Howard County - Backpack Healthcare

Backpack Healthcare:

Expanding Mental Health Services in Howard County

We’re excited to share some big news! Backpack Healthcare has recently secured a $1.1 million grant from the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission (CHRC). This funding will significantly boost our efforts to support the mental health and well-being of students, families, and caregivers in Howard County Public Schools (HCPSS).

What’s Coming Up

Back to School Nights

Hammond High School: August 22, 6:30-8:30 PM
Long Reach High School: August 22, 5:30-8 PM
Mount Hebron High School: August 22, 6:30-8:30 PM
Oakland Mills High School: August 29, 6:30-8:30 PM
Mayfield Woods Middle School: September 5, 6-8 PM

HCPSS Fall Information Night

Mark your calendars for September 25, 2024! We’ll be hosting an introductory partnership meeting where you can learn more about what we’re doing and how you can get involved. Stay tuned for the location.

In-Person and Substance Use Groups

We’re continuing our in-person group sessions, which include both general support and specialized substance use groups. These will be held at Mt. Hebron High School, Long Reach High School, Mayfield Woods Middle, Hammond High, and Oakland Mills High.

Educator Workshops

Starting in Fall 2024, we’ll be offering workshops focused on integrating self-care into daily routines for educators. These workshops will be held at Thomas Viaduct Middle School and Bellows Spring Elementary School.

Parent Workshops

We’ve lined up a series of virtual workshops for parents and caregivers, covering essential topics to help support your child’s mental health:
Establishing Boundaries: August 22, 2024
Parenting Styles and Culture: September 26, 2024
Parenting Today vs. Then: October 24, 2024

What We’ve Achieved So Far

Over the past few months, we’ve made significant progress in expanding our mental health services throughout Howard County. Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve accomplished:

Group Therapy in Schools:

We’ve rolled out group therapy sessions across five Howard County high schools—Mount Hebron, Mayfield Woods Middle, Long Reach, Hammond, and Oakland Mills. These sessions, which began in April, are designed to provide students with a supportive environment where they can connect, share, and grow together.

Caregiver Wellness Workshops:

Launched in May 2024, these workshops have focused on building resilience, developing coping strategies, and improving media literacy. Parents and caregivers have gained valuable tools to support both their own mental health and that of their children.

Individual Therapy and Medication Management:

We’re now offering individual therapy and medication management services, which are covered by Medicaid for eligible residents. These services are a vital part of our commitment to providing accessible mental health care to the community.

Why It Matters

Our $1.1 million grant from CHRC is a game-changer. It’s allowing us to expand our reach and provide essential mental health services to more students and families in Howard County. But this is just the beginning. We’re committed to creating sustainable, long-term solutions that will continue to benefit the community for years to come.

Get Involved

We’re always looking for more ways to connect with the community. Whether you’re interested
in attending an event, participating in a workshop, or just learning more about our services, we’d love to hear from you!

Visit hellobackpack.com for more details, or reach out to us directly at partners@hellobackpack.com.