March 2024 | Issue 28



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.

March is Problem Gambling Awareness month. According to the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, in the United States, an estimated 2 million adults will meet the criteria for severe gambling problems. Another 4 to 6 million adults are considered to have mild or moderate gambling problems, meaning they do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for gambling disorder, but are still experiencing significant distress as a result of their gambling behavior.

According to the Center, research has shown that persons with mental health and substance misuse disorders develop problematic gambling behaviors at a high rate. People who have experienced trauma are at increased risk, as are those with anxiety, affect, and personality disorders. The Center has developed a toolkit for medical and behavioral health professionals with guidelines for integration gambling screening and assessment into current practices.

Counseling for gambling problems is available at no cost to Maryland residents. Anyone concerned for themselves or another person can reach out to the Center's helpline 24/7 by calling or texting 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

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

Problem Gambling Awareness Self Evaluation

Are you concerned that you or someone you know may have a gambling problem? Signs can include promising to stop gambling but then being unable to control the impulse to gamble, gambling to get relief from distressing emotions or personal situations, or losing or putting at risk an important relationship, job, career or school opportunity because of gambling.

The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling has designed an online virtual assessment designed to help decide if support may be needed.

The Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency will be hosting their free annual Wellness Day event, held in partnership with the Center for Applied Technology (CAT-North), on Saturday, May 11th from 10 AM-2 PM.

Local Organizations will be joining the fun and sharing information about their resources. Activities will include a DJ, games, a photo booth, face painting,

a caricature artist, a calming room, horticultural therapy and more.

Location: The Center for Applied Technology (CAT-North), 800 Stevenson Rd, Severn. The first 200 attendees will receive a ticket for free food.

Webinar: Left to Their Own Devices: Helping Children Use Social Media Responsibly

On Monday, March 4th, from 8:00 PM-9:00 PM, the Wellness Institute will be hosting a free online conversation for parents and caregivers, Left to Their Own Devices: Helping Children use Social Media Responsibly.

Dr. Devorah Heitner, Ph.D., a social media and technology expert, will guide attendees through the challenges of cultivating responsible social media habits in youth through her mentoring vs. monitoring model. In an era dominated by digital influence, this workshop is crucial for understanding and addressing the impact of social media on our children.

3/5-3/8 Webinar: Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk: Essentials for Clinicians ©

3/6 Webinar: Workplace Mental Health- Curbing Stigma and Creating Culture of Well-Being

3/12 20th Annual BHA Child, Adolescent and Young Adult Services Conference (Virtual)

3/15 Webinar: Best Practices in the Treatment of Gambling Disorder

3/19-3/20  Virtual Summit: Suicide Safer Care in Clinical Practice Incorporating Current Best Practices

3/20 Webinar: Risk Factors and Warning Signs For Adolescent Suicide Attempts

3/20 Webinar: Ethics in Mental Health Treatment and the African American Community

3/21 Webinar: Anxiety and OCD in Kids and Teens-A Course for Professionals

3/22 Webinar: Establishing Ethical Practice Standards for Teletherapy

3/26 Gambling Disorder: Fundamentals (Grasonville)

3/7 Workshop: Building Emotional Resilience- Nurturing Inner Strength (Annapolis)

3/14 Free Adult Mental Health First Aid Training (Virtual)

3/14 Free Training: Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention (Virtual)

3/14 Naloxone-Narcan Opioid Overdose Response Training (Glen Burnie Library)

3/14-3/15 Sound of Silence Presents: House of Addictions Substance Misuse and Mental Wellness Interactive Event (Marley Station)

3/20 The Dementia Live Experience (Glen Burnie)

3/23 Color Me Calm (Severna Park Library)

3/26 Yoga Nidra: A Sleep Based Relaxation Technique (Broadneck Library)

3/26 Black and Suicidal Peer Support Group (Virtual)