is Mental Health Month!
Click here for the full calendar!
Posted: 05/18/2020
May is Mental Health Month!
Click here for the full calendar!
Posted: 05/15/2020
May is Mental Health Month!
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Posted: 05/12/2020
May is Mental Health Month!
Click here for the full calendar!
Posted: 05/12/2020
This week we honor those law enforcement officers who protect and serve the public during National Police Week, Sunday May 10 – Saturday May 16. Our officers on the front lines are increasingly vulnerable to contracting the COVID-19 virus, yet they continue to serve all of us with dedication, honor and dignity. These men and women are true heroes of our community and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts. Members of the community can honor Fallen Law Enforcement Officers during a Virtual Candlelight Vigil on May 13 at 8:00 pm Eastern at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memoral Fund website.
Posted: 05/12/2020
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
May is Mental Health Month
Click here for the full calendar!
Posted: 05/12/2020
May is Mental Health Month!
Click here for the full calendar!
Posted: 05/11/2020
May is Mental Health Month!
Click here for the full calendar.
Posted: 04/29/2020
May is Mental Health Month!
Click here for the full calendar.
Posted: 04/29/2020
May is Mental Health Month!
Click here for the full calendar.
Posted: 04/29/2020
May is Mental Health Month!
Click here for the full calendar.
Posted: 04/29/2020
The artwork was created by students accross the state depicting what makes them feel happy, healthy, and/or hopeful. Submitted work comes from 247 participants, 35 unique schools/programs, and 16 different counties.
Please join us in celebrating these artists and their work!
Posted: 05/06/2020
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
May is Mental Health Month!
Click here for the full calendar.
Posted: 04/29/2020
May is Mental Health Month!
Click here for the full calendar.
Posted: 04/29/2020
May is Mental Health Month!
Click here for the full calendar.
Posted: 04/29/2020
May is Mental Health Month!
Click here for the full calendar.
Posted: 04/29/2020
May is Mental Health Month!
Click here for the full calendar.
Posted: 04/29/2020
In celebration of mental health month, the AACMHA will be posting daily activities for individuals and families to participate in during the month of May.
We encourage you to explore new ways to build your mind and body connection, your resilience and your wellness.
Click here for the full calendar.
Posted: 04/29/2020
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
Stay tuned for daily updates with information, activities and more in the month of May!
Posted: 04/21/2020
April 20, 2020 marks the 3 year anniversary of the Safe Stations program! Safe Stations has assessed 3,461 in the first 3 years of the program. Thanks to this unique partnership, we anticipate continued success in the future.
Posted: 04/20/2020
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
70 Things to Do with Kids Now That We’re All Stuck at Home
Click here for the full list.
Posted: 04/07/2020
PROVIDER ALERT: Advice for Submitting Uninsured Requests
April 3, 2020
Optum Maryland would like to share with providers some important information on the correct way to submit Uninsured requests in order to avoid delays in processing.
Click here to view the full alert.
Posted: 04/06/2020
Anne Arundel County Police Department compiled the following list of resources:
Posted: 04/01/2020
Updated COVID-19 FAQs for Telehealth, BHA Partners, and OTPs
March 27, 2020
The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) has released updated FAQs on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19):
Click to view:
• FAQs on Telehealth (March 27)
• FAQs for Behavioral Health Partners (updated March 26)
• FAQs for Opioid Treatment Programs (updated March 26)
BHA will continue to update the COVID-19 related FAQs every Tuesday and Friday. Please submit your 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: 03/30/2020
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
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The Mental Health Association of Maryland has compiled a list of resources to protect your wellbeing at this time (this will be updated daily).
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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.
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The Suicide Prevention Resource Center also has a number of resources for coping with COVID-19.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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For Providers
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The Maryland Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Administration has a comprehensive list of resources for the community and providers.
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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.
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Maryland Association of Behavioral Health Authorities also offers county-specific information for providers in Maryland.
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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
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Our website now has a revamped Resource area with extensive early psychosis information for providers, consumers, family, and friends.
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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
Optum has released a Provider Alert: Telephone Services Authorized During State of Emergency for Mobile Treatment and ACT Services
Click here to see the full alert.
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:
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
On March 5, 2020, a state of emergency and a catastrophic health emergency was proclaimed
in Maryland. Recognizing that this may impact the State’s ability to timely process renewals of
expiring permits, licenses, and registrations, Governor Hogan issued an Executive Order
governing said licenses. The Executive Order extends licenses that would expire during this
period of a state of emergency.
Click here for the full memo from the Behavioral Health Administration.
Posted: 03/19/2020
Click here for the FY 18 Annual Report and FY 20 Annual Plan.
Posted: 06/13/2019
The 2019 Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNA) report about Anne Arundel County is now available.
Posted: 02/27/2019
Click here for more information.
Posted: 06/12/2019
Updated list of the sites where individuals can go and receive assistance with applying for insurance (Medicaid, QHPs through Maryland Health Connection). Please reach out to Kristina Dickinson, at kristinadickinson@aacounty.org, with any questions you may have.
Click here to view the updated list.
Posted: 02/01/2019
This chapter:
A. Prohibits inappropriate sexual behavior in covered programs; and
B. Adopts awareness and prevention training and reporting requirements regarding inappropriate sexual behavior that a covered program shall fulfill in order to be licensed by the Department or any of its Administrations, or approved by the Department or any of its Administrations to receive funding to provide services in Maryland.
For more information on this chapter of COMAR, please visit the following website:
Posted: 01/31/2019
Please click here for an important message from the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners regarding new requirements for Criminal History Record Checks for Renewal.
Posted: 07/02/2018
Please click here.
Posted: 02/12/2018
Please click here to see the attached notice from Beacon- Fentanyl
Posted: 01/17/2018
Beacon Provider Alert Balancing Incentive Program DLA-20 Training and Implementation Update CLICK here.
Posted: 12/23/2016
Hotlines for families and youth
Call 911 for immediate assistance in any emergency
CRISIS WARMLINE
410-768-5522
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Maryland Youth Crisis Hotline
1-800-422-0009
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
2-1-1 Maryland
Dial 2-1-1, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
National Suicide Prevention Hotlines
1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Anne Arundel County Public Schools Student Safety Hotline
1-877-676-9854
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline
1-800-985-5990
Text: "TalkWithUs" to 66746
Physician Support Line
1-888-409-0141
Monday – Friday: 8AM - 3AM ET
Saturday – Sunday: 8AM - 3AM ET