January 2024 | Issue 26



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.

New Year's resolutions are a wonderful way to make a commitment to improve our physical and mental health but they can also cause us stress and anxiety.

For some, failing to reach our goals can even worsen depression. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has tips for setting meaningful goals so that we may increase confidence, boost self-esteem and earn a sense of accomplishment, even if our goals aren't fully met.

We know that time spent outside can improve physical and mental health. One way we can take care of ourselves at the beginning of the new year is to participate in one of the Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks free guided First Day Hikes, held at locations across the county on January 1st. Check out the Recreation and Parks Calendar for a list of parks and registration details.

We wish everyone a safe and happy new year!

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

Free Substance Use Disorder Virtual Training Series for All Marylanders

Maryland ROPTA will be hosting a series of free substance use disorder virtual trainings from January 30th-February 20th. All Marylanders are welcome to register, and topics will include Adverse Childhood Experiences, Medication Assisted Treatment, The Brain & The Disease of Addiction, and more.

Statewide Art Competition for Youth:

Children's Mental Health Matters!

The Children’s Mental Health Matters! Campaign, organized by Maryland Coalition of Families (MCF) and the Mental Health Association of Maryland (MHAMD), is soliciting artwork created by youths up to 18 years old for its 2024 awareness raising activities to help fight stigma and inspire positivity.

The agencies select a piece from those submitted for their annual poster which is displayed in schools, non-profits and other agencies across Maryland to raise awareness of the importance of children’s mental health.

The deadline to submit artwork is February 16, 2024.

National Essay Contest For High School Students:

Speaking Up About Mental Health

Speaking Up About Mental Health is an essay contest that challenges high school students ages 16-18. The contest gives students a platform to share ways to eliminate and/or reduce mental health stigma faced by young people, especially in diverse communities. In addition, students may also address resilience and coping strategies to overcome mental health issues such as social isolation and loneliness, depression, and anxiety.

Cash prizes will be available for this contest, which is led by the National Institute of Health, The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Submissions are due by Tuesday, January 16th.

1/12 Webinar: The Use of Prescriptive Play Therapy for Children, Adolescents, and Family

1/17 Webinar: Bipolar II Disorder: Recognition and Treatment

1/18 Webinar: Innovations in Suicide Risk Screening, Assessment, and Treatment

1/22-3/25 Webinars: Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment Intensive Training Series

1/23-1/26 Webinar: Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk: Essentials for Clinicians ©

1/24-3/27 Webinars: Advanced Skills Community of Practice for COD

1/26 Webinar: Exploring the Link Between Substance Use and Trauma

1/11 Virtual Training: Talk Saves Lives-An Introduction to Suicide Prevention

1/17 Workshop: Winter Emergency Preparedness for Caregivers (Glen Burnie)

1/18 Webinar for Parents and Caregivers: Humor and Family Fun

1/17 Skate with a Cop featuring the Anne Arundel County Police Hockey Team. RSVP by 1/3 (Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis)

1/19 NAMI Anne Arundel Connection In Person Support Group for Individuals over 18 who have Experienced Mental Health Symptoms (Severna Park)

1/22 NAMI Anne Arundel Virtual Family Support Group for Adults with a Loved One who has Experienced Symptoms of a Mental Health Condition

1/27 Color Me Calm (Severna Park Library)

1/28 Virtual Training: Talk Saves Lives-An Introduction to Suicide Prevention