Health Action Item and Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs (CDSMP)
Health Action Item
September 21 - 26, 2026 is Falls Prevention Awareness Week!
Join the Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition (HCLHIC) in observing National Falls Prevention Awareness Week from September 21 to 25, 2026. Falls are preventable, and we are dedicated to helping you and your loved ones maintain your independence, strength, and safety at home.
Discover local educational events happening right here in Howard County. Visit the HCLHIC Events Calendar here to explore this month's community schedule and learn how to get involved!
Coalition members are encouraged to share the resources available here.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month & National Recovery Month
💛 September is National Suicide Prevention Month & National Recovery Month
September is a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind our community that help, hope, treatment, and recovery are possible.
National Suicide Prevention Month brings attention to the importance of talking openly about mental health, recognizing when someone may be struggling, connecting people to support, and creating communities where individuals feel valued, supported, and comfortable asking for help.
National Recovery Month celebrates the strength and resilience of individuals in recovery from mental health and substance use challenges while recognizing the families, peers, behavioral health professionals, and community organizations that support them along the way.
Together, these observances remind us that seeking help is a sign of strength and that no one should have to face a mental health or substance use challenge alone. By starting conversations, reducing stigma, learning the warning signs of suicide, supporting individuals in recovery, and connecting people to resources, we can help build a healthier and more supportive Howard County community.
💛 Ways to Connect to Hope This Suicide Prevention Month
- 📘 Download and read the Maryland Action Plan to Prevent Suicide in K–12 Schools.
- 🌟 Visit SAMHSA's 988 Day website to learn about ways to raise awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
- 💛 Wear yellow on September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day, to show your support for suicide prevention and mental health awareness.
- 👟 Participate in a Suicide Prevention Awareness Month walk. Register for the Howard County Out of the Darkness Walk.
🤝 Find Help and Support in Howard County
For residents looking for mental health, substance use, crisis, or recovery support, the Howard County Local Improvment Coalition (HCLHIC) provides behavioral health navigation, suicide prevention, peer recovery support, overdose prevention, substance use resources, and referrals to community services.
Residents looking for help navigating services can call 410-313-6202.
🔗 Visit the HCLHIC website to find local mental health, suicide prevention, substance use, recovery, overdose prevention, and naloxone resources.
🆘 Immediate Crisis Support
For immediate crisis support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Howard County residents can also contact Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center at 410-531-6677. Grassroots provides 24/7 crisis intervention and walk-in mental health and substance use services at 8990 Old Annapolis Road, Suite A, Columbia, MD 21045.
💜 Peer Recovery Support
HCHD Peer Recovery Support Specialists
For residents seeking recovery support, Howard County Health Department Peer Recovery Support Specialists can provide substance use recovery support, referrals, and connections to services.
📞 667-203-1253 or 667-203-1264
📧 RecoverySupport@howardcountymd.gov
🩺 Overdose Prevention & Naloxone
HCHD Opioid Overdose Response Program (ORP)
Howard County provides free naloxone training and distribution through its Opioid Overdose Response Program. In-person training and distribution are available at the Howard County Health Department, and free online training is also available.
📅 September 2026 Health Observances
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- 🛟 National Preparedness Month
- 💛 National Suicide Prevention Week — September 6–12
- 👶 Baby Safety Month
- 🚗 Child Passenger Safety Week — September 20–26
- 🧓 Falls Prevention Awareness Week — September 21–25
- 🐾 World Rabies Day — September 28
CHRONIC DISEASE SELF-MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS (CDSMP)
Community-based education workshops to help people manage their ongoing health conditions. These interactive workshops are designed to improve individual’s self-management skills. Workshops aims to help participants stay active and engaged in their lives and builds confidence in managing their health.
(Digital Copies Only) CDSMP Flyer and Poster links available:
