DIGEST Newsletter
March 2023
HCLHIC Quarterly Meetings
Register for the next HCLHIC Quarterly Meeting on April 20, 2023 at 8:30am to 10:30am (in-person or hybrid).

or call 410-313-6204 with any questions.
HCLHIC Community Corner
HCLHIC Receives Additional State Funding to Continue Food Security Initiatives
The Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition (HCLHIC) has received a $19,400 award from the Maryland Department of Health’s Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Control to implement activities aimed at addressing food security in Howard County. The funds are in addition to those received in 2022 to support the establishment of the HCLHIC Food security Committee and the development of a work plan to address the needs of the community. Check out the Media Release.
Food Pantry Spotlight - Food and Care for All (FCFA) Pantry
The HCLHIC Food Security Committee began a new initiative that features one food pantry every month on LHIC’s Healthy Eating webpage and social media sites @hclhic.

Food and Care for All (FCFA) Pantry was chosen for the March 2023 Pantry Spotlight. FCFA provides free food/nutrition and sexual and reproductive health services while empowering people to be self-sustaining.
Healthy Beginnings
New Innovative Inclusive Playground in Highland
A new playground at Schooley Mill Park in Highland was unveiled. This playground was designed to be a model of inclusion and age-friendly for all, and includes unique features to accommodate cognitive, communicative, social/emotional, and sensory disabilities. Pictures from the event can be found here, and video can be found here
Howard County CARES - American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is pleased to share the Howard County CARES (COPD & Asthma Resources with Educational Support) program to address the increase in prevalence and disparities associated with asthma and COPD rates in Howard County, Maryland. To learn more about this program visit: Howard County CARES | American Lung Association.
Healthy Living
Inequities Within: Issue of Inequity Across Communities
Howard County Library System released the Inequities Within: Issue of Inequity Across Communities report that examines the racial equity landscape in Howard County and across the state of Maryland. The data shows disparities across education, healthcare, housing, economic, and legal systems for every racial group. 
Safe Routes to Parks Resource Guide
Safe Routes to Parks is a movement to make access to great parks by walking, bicycling, and taking public transportation safer, more convenient, and more equitable for people, especially in low-income communities and communities of color, where less investment has gone into the routes to and the facilities in parks. To learn more, visit Safe Routes to Parks.
Healthy Minds
Mental Health First Aid for Teens
The teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) program teaches teens in grades 10-12, or ages 15-18, how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among their friends and peers. Build a powerful community of teens ages 15-18 by teaching them how to support a friend or classmate with the evidence-based teen Mental Health First Aid course. Learn more about Teen Mental Health First Aid.
Howard County Office on Aging and Independence Newsletter
The 50+ Center offer a wide variety of programming each day. Click to subscribe and receive information on activities at 50+ Centers, Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) programs, and health and wellness offerings. Check out the OAI digital newsletter!
Opioid Overdose Response Training
The Howard County Health Department offers FREE Opioid Overdose Response Program monthly virtual trainings. In-person training and Narcan distribution also available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am-2pm at the Harm Reduction RV in the Health Department parking lot. Call Bureau of Behavioral Health at 410-313-6202, email orpresponse@howardcountymd.gov.