Choose Kindness in February (and always…)

Choose Kindness in February (and always…)

This post was submitted by an anonymous Howard County community member “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others” -Mahatma Gandhi.  Did you make a New Year’s resolution to better yourself, your community and maybe even the world? There is no better time to honor your promise to…

HC DrugFree Attends SAMHSA’s Prevention Day and CADCA Forum

HC DrugFree Attends SAMHSA’s Prevention Day and CADCA Forum

HC DrugFree’s Executive Director, Joan Webb Scornaienchi, once again attended SAMHSA’s annual Prevention Day and the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) Forum at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, MD.  Each year, SAMHSA’s Prevention Day brings together over 4,000 prevention practitioners, advocates, scientists, leaders (community, state, tribal, federal), and consumers…

Seeing RED for Heart Health!

Seeing RED for Heart Health!

Submitted by an anonymous Howard County community member It’s time to paint the town red on WEAR RED DAY, February 7, 2025. Wear Red Day (the first Friday in February each year) is the American Heart Association’s campaign to bring awareness that Cardiovascular Disease (heart disease and stroke) is the # 1 killer of women. …

Howard County Schools to Restrict Student Personal Device Access

Howard County Schools to Restrict Student Personal Device Access

On Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, the Howard County Board of Education approved adjustments to Policy 8080 – Responsible Use of Technology, Digital Tools, and Social Media, and the Student Code of Conduct that is intended to reduce the use of personal devices by students during the student day. The policy changes will take effect on Monday, March 3, 2025.  While…

The Many Risks of Cannabis and High-Dose THC

The Many Risks of Cannabis and High-Dose THC

As cannabis products become more potent, experts are sounding the alarm about their effects on teens and young adults. With THC levels in today’s products often exceeding 90%, the risks are higher than ever. Research shows that More THC, More Often = More Risks, including addiction, cognitive impairments, and serious mental health issues like anxiety,…

A Message From HCPSS Regarding Bullying

A Message From HCPSS Regarding Bullying

As we reach the midpoint of the school year, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the importance of maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all our students. One of the most critical issues we face as a school community is bullying, which can have lasting effects on children’s well-being, social…

Super Bowl LIX Kicks Off on Sunday, February 9

Super Bowl LIX Kicks Off on Sunday, February 9

This blog post was submitted by an anonymous Howard County parent Ah, the Super Bowl… the time-honored annual tradition of eating, drinking, and yelling at the T.V. True fans love to feel like they are right out on the field as part of the team, while other members of the crew like to have a…

Celebrate February YOUR Way!

Celebrate February YOUR Way!

Submitted by an anonymous Howard County community member The unrelenting pressure to find someone, anyone (?), to love in February can run a close second to the sinking feeling of realizing you have no one to plant a kiss on as you usher in the new year.  Am I right?  But, fret no more…this year,…

Parent Looks Forward to Parenting Class

Parent Looks Forward to Parenting Class

Submitted by an anonymous Howard County community member. When I was a new parent of babies and toddlers, my anxieties were constant. Besides the general stress of keeping a tiny human alive, I worried about my child’s sleep, nutrition and overall happiness, among other equally important issues- no small feat! Now that I am a…

Substance Use Disorder: Combatting Stigma with Knowledge

Substance Use Disorder: Combatting Stigma with Knowledge

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a chronic brain condition that affects millions, with only 25% of people who use alcohol or drugs meeting the criteria for a diagnosis, according to SAMHSA. Despite its medical basis, stigma often leads to discrimination, like job loss or limited access to care, and discourages many from seeking treatment. Research…