Alcohol abuse grant
The Department of Health's alcohol and drug abuse prevention and education services have been awarded a Maryland strategic prevention framework (MSPF) community implementation grant of $31,132 to the Anne Arundel Community College Foundation. The funding will be used for prevention strategies and programs specifically designed to reduce underage drinking in the community. Grant target areas are Brooklyn Park, Curtis Bay, Glen Burnie and Pasadena. Information: Sandy Smolnicky, prevention specialist, 410-222-6724.
Weight management
The University of Maryland Center for weight Management & Wellness will offer a free education seminar discussing the comprehensive surgical approach to weight loss from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15 in the Dr. Constantine Padussis Conference Center, third floor, 301 Hospital Drive. Reservations requested. Information: 410-328-8940 or http://www.umm.edu/weightloss.
Living with diabetes
The University of Maryland Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology will discuss simple nutrition and exercise changes to achieve weight loss, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and prevent diabetes. Classes will be held from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 21 in Suite 119, at the Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, 301 Hospital Drive. Cost $25. Reservations required. Information: 410-787-4940.
Summer health, safety tips
The Health Department offers summer safety tips and health information by visiting the "Hot Topics" section of its website, . The site features tips for hot weather, food safety, sun and water safety, and recreational water quality or visit the Health Department on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/aahealth.
The Learn to Live program of the Department of Health offers free copies of its latest newsletter, Building Blocks, issue No. 17, featuring instructions to create a vegetable garden, safety advice while planting or harvesting, and recipes for produce. Information: . or 410-222-7979.
Sun-smart kits
The Learn to Live program of the Department of Health offers sun-smart kits to county residents. The kit contains a guidebook, ideas for sun accessories and information about skin cancer detection. To order a kit, call the Learn To Live Line, 410-222-7979, or visit .
Free cookbook
The Learn to Live program of the Department of Health has a new healthful eating kit that features a free cookbook and tips that will help you select foods high in fiber and low in fat and sodium. Recipes are also quick, easy and economical. Information: . or 410-222-7979.
Health report card
The Department of Health has announced its annual report card of community health indicators. The report highlights progress in lowering death rates from stroke, diabetes and breast cancer. County residents have met nationally set goals for getting screened for cholesterol levels, breast cancer and colorectal cancer. Lung cancer and melanoma mortality rates were higher in Anne Arundel County than in Maryland as a whole. Information: or 410-222-7202.
Health email alerts
The Department of Health has a community health email alert system to provide timely notices about department services and community health issues. Also, a recreational water-quality email alert system has been in effect since 2006. It alerts subscribers when a closure or advisory is issued for a county waterway. For information about the alert services, visit http://www.aahealth.org/recwateralert. Information: 410-222-4508.
Patient disability pamphlet
The county Commission on Disability Issues offers a pamphlet, "Doctors' Offices and Patients with Disabilities Working Together," that offers suggestions for doctors to make visits go more smoothly, including information on training staff, obtaining equipment for the disabled and accommodating service animals. To obtain a copy, contact the Americans with Disabilities Act Office at 410-222-4464, ext. 3056; or and click on "Doctor's Office Brochure."
Support groups
Lung cancer The group provides ongoing emotional support and information to patients and families coping with a diagnosis of lung cancer. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of every month in the Donner Pavilion, Anne Arundel Medical Center, 2001 Medical Parkway, Annapolis. Information: contact the DeCesaris Patient and Family support program 1-800-966-2619. Register online at .
Breastfeeding Mothers will discuss topics determined by the participants and directed by a certified lactation consultant. Bring the baby, grandparents and care providers. The group meets the second and fourth Thursday of every month in the Sajak Pavilion, 2nd floor, 2002 Medical Parkway, Annapolis. Register online at .
Breast cancer A support group for patients, families and caregivers. The program will be lead by a licensed counselor and a registered nurse. The group will meet the third Tuesday of every month at Kent Island, Anne Arundel Diagnostics, lobby, Chester. Information: contact the DeCesaris Patient and Family support program 1-800-966-2619. Register online at .
Trauma recovery The group focuses on empowerment, learning new skills for managing the effects of trauma and building healthy relationships. Anne Arundel Medical Center's in-house Abuse and Domestic Violence Program has professional trained staff. The group meets 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Monday at the Doordan Institute, AAMC Health Sciences Pavilion, 7th floor, Annapolis. Information: 443-481-1209.
The Joslin Circle A diabetes support group discusses issues regarding management of the disease. The group meets 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of every month in the Joslin Diabetes Center, Suite 223, Baltimore Washington Medical Center, 301 Hospital Drive, Glen Burnie. Information: 410-787-4940.
Man-to-Man prostate cancer Offers information about diagnosis, treatment and management. The group meets 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the third Monday of every month in the Tate Center, Baltimore Washington Medical Center, 305 Hospital Drive, Glen Burnie. Information: 410-787-4367.
Stroke Meets to discuss stroke recovery and prevention from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month in the Dr. Constantine Padussis Conference Center, Baltimore Washington Medical Center, 301 Hospital Drive, Glen Burnie. Information: 410-787-4457.
Caregivers Provides information, respite and support to people who give care to family and friends. The group meets 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month at the Heritage Office Complex in the Department of Aging and Disabilities office, fourth floor, 2666 Riva Road, Annapolis.
Joint School A free session on the preparation, recovery and benefits of hip- and knee-replacement surgery will be held at 4 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every other month at Baltimore Washington Medical Center, 300 Hospital Drive, Glen Burnie. Information and reservations: 410-553-8282.
Suicide support group For ages 18 and older meets monthly on Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Life Center, 445 Defense Highway in Annapolis. Registration is required. Information: 410-987-2129.
'Stepping Stones,' A support group for children ages 8-13 who are grieving the loss of a loved one, meets from 10 a.m. to noon monthly on Saturdays at the Life Center, 445 Defense Highway in Annapolis. Registration is required. Information: 410-987-2129.
Mental Health A support group for community members and families seeking information about psychiatric issues. The programs discusses depression, anxiety, addiction and bipolar disorder. The group meets the fourth Wednesday of every month in Room A of the partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) 2nd floor, Baltimore Washington Medical Center, 301 Hospital Drive. Information: 410-553-8070 or 410-787-4627.
Screenings
The Department of Health offers vision and hearing screenings for children in pre-school, kindergarten, first and eighth grade, and for students new to Anne Arundel county schools. Children in the following schools will be screened in August:
•Creative Gardens Glen Burnie, Aug. 23 and 24
•Noah's Ark Day Care, Aug. 27 and 28
•St. Margaret's Day School, Aug. 28 and 29
•Gambrills Day School, Aug. 29
•Joy in Learning Glen Burnie, Aug. 29 and 30
•Joy in Learning Marley, Aug. 30
•Childtime Child Care, Aug. 31.
For additional information call Kim Roussey, vision and hearing technician supervisor at 410-222-6838.
•Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in Anne Arundel County after lung cancer. Screenings and informational kits are available through the Health Department's Learn to Live program. To order a free kit, call the Learn to Live Line, 410-222-7979, or visit . Also, the Department of Health's LifeScreen program offers free colorectal cancer screening to county residents ages 50 to 64 who are uninsured and income eligible. Information: 410-222-6640.
•The Department of Health offers free, confidential testing and counseling for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. For appointments: Annapolis, 410-222-7493; Glen Burnie, 410-222-6633; Parole, 410-222-7248. For personal and confidential HIV case management services, call 410-222-7108.
•The county health department provides free breast exams, mammograms, PAP tests and cervical cancer screenings to eligible county residents 40 and older. Information: 410-222-6180 or visit .
Continuing services
The county Health Department offers:
Parents guide to school health. Visit the website, http://www.aahealth.org/parentsguide The site provides information on school services for the 2012-1013 school year. The page includes information on bullying, keeping kids smoke-free, flu prevention and a link to a directory of school nurses in county public schools.
•The Administration Care Coordination Unit, which provides services to clients who are enrolled in or may be eligible for medical assistance and HealthChoice to help them gain access to health care. Information: ACCU at 410-222-7541 or 410-222-4380.
•Children's immunization shots at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, 15 months and 18 months. Information: 410-222-4896 or the community health section at .
•Family planning services with free pregnancy tests, counseling, low-cost exams, lab tests and low-cost birth control supplies to women younger than 25. For an appointment: 410-222-7144.
•Free pregnancy and breastfeeding information is featured in the baby-care kits or to take the free online "Taking Care of a Baby" and Home Safety" classes, go to . Also, from the Anne Arundel Healthy Babies Coalition offer tips on calming a crying baby. The kits contain information on having a healthy pregnancy and baby. Information: . or call 410-222-7223. For information about car seats and a list of inspection locations, call Maryland Kids in Safety Seats: 800-370-7328.
•Substance abuse treatment services through Community Treatment Services. Information: 410-222-0120. Methadone and suboxone maintenance services through the Health Department's adult addictions clinic: 410-222-0100.
•Education and outreach programs for adolescents and parents. Topics for discussion include benefits of abstinence, responsible decision-making, pregnancy prevention and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. Information: Healthy Teens and Young Adults, 410-222-4468.
•The REACH health care program offers low-cost doctor visits, checkups, prescription medicine, lab work and tests, radiology services and dental services to uninsured county residents. Information: 410-222-4531.
•Comprehensive medical coverage to income-eligible families, children and pregnant women through managed-care organizations via the Medical Assistance for Families/MCHP program. Applications: 410-222-4792.
•Maryland birth certificates. Information: 410-222-4462.
•Behavioral health services for children ages 5 to 18 and their families. For mental health services and referrals: 410-222-6785. For substance-abuse services: 410-222-6725.
•The WIC supplemental nutrition program provides free nutritious foods, education, breast-feeding support and resource referrals to pregnant, breast-feeding and postpartum women and children up to age 5. To qualify, call 410-222-6797 or 410-222-0139 (Spanish).
•The Learn to Live program has more than 650 free recipes low in saturated and trans fats and high in fiber. Many are suited for diabetic, meatless and low-sodium diets. Visit . and click on "Recipe Search" under "Food And Fitness."
•A free booklet, "Don't Let Us Get Hooked on Tobacco," is available to parents who want to dissuade children and teens from smoking. The booklet is sponsored by the Learn to Live program and can be ordered or downloaded online at . Information: 410-222-7979.
•The Prescription Discount Program is available to all county residents of any age and income. Information: 410-222-4531 or visit and log in using Group #586.
•The Learn to Live program offers an annual newsletter for child care providers and parents. The newsletter includes healthy eating tips, advice on when to keep ill children home, facts on pertussis (whooping cough), and approaches to prevent temper tantrums. In addition to Building Blocks, Learn to Live offers publications for parents and child care providers that can be ordered from the Learn to Live Line, 410-222-7979, or on the website .
The Department of Health offers the following mental services for children and adults:
•Adolescent and family services, call 410-222-6785
•Addictions treatment, 410-222-6725
•Prevention and education services to prevent violent behavior and alcohol and drug abuse in young people, 410-222-6724.
•Mental health and substance abuse treatment is available to veterans returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families. Information: 410-222-0117.
For additional information about mental health services visit . or call the county's Crisis Response Warmline, 410-768-5522.