Raccoon rabies project
The county health department has begun its raccoon oral rabies vaccination project to immunize thousands of wild raccoons by placing approximately 85,000 rabies vaccine baits throughout the county. Trained bait teams, wearing shirts with Department of Health logo, will place the edible baits in likely raccoon habitats. In addition, a county police helicopter, flying at low altitudes, will be used to distribute baits in less populated areas. Information: visit aahealth.org/orv or call the Bureau of Environmental Health at 410-222-0056. Ext. 3025.
HPV vaccine
The department of health provides free HPV vaccine for both males and females ages 9 to 26 at the following clinics. Call to make an appointment.
•Glen Burnie Health Center, 416 A Street, SW, Glen Burnie, 410-222-6633
•Parole Health Center, 1950 Drew Street, Annapolis, 410-222-7247
Additional information visit aahealth.org or the department's immunizations services office 410-222-4986.
Breast cancer awareness
The Department of Health's Learn to Live program is offering a free women's health kit that includes information on breast cancer screenings, nutrition and other women's health topics. The health department also offers free mammograms and breast exams to eligible women. Call 410-222-7979 or visit learntolivehealthy.org.
Online report card
The county Department of Health's 2014 annual report card provides statistics related to mortality trends, cancer incidence, overweight and obesity, communicable diseases and other public health topics. The report highlights county progress made in adult smokers and colorectal cancer screenings. View the report at aahealth.org. Information 410-222-7203.
Walk for better health
Walking is the most popular form of physical activity. A web page sponsored by the Department of Health, aahealth.org/walk, features information about walking programs, trails and tracks.
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. Information: 410-222-4508 or aahealth.org/alerts. Also, the health department reminds county residents about health risks that are associated with natural bodies of water and with eating raw shellfish. Eating raw shellfish can cause Vibrio and Mycobacterium marinum related illnesses. Visit aahealth.org.
Quit smoking
The Learn To Live program of the Anne Arundel County Department of Health offers quit-smoking and power-to-quit-smoking kits. Kits are available from the Learn To Live line, 410-222-7979, or from the Spanish-language line, 410-222-4479 or visit learntolivehealthy.org. Also the department of health offers free healthy pregnancy and healthy babies kits on maintaining a smoke-free home, car and day care environment. To order free kits visit aahealthybabies.org or call 410-222-7223.
VA outpatient clinic
The Department of Veterans Affairs operates a 13,300-square-foot facility to serve veterans in Anne Arundel and Howard counties. The clinic is at 2479 Fifth St., adjacent to the Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center on the Fort George G. Meade Installation. Services include general outpatient medical care, preventive health and education services, various medical screenings, TeleHealth services and referrals to specialized programs and inpatient services available throughout the VA Medical Health Care System. Information: 410-305-5300.
Men's health kits
The Learn to Live program of the Department of Health offers free men's health kits with information on prostate health and colorectal cancer screening, as well as HIM magazine, which includes information on sun safety, smoking, nutrition and other men's health tips. To order a kit, call Learn to Live at 410-222-7979. Information: learntolivehealthy.org.
Support groups
Phoenix Rising, a support group for teens ages 13 to 18, is a place to connect with others who are also grieving the death of a loved one. Meets from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of every month in the Chesapeake Life Center, 90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena. Information: 410-987-2129.
HIV/AIDS Weekly support group meetings for HIV-positive men and women are held at 1 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis. Information: 410-222-7108.
Diabetes Support and educational programs will be offered at 7 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of every month in the Anne Arundel County Medical Center, 2001 Medical Parkway, Annapolis. Information: Anita Smith 443-481-5188.
Trauma recovery support The group meets at 6 p.m. every Monday in the Anne Arundel County Medical Center, 2001 Medical Parkway, Annapolis. Information: Elizabeth Cush, 443-481-1209.
Young adult cardiac support The group meets the second Monday of every month at 4:30 p.m. in the Anne Arundel County Medical Center, 2001 Medical Parkway, Annapolis. Information: Dianne Walters, 443-481-1928.
Substance abuse The Western Anne Arundel Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition offers information on the prevention of alcohol and other drug use among youth, and promotes safe and healthy behaviors. Meetings are held the fourth Friday of every month at noon in the Anne Arundel County Western District Police Station, 8273 Telegraph Road, Odenton. Information: 443-351-7989 or email WASPCoalition@gmail.com.
Cancer The group offers support and educational programs for patients diagnosed with any type of cancer. Sponsored by the Baltimore Washington Medical Center, the group meets at 5 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month in the Aiello Breast Center, 203 Hospital Drive, Suite B100, Glen Burnie.
Lung cancer The group provides 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: 1-800-966-2619. Registration: aamcevents.com.
Breastfeeding Mothers discuss topics determined by participants and directed by a certified lactation consultant. Babies, grandparents and care providers welcome. The group meets the second and fourth Thursday of every month in the Sajak Pavilion, second floor, Anne Arundel Medical Center, 2002 Medical Parkway in Annapolis. Register online at aamcevents.com. Also, August is national breastfeeding month. The department of health offers breastfeeding information in free healthy pregnancy and baby care kits at aahealthybabies.org
Breast cancer This support group for patients, families and caregivers is led by a licensed counselor and a registered nurse. The group will meet from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of every month at Kent Island, Anne Arundel Diagnostics, lobby, Chester. Information: 800-966-2619. Register online at aamcevents.com.
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, seventh floor in Annapolis. Information: call 443-481-1209.
Joslin Circle A diabetes support group discusses issues regarding management of the disease. The group meets from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month in the University of Maryland Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology (name changed from Joslin Diabetes center), Suite 223, Baltimore Washington Medical Center, 301 Hospital Drive in Glen Burnie. Information: 410-787-4940.
Man-to-Man prostate cancer Offers information about diagnosis, treatment and management. The group meets from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the third Monday of every month in the Tate Cancer Center, Baltimore Washington Medical Center, 301 Hospital Drive, Glen Burnie. Information: 410-787-4367 or the American Cancer Society, 410-421-4304.
Stroke support 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 from 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 in Glen Burnie. Information and reservations: call 410-553-8282.
Stepping Stones A support group for children ages 6 to 14 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 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of every month in Room A of the Partial Hospitalization Program, second floor, Baltimore Washington Medical Center, 301 Hospital Drive, Glen Burnie. Information: 410-553-8070.
Diabetes A support group to help understand living with diabetes is sponsored by The University of Maryland Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology at Baltimore Washington Medical Center. The groups meets bimonthly from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday and from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month. Both groups meet in the Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology at the Baltimore Washington Medical Center, 300 Hospital Drive, Suite 223, Glen Burnie. Information 410-787-4940.
Screenings
The county Health Department offers free breast exams, mammograms, PAP tests and cervical-cancer screenings to eligible county residents 40 and older. Information: 410-222-6180 or learntolivehealthy.org.
The county Health Department offers vision and hearing screenings in public schools for children in preschool, kindergarten, first and eighth grades and for students new to Anne Arundel county schools. Students in the following schools and programs will be screened in September.
•Edinboro Early School, Open Door Christian School, St. Anne's School of Annapolis, Monday, Sept. 8
•The Summit School, Tuesday, Sept. 9
•St. Martin's-in-the-Field Episcopal School, Tuesday, Sept. 9 and Wednesday, Sept. 10
•Asbury Community Christian Preschool, Wednesday, Sept. 10
•Arnold Christian Academy, St. Andrew's United Methodist Day School, Thursday, Sept. 11
•Naval Academy Primary School, Thursday, Sept. 11 and Friday, Sept. 12
•Annapolis Area Christian School, Sept. 15 and 16
•Lothian Elementary, Sept. 16
•School of the Incarnation. Sept. 17
•Monsignor Slade Catholic School Sept. 18
•Galilee Lutheran Preschool, South County Pre-K Cooperative, The Harbour School of Annapolis, Sept. 19
•Meade Village Head Start Center, Riviera Beach Elementary, Sept. 22
•Hilltop Elementary, Sept. 23 and 24
•Lloyd Keaser Health Start Program, Sept. 24
•Anchors-A-Wee Preschool, Messiah United Methodist Preschool, Weems Creek Nursery School & Kindergarten, Sept. 26
•Freetown Head Start Center, O'Bery Court Health Start Center, Sept. 29
•Park Elementary, Sept. 30
For more information call Kim Roussey, vision and hearing technician supervisor at 410-222-6838.
Continuing services
•Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in Anne Arundel county after lung cancer. Informational kits are available through the Department of Health's Learn to Live program. To order a kit, call Learn To Live, 410-222-7979 or go to learntolivehealthy.org.
•Medical assistance transportation services are available for eligible clients with valid Maryland medical assistance/HealthChoice card and no means of public or private transportation. Information: 410-222-7152.
•Prescription savings program. Available to Anne Arundel county residents, the card provides discounts on prescription drugs, vision care, hearing care, diabetic supplies and lab and chiropractic services. The program also has savings on pet medications. Information: 410-222-4531. Or visit scriptsave.com and log in using group No. 586.
•Visit Anne Arundel Health at pinterest.com/aahealthdept and become a follower for healthy recipes, get moving activities and obesity prevention.
•The Department of Health offers pregnancy and baby care kits available online or to take the free online "Taking Care of a Baby" and "Home Safety" classes, go to aahealthybabies.org. or call 410-222-7223.
•Medical coverage for families. Medical Assistance for families/MCHP provides comprehensive medical coverage to income-eligible families, children and pregnant women through managed care organizations (MCOs). Information: call the Department of Health 410-222-4792 or visit aahealth.org/mchp.
•STD/HIV/AIDS services. The Department of Health offers free STD prevention kits that can be ordered at 410-222-7382. Also, the department of health provides free confidential testing and counseling for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. For an appointment call: Annapolis, 410-222-7493; Glen Burnie, 410-222-6633; or Parole, 410-222-7248. Additional information: 410-222-7108.
•Behavioral health services for children and teens and their families without private medical insurance. For mental health services and referrals 410-222-6785. For substance abuse services call 410-222-6725.
•The Administration Care Coordination Unit 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: 410-222-7541 or 410-222-4380.
•Children's immunization shots at two months, four months, six months, 12 months, 15 months and 18 months. Information: 410-222-4896 or visit the community health section at aahealth.org/immunizations.
•Education and outreach services for adolescents and parents are available on the following topics: benefits of abstinence, responsible decision making, pregnancy prevention and the prevent of sexually transmitted infections. Information: 410-222-4468.
•Substance-abuse treatment services through Community Treatment Services. Information: call 410-222-0120. Methadone and suboxone maintenance services through the Health Department's adult addictions clinic: 410-222-0100.
•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.
•Maryland birth certificates. Information: 410-222-4462 or visit aahealth.org/birthcertificates.
•The Women, Infants and Children 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 Healthy 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 at learntolivehealthy.org.
The Department of Health offers the following mental health services for children and adults:
•Adolescent and family services, 410-222-6785
•Addictions treatment for children under 18, 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 aahealth.org or call the county's crisis response line, 410-768-5522.