September 16, 2020
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – County Executive Calvin Ball and the Howard County Health Department will announce the “Let’s Talk About Mental Health” Campaign on Thursday, September 17th at 11:00 a.m. in front of the George Howard Building.
“We are facing a multitude of crises at the current moment, and the effects have impacted the mental health of our residents,” said Ball. “To help address these rising concerns, we are introducing a new campaign with the Howard County Health Department, ‘Let’s Talk About Mental Health,’ to promote mental and behavioral health resources and referral services available in the County. Together, we can battle the stigma surrounding mental health, and it starts by knowing it’s ok to ask for help.”
The ongoing challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have emphasized the importance of mental wellness and increased the importance of the services available through the Health Department. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 40% of U.S. adults reported struggling with mental health or substance use during late June. Additionally, the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety disorder was approximately three times those reported in the second quarter of 2019 (25.5% versus 8.1%).
This campaign is intended to promote behavioral and mental health resources and referral services available in the County to help mitigate these rising concerns.
WHAT:
“Let’s Talk About Mental Health” campaign launch
WHEN:
Thursday, September 17, 11:00 a.m.
WHERE:
George Howard Building
3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043
WHO:
Calvin Ball, County Executive
Dr. Maura Rossman, Howard County Health Officer
Roe Rodger-Bonaccorsy, PhD, Director, Howard County Health Department, Bureau of Behavioral Health
Debbie Meyer, Community Member