Howard County will host a series of public meetings during March and April to discuss behavioral health integration options. At each meeting, a workgroup composed of members from the Howard County Health Department, the Mental Health Authority, the Board of Health, the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Authority Board, the Mental Health Authority Board and various nonprofit organizations that operate in Howard County will explore ways to connect and integrate mental health and substance abuse services.

At the conclusion of the meetings, the workgroup will provide County Executive Allan Kittleman with recommendations on an integration model appropriate for Howard County. The meetings are scheduled for the following dates:

  • Thursday, March 23, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Health Department, 8930 Stanford Boulevard, Barton Room, Columbia
  • Monday, April 3, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive, Columbia/Ellicott City Room, Ellicott City
  • Wednesday, April 5, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive, Columbia/Ellicott City Room, Ellicott City
  • Wednesday, April 26, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Health Department, 8930 Stanford Boulevard, Barton Room, Columbia.

In 2013, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene issued a report providing Maryland jurisdictions with a model for integrating their mental health and substance abuse services. Kittleman’s 2015 Transition Report also advised that the county consider this approach. Currently, mental health services are offered primarily through the Mental Health Authority, while substance abuse services are offered mainly through the Howard County Health Department.

For questions or more information about the workgroup, contact Carl DeLorenzo at 410-313-2172 or email [email protected].