Health Action Item and Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs (CDSMP)
October Health Action Items: Awareness, Prevention & Early Action
October offers many opportunities to learn, connect with trusted resources, and take action to support the health and well-being of our community.
🎀 Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a time to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of screening and early detection.
Encourage family, friends, colleagues, and community members to learn about breast cancer risk factors, recommended screenings, and resources available to support breast health.
🧠 Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 5-11)
Mental Illness Awareness Week is an opportunity to increase understanding of mental health conditions, reduce stigma, and remind our community that mental health is an important part of overall health.
Take time to check in with yourself and others, learn the signs that someone may need additional support, and become familiar with mental health resources available in Howard County.
🏠 National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week | October 25–31
This year's theme is Keep Kids Safe From Lead.
Get the Facts
Get Your Child Tested
Get Your Home Tested
Lead exposure can cause serious health problems, particularly for young children. National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is an opportunity for families, healthcare providers, and community partners to learn about potential sources of lead exposure and steps they can take to help prevent lead poisoning.
The Howard County Health Department offers FREE educational materials on lead poisoning prevention, including brochures and large-format posters.
📣 Help Us Spread the Word
HCLHIC encourages members and community partners to share these resources throughout October. Whether you're sharing information with patients, employees, families, clients, or neighbors, increasing awareness and connecting people with trusted resources can make a difference.
Learn. Share. Take Action. Together, we can help build a healthier Howard County.
Howard County Support & Resources
🤝 Find Help and Support in Howard County
The Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition (HCLHIC) provides connections to behavioral health navigation, suicide prevention, peer recovery support, overdose prevention, substance use resources, and community services.
Residents looking for help navigating services can call 410-313-6202.
🆘 Immediate Crisis Support
For immediate crisis support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Howard County residents can also contact Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center at 410-531-6677. Grassroots provides 24/7 crisis intervention and walk-in mental health and substance use services at 8990 Old Annapolis Road, Suite A, Columbia, MD 21045.
💜 Peer Recovery Support
Howard County Health Department Peer Recovery Support Specialists provide substance use recovery support, referrals, and connections to services.
📞 667-203-1253 or 667-203-1264
📧 RecoverySupport@howardcountymd.gov
🩺 Overdose Prevention & Naloxone
Howard County provides free naloxone training and distribution through its Opioid Overdose Response Program. In-person training and distribution are available through the Howard County Health Department, and free online training is also available.
📅 Also Recognized in October
October is filled with opportunities to raise awareness, promote prevention, and support healthier communities. HCLHIC also recognizes:
🛟 SIDS Awareness Month
Raising awareness about safe infant sleep practices and ways to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
💛 Walktober / Walk Maryland Day — October 7
Get moving and celebrate walking, rolling, riding, and active living throughout Howard County.
🧼 Global Handwashing Day — October 15
Promoting proper handwashing as one of the simplest and most effective ways to help prevent the spread of illness.
🤝 Global Peer Support Celebration Day — October 16
Recognizing the valuable contributions of peer support professionals and the power of lived experience in supporting recovery and well-being.
💊 National Prescription Drug Take Back Day — October 25
Encouraging the safe disposal of unused or expired prescription medications to help prevent misuse and protect our communities.
CHRONIC DISEASE SELF-MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS (CDSMP)
Community-based education workshops to help people manage their ongoing health conditions. These interactive workshops are designed to improve individual’s self-management skills. Workshops aims to help participants stay active and engaged in their lives and builds confidence in managing their health.
(Digital Copies Only) CDSMP Flyer and Poster links available:
