Vision and hearing screenings
The Department of Health's vision and hearing screenings will be held at the following schools and programs for children in pre-school, kindergarten, first-eighth grade and for students new to Anne
West Meade Early Education Center, Monday, Dec. 12 and Tuesday, Dec. 13
Monarch Academy Glen Burnie Charter School, Tuesday, Dec. 13
The Goddaard School Millersville, West Annapolis Elementary, Wednesday, Dec. 14
Ferndale Early Education Center, Thursday, Dec. 15
First Evangelical Lutheran Preschool, The Goddard School Pasadena, Severn School, Friday, Dec. 16
Right Start Academy, Monday, Dec. 19
Oakwood Elementary, Tuesday, Dec. 20
Wiley H. Bates Middle, Wednesday, Dec. 21
South Shore Elementary, Thursday, Dec. 22
For additional information contact Kim Roussey, vision and hearing technician supervisor, 410-222-6838.
Free flu shots
The Department of Health offers free flu shots by appointment only at the following centers: Glen Burnie Health Center, 416 A Street. SW Glen Burnie, 410-222-6633 and Parole Health Center, 1950 Drew Street, Annapolis, 410-222-7247.
Food safety tips
The Federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 48 million Americans get sick from foodborne illnesses each year. Infants, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are at the greatest risks. The Department of Health offers a list of food safety tips to protect your family. Go to "Holiday Food Safety" under Hot Topics at aahealth.org.
Holiday blues
The Department of Health offers information on what causes the holiday blues and healthy ways to cope with them. Visit the department's website, aahealth.org and click on "Holiday Blues" under Hot Topics.
Opioid overdose response training
The Department of Health's adult addiction program will offer free training and certification to community members on the use of intranasal naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose and prevent death. Training will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, Friday, Dec. 16, at 112 North Langley Road, Glen Burnie. To register call the adult addiction program at 410-222-0100.
Lyme disease prevention
Anne Arundel County is a high-risk area for Lyme disease. More than 100 cases are reported annually. Last year, 102 confirmed or probable cases were reported. The Department of Health urges parents of young children to monitor outdoor activities and carefully check clothing, skin and hair when coming indoors. Information: Call the epidemiology office at 410-222-7256 or visit aahealth.org.
Hepatitis awareness
The Department of Health is reminding health care providers and the public of who should be tested for chronic viral hepatitis. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C can become chronic, life-long infections, which can lead to liver cancer. Baby boomers, people born between 1945 and 1965, are five times more likely than others to have hepatitis C. Information: Visit aahealth.org and select "Topics A-Z" or search "hepatitis."
Drug, alcohol education
The Department of Health offers informational programs, presentations, training and exhibits to county schools, after-school programs, community groups, faith-based programs and parent groups. Information: 410-222-6724.
DENIALisDEADLY.ORG
Visit the website for information about heroin and prescription narcotics. The website includes information on treatment resources, naloxone opioid overdose response training and prescription drug disposal sites.
SIDS alert
The Department of Health alerts the community about a recent increase in infant deaths due to accidental suffocation. Since January 2016 there have been seven infant deaths identified as probable suffocation. All related to unsafe sleeping practices, including infants sharing a bed and sleeping under piles of blankets. Remember the ABCs of safe sleeping. Children under the age of 1 should sleep Alone on their Backs in a safe Crib. Additional information: Visit aahealthybabies.org or call 410-222-7223.
Quit-smoking classes
The Learn to Live program of the Department of Health in partnership with local community medical providers and organizations will offer free quit-smoking classes at the following sites. Pre-registration is required.
•Anne Arundel Community College, 101 College Parkway, Arundel. 410-777-2480 or visit: aacc.edu/healthservices.
•Anne Arundel Medical Center, 2000 Medical Parkway, Annapolis. 410-481-5555 or visit: aahs.org.events.
•Baltimore Washington Medical Center, 305 Hospital Drive, Glen Burnie. 410-553-8103 or visit: mybwmc.org. Click on community.
•Owensville Primary Care, 134 Owensville Road, West River. 410-867-4700 or visit: owensvillepc.com.
For additional information, call the Learn To Live Line at 410-222-7979 or the Spanish-language line, 410-222-4479.
Medication disposal
The Department of Health, the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Maryland Behavioral Health Administration will sponsor a free year-round prescription medication disposal program. Expired, unused and unwanted medications can be dropped off 24/7 at these county police stations:
Northern District, 939 Hammonds Lane, Baltimore, 410-222-6135
•Southern District, 35 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater, 410-222-1961
•Eastern District, 204 Pasadena Road, Pasadena, 410-222-6145
•Western District, 8273 Telegraph Road, Odenton, 410-222-6155
Also, dropoff boxes are set up Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following sites:
•Annapolis District, 199 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, 410-268-9000
•Anne Arundel District, 8495 Veterans Highway, Millersville, 410-222-8050
Remove personal information from the container. Not accepted are hydrogen peroxide, inhalers, aerosol cans, ointments, lotions or liquids, medication from businesses or clinics, needles or thermometers.
Guide to school health
For Health Department information on safe backpacking, immunizations, bullying, keeping kids smoke-free, how to prepare nutritious school lunches and other topics, go to aahealth.org/parentsguide.
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 410-222-7979. Information: learntolivehealthy.org.
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 at Fort Meade. Services include general outpatient medical care, preventive health and education services, medical screenings, TeleHealth services and referrals to specialized programs and inpatient services available throughout the VA Medical Health Care System. Information: 410-305-5300.
Walk for better health
Walking is the most popular form of physical activity. A website sponsored by the Department of Health, aahealth.org/walk, features information about walking programs, trails and tracks.
Underage drinking tip line
The county Health Department, in partnership with the county Police Department and substance abuse prevention coalitions, has launched an anonymous tip line as part of a strategy to reduce underage drinking parties. County residents can call 443-390-TIPS (8477) to alert police about parties where underage drinking is expected.
Tool kit for health
The Healthy Anne Arundel Coalition has developed an online tool kit for physicians and health care providers that offers behavioral health resources to assist children, adolescents and their families. The kit is available on line at aaphysicians.org/KidsToolkit and features local and state national resources for assessment and screening, health advocacy, family and crisis support, legal assistance, loss and bereavement, training, treatment and recovery. Information: Healthy Anne Arundel Promotion and Publicity Subcommittee, 410-222-4508.
Heroin facts online
Go to the Anne Arundel County Department of Health website, aahealth.org/heroin, for information about heroin and prescription narcotics-treatment resources, opioid overdose response training and county statistics. Information and to register: 410-222-0100.
Breastfeeding information
The county Health Department offers breastfeeding information and baby care kits featuring information on babies' feeding habits; breastfeeding benefits, parents and society, and tips on coordinating breast feeding with work schedules. Information: aahealthybabies.org.
Quit smoking
The county Health Department's Learn To Live program 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 go to learntolivehealthy.org. Also, the department offers free healthy pregnancy and healthy babies kits on maintaining a smoke-free home, car and day care environment. To order free kits, go to aahealthybabies.org or call 410-222-7223.
Community health
The Department of Health recently released its 18th annual report card of community health indicators. The publication reviews health indicators related to cancer, communicable diseases and statistics on heroin-related intoxication deaths and the number of heroin-related emergency department visits. It also notes where improvement is needed in the county's lung cancer rate, adult cigarette smoking and mammography screening. View the report card at: aahealth.org. or call 410-222-7280.
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 offers a beach swimming guide at aahealth.org/beach for water quality results; an information-only line that operates 24 hours daily or call 410-222-7999.
Cancer screenings
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 department also offers free mammograms and breast exams to eligible women. Call 410-222-7979 or go to learntolivehealthy.org.
Support groups
Type I Diabetes support The Baltimore Washington Medical Center will begin a new support group for adults with type 1 diabetes and their family members. The group meets from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of every month in the Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, 300 Hospital Drive, Suite 223, Glen Burnie. Information: 410-787-4940.
Look Good, Feel Better The Baltimore Washington Medical Center will host the program "Look Good, Feel Better," presented by the American Cancer Society designed for women dealing with hair loss/or skin changes from cancer treatment. Classes are taught by a professional licensed beauty professional. The program will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, on the third Monday of every month in the Tate Cancer Center, first floor, 305 Hospital Drive, Glen Burnie. Registration: 800-227-2345.
Mental health support for community members and families seeking information on psychiatric issues will meet from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of every month in Room A, second floor, Baltimore Washington Medical Center, 301 Hospital Drive, Information: 410-553-8070.
Lactation Support Open to all breast-feeding mothers, the group meets from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of every month in the 3 South Classroom, Baltimore Washington Medical Center, 301 Hospital Drive. Information: 410-595-1782.
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
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 7:30 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: 410-787-4732.
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.
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.
Continuing services
The Department of Health website provides information about Zika virus disease, The web page features updates on virus activity within Maryland and the United States, Zika virus facts, transmission methods and prevention tips. Visit aahealth.org/zika.
The Department of Health offers a Parent's Guide to School Health at aahealth.org/parent guide. The guide includes ideas on packing nutritious lunches, supporting healthy behavior, promoting a healthy school environment and other school health tips.
The Department of Health's healthy start nurses and social workers meet with pregnant women and the parents of children up to age 2 to discuss pregnancy, child care and safety and community resources. Information: 410-222-7177.
The Department of Health offers free Healthy Pregnancy and Baby Care Kits to county residents. To order the free kits, or for more information visit aahealthybabies.org or call 410-222-7223.
•The Department of Health provides dental services by appointment to income-eligible children, young adults, expectant mothers and to adult participants in the county Reach program. Clinic locations: 3 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis 410-222-7138 and North County Health Services building, 791 Aquahart Road, Glen Burnie, 410-222-6861.
•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.
•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.
•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.
•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. The Anne Arundel Mental Health Agency Inc. operates a WARMLINE, through the Crisis Response System, 24/7 at 410-768-5522.
•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.