The shadows of the fentanyl crisis are touching lives in unexpected ways. But what if hope isn't just a distant wish, but a tangible strategy? This episode isn't just about survival; it's about shifting paradigms.

We explore the profound principles of harm reduction and unveil life-saving strategies for overdose prevention, guided by experts who are pioneering compassionate, community-based approaches. Discover the practical tools that are making a real difference and listen as we uncover the true meaning of hope in the face of adversity. This conversation offers more than just information—it's an invitation to join a movement of understanding, resilience, and radical care.

In July of 2023, Maryland legalized the recreational use of cannabis for adults aged 21 and over. It's crucial to understand the health implications associated with different methods of cannabis consumption, especially vaping.

In this episode we’ll talk about the specifics of Maryland's new cannabis legislation and what it means for residents, the health risks associated with vaping both nicotine and cannabis, particularly related to the increase in vaping among teens and guidelines for responsible cannabis use to safeguard your health and well-being, as well as the health and well-being of your children --- and even pets.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in this episode, we're dedicating our discussion to raising awareness about this critical health issue. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women, but with early detection and increased understanding, survival rates continue to improve.  Join us as we talk with two of our health professionals, to explore the importance of regular screenings, ways to reduce risk, and the resources available to support those impacted. 

Infectious diseases have been a part of human history for as long as we've existed. These are illnesses caused by harmful organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. They can spread directly or indirectly from one person to another, and some can even be spread by animals or the environment. In this episode we’ll learn more about these diseases and what you should know that will help to keep our community safe and healthy.

In the 2021 Howard County Health Assessment Survey, 7% of Howard County residents reported not having any kind of healthcare coverage. This includes 22% of adults between the ages of 18 and 24 and 12% of adults between the ages of 25 and 34. In this episode we talk about how the Health Department can help you navigate the health insurance landscape to locate the coverage that is appropriate for you and your family. Then, once you have insurance we want to ensure you are getting the best care possible, so we discuss how to be a good health advocate for yourself or for a loved one.

Food Insecurity is a problem in Howard County, just like in many communities across the country. In the 2021 Howard County Health Assessment, nearly one in six residents reported concern about running out of food before they could afford more.  Hear the story of a community member who struggles with food insecurity and listen to what the Health Department’s LHIC and others are doing to address the problem.

In this episode, Healthy Babies, Healthy Pregnancies, Dr. Rossman meets with three women to discuss the exciting programs recently introduced in Howard County and across the State to help improve birth outcomes in our community that will result in more healthy pregnancies and more healthy babies! 

The Health Department is observing Black Maternal Health Week throughout the month of April. Each year in the United States, about 700 people die during pregnancy or in the year after.  Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. Every pregnancy-related death is tragic, especially because two in three of them are preventable.  In this podcast, we are introducing the Howard County community to ongoing and new Health Department programs aimed at improving the health of mothers, birthing persons, and families.