September 2024 | Issue 34



The Anne Arundel County Local Behavioral Health Authority or LBHA is a

partnership between the Anne Arundel County Department of Health

and the Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency, Inc.

September is Suicide Awareness Month, with World Suicide Prevention Day falling on Tuesday, September 10th. Globally, someone takes their own life every 40 seconds. According to the Anne Arundel County Department of Health's 2023 Report of Community Health Indicators, 74 suicide deaths were reported here in 2021, making it one of the top ten causes of death in the county. White males

had the highest rate of suicide deaths in the county (66% of the total),

followed by white females (19%), and Black males (7%).

Learning the risk factors and warning signs for suicide can help save lives. So can talking and listening. Many of us are afraid that mentioning suicide may encourage someone to act, but this is a myth. Asking questions and offering support can bring a sense of connection often missing for those at risk.

Since 1989, September has also been recognized as Recovery Month. Of those adults in the United States who have faced a substance use or mental health condition, 7 out of 10 are in recovery. This month. we recognize those who have worked hard to achieve recovery, along with the friends, family, community and recovery workers who help make a return to health possible.

If you are in crisis and need help, our Warmline is open 24/7 at 410-768-5522.

Did you know around 75% of people seeking recovery achieve it? It's True! Recovery is something to be proud of and to be celebrated. The Anne Arundel County Department of Health wants you to show what recovery means to you by participating in their Show Us Your Sign Campaign.

Free Two-Day In Person Training for Parents and Caregivers of Children and Adolescents with Mental Health Needs

The Mental Health Association of Maryland will be hosting a free in-person

two day training in Linthicum Heights for parents and caregivers of

children and adolescents with mental health needs.

The CARE (Caregiver Advocacy and Resiliency Experience) training prepares caregivers to be better advocates for their child and all children and youth with specific needs. Learn about leadership, advocacy, special education, self-care, and more. Space is limited and applications to attend are due by Wednesday, September 4th. Overnight accommodations and meals are provided.

Attendees choose from two dates:

Friday, Sept. 20th at 5:00 PM ET-Saturday, Sept 21st at 4:00 PM ET

Friday, Sept. 27th at 5:00 PM ET-Saturday, Sept 28th at 4:00 PM ET

9/4 Webinar: Ethical Considerations for Trauma-Responsive Social Work Practice

9/6 Webinars: Ethical Decision-Making: Navigating Complex Cases and

Advancing Supervisory Skills: Improving Emotional Intelligence for Workplace Conflict Resolution (Can Register for One or Both Webinars)

9/11 Webinar: Managing Depression in Older Adults

9/12 Webinar: Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA) to Reduce Adolescent Substance Use

9/13 Webinar: Suicide Prevention-Considerations for Special Populations

9/13 Webinar: A Trauma Informed Approach to Ethics and Expectations

9/16 Road to Recovery Annual Conference (Virtual)

9/19 Webinar: Shhh… It’s a Secret-Substance Abuse and the Older Adult

9/19 Webinar: Suicide Prevention in the Black Community

9/19 Webinar: Screening, Brief Intervention, & Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)

9/19-9/21 Mental Health America Conference (Washington DC)

9/26-9/27 National Association of Social Workers Maryland Chapter 19th Annual Fall Clinical & 12th Annual Macro Social Work Conference (Linthicum Heights)

9/27 Virtual Symposium: Providing Affirming Care for Sexual and Gender Minority (LGBTQ) Communities

9/6 Anne Arundel Veterans Job Fair and Benefits Day (Edgewater)

9/7 Family Fun Day at the Y (Pasadena)

9/10 Workshop: Food & Mental Wellbeing Explained (Annapolis)

9/11 Back to School Stress Relief Party (Crofton Library)

9/11-9/15 Anne Arundel County Fair

9/12 Question, Persuade, Refer Free Suicide Prevention Training for Adults (Brooklyn Park Library)

9/14 The Blue Ribbon Project’s Open House and Family Fun Day

(Crownsville)

9/14 Anne Arundel River Days Festival at Ft. Smallwood Park (Pasadena)

9/17 Webinar: Black People Die by Suicide Too Presents-Beyond Success: Addressing Suicide Among Executives, Public Figures, & High-Achievers

9/18 & 9/24 Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County’s Mental Health First Aid Training (Virtual) 

9/23 Anne Arundel County Health Equity Open Forum (Virtual)

9/23 Question, Persuade, Refer Free Suicide Prevention Training for Adults (Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library)

9/28 Partners in Care Older Adult Fall Prevention Fair (Pasadena)