​​​​​​​​Need to talk? ​​Call or Text 988

Written by Susan Augusty on . Posted in Children With Intensive Needs, infoMONTGOMERY, Mental Health & Substance Abuse, Resource Guides

​​​​​​​​Need to talk? ​​
There is hope. If you or a loved one is struggling with thoughts of suicide, anxiety, depression or problems with drugs or alcohol, reach out to the 988 Lifeline. You can call, text or chat with a caring call specialist​  who can assist in directing you to information and resources in your area. you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately.  In Maryland, you can also call 211 press 1 or text 898-211 to be connected to crisis services. Or chat online: 988Lifeline.org
Call or text 988
  • ​Thoughts of suicide
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Problems with drugs and alcohol
   
 

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16, 2022.

  • EveryMind Crisis Prevention and Intervention specialists are available by phone, text and chat every hour of every day, and knowing that will save lives. The community can also look to EveryMind for mental health professionals who are prepared to talk about warning signs and ways that we all can help to prevent suicide from ending lives far too soon. Every suicide is a tragic loss, but when a public figure takes their own life, the ripples are felt by so many. Kate Spade’s passing earlier this week and Anthony Bourdain’s passing today are only two of the more than 7301 people who die by suicide each week and nearly 105 each day in America alone. Suicide can be prevented and YOU can help. You do not need to be a mental health professional, you can simply be a caring friend, neighbor and fellow human being. If you think someone may be considering suicide you can: ASK, KEEP THEM SAFE, BE THERE, HELP THEM CONNECT and FOLLOW UP.Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (SPAM) resources from NAMI
  • Call or Text Montgomery County Hotline: 301.738.2255 or chat 
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  • American Association of Suicidology

Bereavement Support Programs and Resources for Parents Experiencing Miscarriage, Stillbirth or Infant Loss

Written by Susan Augusty on . Posted in Early Care & Education, Finding Help & Information, Healthy Living, infoMONTGOMERY, Resource Guides

Bereavement Support Programs and Resources for Parents Experiencing Miscarriage, Stillbirth or Infant Loss

If you or someone you know has experienced a loss from miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss, you can receive support through the Improved Pregnancy Outcomes Program. They have put together this list of Resources for Parents Experiencing Miscarriage, Stillbirth or Infant Loss. Updated September 2022, bereavement counseling and related services included here do not imply endorsement by the Montgomery County, MD Department of Health and Human Services or the Improved Pregnancy Outcomes Program.

You can see individidual programs here: Programs for those Affected by Perinatal Loss

September is National Suicide Prevention Month

Written by Susan Augusty on . Posted in Children With Intensive Needs, infoMONTGOMERY, Mental Health & Substance Abuse, Resource Guides

September is National Suicide Prevention Month
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately.  In Maryland, you can also call 211 press 1 or text 898-211 to be connected to crisis services.
According to the CDC suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, with 45,979 deaths in 2020. This is about one death every 11 minutes. The number of people who think about or attempt suicide is even higher. In 2020, an estimated 12.2 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.2 million planned a suicide attempt, and 1.2 million attempted suicide.

  • The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

    988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16, 2022.

  • EveryMind Crisis Prevention and Intervention specialists are available by phone, text and chat every hour of every day, and knowing that will save lives. The community can also look to EveryMind for mental health professionals who are prepared to talk about warning signs and ways that we all can help to prevent suicide from ending lives far too soon. Every suicide is a tragic loss, but when a public figure takes their own life, the ripples are felt by so many. Kate Spade’s passing earlier this week and Anthony Bourdain’s passing today are only two of the more than 7301 people who die by suicide each week and nearly 105 each day in America alone. Suicide can be prevented and YOU can help. You do not need to be a mental health professional, you can simply be a caring friend, neighbor and fellow human being. If you think someone may be considering suicide you can: ASK, KEEP THEM SAFE, BE THERE, HELP THEM CONNECT and FOLLOW UP.Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (SPAM) resources from NAMI
  • Call or Text Montgomery County Hotline: 301.738.2255 or chat 
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  • American Association of Suicidology

Montgomery County Executive-Elect Marc Elrich To Host Five Public Listening Sessions

Written by infoMONTGOMERY on . Posted in infoMONTGOMERY, Resource Guides

Listening Sessions held in Potomac, Germantown, Silver Spring, Olney, and Takoma Park

Rockville, MD –  Montgomery County Executive-Elect Marc Elrich will be hosting five public listening session forums for Montgomery County residents to share their thoughts and priorities about the most critical issues facing the future of their county, communities, neighborhoods, and families. As a Montgomery County Council Member, Marc earned the reputation as an engaged listener and collaborator. At each listening sessions, residents and stakeholders of Montgomery County have an opportunity to have their voice heard by Marc and members of the Transition Team.

“I encourage all residents to attend our upcoming listening sessions and visit our transition website at www.elrichtransition.com, said Marc Elrich. “My goal is to unify this county and listen to citizens, stakeholders, and fellow officials regarding their priorities. I look forward to governing this county in the same manner that I have served on the Council and in the same way I campaigned for this office – ambitious, ethical, inclusive, and innovative.”

Sign language and interpreter services will be provided upon request with notice as far in advance as possible. If these or other services or aids are needed to participate at the listening sessions, please call the transition team office at 240-777-9706 or email a request to marcelrichtransition@montgomerycountymd.gov.

SCHEDULE AND LOCATIONS OF LISTENING SESSIONS:

Thursday, November 15, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Cabin John Middle School, 10701 Gainsborough Rd, Potomac, MD Saturday, November 17, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Kingsview Middle School, 18909 Kingsview Rd, Germantown, MD Tuesday, November 27, 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

East County Community Center 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring, MD Thursday, November 29, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Olney Elementary School, 3401 Queen Mary Dr, Olney, MD Saturday, December 1, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Takoma Park Middle School, 7611 Piney Branch Rd Takoma Park, MD

Suicide is in the headlines once more – Let’s talk about it

Written by infoMONTGOMERY on . Posted in Children With Intensive Needs, infoMONTGOMERY, Mental Health & Substance Abuse, Resource Guides

EveryMind Crisis Prevention and Intervention specialists are available by phone, text and chat every hour of every day, and knowing that will save lives. The community can also look to EveryMind for mental health professionals who are prepared to talk about warning signs and ways that we all can help to prevent suicide from ending lives far too soon. Every suicide is a tragic loss, but when a public figure takes their own life, the ripples are felt by so many. Kate Spade’s passing earlier this week and Anthony Bourdain’s passing today are only two of the more than 7301 people who die by suicide each week and nearly 105 each day in America alone. Suicide can be prevented and YOU can help. You do not need to be a mental health professional, you can simply be a caring friend, neighbor and fellow human being. If you think someone may be considering suicide you can: ASK, KEEP THEM SAFE, BE THERE, HELP THEM CONNECT and FOLLOW UP. For more information:
  • Call or Text Montgomery County Hotline: 301.738.2255
  • Chat: Crisis Prevention Chat: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/
  • Call: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.8255

Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force (MHTTF) Resource Guide

Written by infoMONTGOMERY on . Posted in Children With Intensive Needs, Emergency & Community Assistance, Social Justice for Youth, Victim Advocacy

The Victim Services Subcommittee of the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force (MHTTF) has compiled a resource directory to assist state agencies, providers, and members of the public in serving victims of trafficking. The following directory is a list of organizations and agencies that are actively involved in either victim services or public awareness activities to address human trafficking in Maryland. For more information on the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force please visit: www.mdhumantrafficking.org

 

Follow this link for the Guide

Everymind’s Mental Health Resource Guide

Written by infoMONTGOMERY on . Posted in Children With Intensive Needs, infoMONTGOMERY, Mental Health & Substance Abuse, Resource Guides

Mental health is defined by the World Health Organization as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.  That state of being mentally healthy exists along a continuum and for some can vary widely day to day. 

Here in Montgomery County, EveryMind has developed this printable guide of local and national resources, hotlines, support groups and other resources that provide mental health support.  It is available on the Everymind website.

Health and Social Service Resources for Montgomery County Residents

Written by infoMONTGOMERY on . Posted in Immigrants & Community Newcomers, infoMONTGOMERY, Resource Guides

Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services’  Asian American Health Initiative (AAHI) program has published a printable guide for social service resources in the County.  It is available in 15 languages on the AAHI website or by calling 240-777-4517. These are the most requested languages:

April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month

Written by Webmaster on . Posted in infoMONTGOMERY, Mentoring, Resource Guides

The Child Welfare information Gateway offers resources on child abuse and neglect, including definitions, identification of signs and symptoms, statistics and data, risk and protective factors, perpetrators, the impact on individuals and society, and fatalities. The Montgomery County Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline, 240-777-4417, investigates reports of suspected child abuse and neglect to ensure the safety of children and help families stay together. These services are available to Montgomery County residents: (Abuse/Violence Prevention) (Support for Abused Children) (Parenting Skills Classes) FYI Tip Sheets from the Children’s Bureau, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

April is the Month of the Young Child

Written by Webmaster on . Posted in infoMONTGOMERY, Resource Guides

Parents and caregivers of Young children, from birth to aged 5, are a unique population, and are need of tools to help care for and nurture their children. It’s the mission of young child serving agencies to ensure that all babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers have a strong, healthy start in life, and are socially and emotionally ready for kindergarten. Among the services available for this population, are programs focusing on maternal and child health, child care provider support, screenings and assessments, and family support services. These services are available to Montgomery County caregivers and professionals. Contact Montgomery County’s Childlink, for additional information and referral services for families with young children. 240-777-4769 or Maryland’s Advocates for Children and Youth, 410-547-9200 for information on policy issues. FYI Little Kids, Big Questions: A Parenting Podcast Series From ZERO TO THREE™ #earlychildhood
Brought to you by
Collaboration Council
Montgomery County, MD