Mental Health Association of Frederick County

Meet Cindy Ash...One of MHA's newest, returning board members.

Cindy's extensive experience as a tax professional provides invaluable expertise to her returning role as a Board Member and member of our Finance Committee. Her dedicated service spans several years, having first joined the Board in 2017 and consistently contributing to the growth and success of MHA in diverse capacities. Her commitment and deep understanding of financial matters greatly benefit our organization's strategic planning and operational excellence.

Cindy is a staunch advocate for mental wellness and we are grateful to have her return for another term. When Cindy isn’t crunching numbers she can be found getting lost in a good book or enjoying time with her 3 children.

Thank you, Cindy, for your commitment to MHA!

As part of our celebration of Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we're highlighting some internal and external voices supporting mental health in BIPOC communities. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about the unique mental health challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), and to honoring the legacy of Bebe Moore Campbell, an advocate for mental health equity.

We want to extend a big thank you to The Common Market Co-op for their recent donation.

MHA was selected as a receiving charity for Common Market's Bring-a-Bag for Change Program. The program encourages shoppers to reuse bags and reduce waste by offering a 5¢ charitable donation for each reusable bag used at checkout. This program is a win-win—it keeps single-use bags out of the waste stream and gives back to organizations in the community.

Looking for something to do this weekend? Join us at these two great events happening this Saturday. Learn more about our resources and programs while enjoying all the fun they have planned.

See you there!

Meet Janet Davis...One of MHA's newest board members.

Janet's 34-year career at The National Security Agency provided her with extensive experience in contracting, budgeting, finance, accounting, and operations, all of which will be highly valuable as she serves on the board. Having concluded her career as a Senior Executive, Janet now embraces the freedom of retirement to contribute to her community. Her commitments include serving on the Carroll County Dept of Social Services Advisory Board, acting as President of the Carroll Hospital Auxiliary, and fulfilling duties as a Carroll County CASA.

During her leisure time, Janet finds enjoyment in reading, painting, watching movies, and exploring new travel destinations.

Thank you, Janet, for your commitment to MHA!

Congratulations to our amazing Family Resource Specialist, Hazel Mejia - Healthy Families Frederick, on her recognition from the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce as a 2024 Touching Lives in Frederick County honoree. The award recognizes the "unsung heroes" who have demonstrated outstanding involvement and commitment to touching the lives of others.

Hazel is the first to meet families and resource providers in the community, creating relationships and connections for services to families based on each family’s needs. Hazel is very conscious of getting to know families, exploring and identifying how to provide an adequate service — according to the needs, beliefs, and culture — thus providing a better quality of life with inclusion and respect for diversity.

Learn more on how Hazel and all of the honorees, impact our community here: https://frederickchamberinsights.com/2024/04/08/touching-lives-awards-2024/2/

Meet Heather Hinkle...One of MHA's newest board members.

Heather has lived and worked in Frederick County for most of her professional career. After working as a teacher with FCPS, she managed the Monocacy Neurodevelopmental Center's autism services, was an independent education consultant with Blue Ridge Behavioral Health, and is now working at Frederick Community College as an administrator in Disability Access Services. She has previously served on the Board of Directors at Brooklane Behavioral Health and is currently on the vestry at The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Braddock Heights.

Heather and her husband Mark live in Myersville, MD with their three children and a dog. She enjoys horseback riding, gardening with native plants, traveling, and hiking. She really enjoys learning new things and is usually working on a project of some kind.

Thank you, Heather, for your commitment to MHA!

July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month – a time to focus on the unique strengths and challenges that Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) face when it comes to mental health.

In BIPOC communities, there is often a history of overcoming adversity which can make talking about mental health struggles uncomfortable, but it’s okay to need help.

MHA is here for you! Take this free, anonymous, quick and easy screening, and use it to get the conversation started with your primary care provider, trusted friend, or family member.

Changes in routine, disrupted schedules, and reduced peer interaction can lead to summertime sadness in youth. If you're seeing signs of withdrawal or other behaviors that worry you, know that we're here to help. We offer resources to guide you in finding the right support for your child's needs. Reach out to our call center to discuss your concerns at 301-662-2255.

Stop by PRIDE today, say hi, get some great resources and take a picture in our Photo Booth showing off your PRIDE!

It’s warm so don’t forget to hydrate 🏳️‍🌈❤️!

Today, we honor all the amazing people who fill the role of a father. Whether you're a dad, stepdad, foster dad, granddad, uncle, mentor, or someone who offers guidance and support, we appreciate everything you do. 🧡
Your strength, wisdom, and compassion make the world a better place, and we're grateful for all the ways you show up for those you care about.
Wishing you a day filled with joy, love, and special moments with the people who make life worthwhile. Thank you for being you. Happy Father's Day! 🎉

Is someone you care about going through a tough time? Whether it's a friend, a family member, or a loved one, sometimes it can be hard to know how to offer support. That's why we're here to help you help them. Our Walk-In Behavioral Health services operate 24/7 at our Walk-In Crisis Care Center. You can reach our Call Center at any time, day or night, by calling 301-622-2255.

Acts of kindness provide a warm and positive connection that can be a game-changer for someone facing depression or anxiety. Don’t underestimate the value of simple acts of kindness – they can boost your mood, reduce stress, and even make a significant impact on others.

Make a positive impact on your mental well-being and the lives of those around you with these random acts of kindness: https://fcmha.org/embrace-the-power-of-kindness/

As we wrap up Mental Health Month we want to take a minute to celebrate our new CASA volunteers. These dedicated volunteers are appointed by Circuit Court judges to advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children in foster care.

A new class of Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) volunteers was sworn in by Clerk of the Circuit Court Sandra K. Dalton on May 20. Pictured left to right: Director of Family Support Services Adam Schlager; The Honorable Judge Theresa M. Adams; CASA Program Manager Jen Fuss; The Honorable Judge Julia A. Minner; Mina Soleimani; The Honorable Magistrate Mary M. Drawbaugh; Karen Kennedy; The Honorable Magistrate Carin E. Golze; Susan Banks; The Honorable Judge Joanie Raymond; Joan Suwalsky; The Honorable Judge Richard J. Sandy; Hilda “Tommie” Wren; and Dalton. CASA is a program of the Mental Health Association. For more information, [email protected]

Today we were honored to join other mental health professionals on the Mental Health bus tour. Together we raised awareness and shared resources with local businesses committed to prioritizing mental health and well-being!

Thank you Maryland Double Deckers for the ride!

Are you a passionate leader who wants to make a significant positive impact on people’s lives? Have experience in the nonprofit world as an executive and looking for your next long-term career move? Do you have a compassion for and a desire to address the growing mental health needs in our communities?

The Mental Health Association of Frederick County is seeking a Chief Executive Officer. MHA is one of Frederick County’s premier nonprofits impacting the lives of thousands each year. For six decades, MHA has been the local leader in defining and supporting the greatest needs in the mental health field for our region.

This role will continue a legacy of successful leadership as our current CEO will be retiring. For more information visit our website at https://fcmha.org/about/employment/.

Qualified applicants should submit their resume and cover letter to: [email protected]

Mental Health Month is a time to come together to build a strong foundation of emotional wellness for the whole community!

There are many ways to support our life saving work through:

Annual Giving - Community members like you can donate to MHA at any time to ensure our programs and services are available to those who need them.

Recurring Giving - Donors who choose to consistently give on a monthly or other recurring basis lay the foundation for mental wellness in our community.

Donor-Advised Funds - Giving through a donor-advised fund allows you to support MHA’s programs and services in an easy, tax-efficient manner. It’s an opportunity to give where the need is great, in your own way.

IRA Rollover Gifts - If you are 70 ½ or older, you can use your qualified Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to donate up to $100,000 annually directly to a charity such as MHA. The amount transferred is not taxed as income and may satisfy all or part of your required minimum distribution.

Every dollar you donate helps someone get the support they need.

Whether it's providing resources or advocacy efforts, your contribution can make a significant impact. Let's join hands and work toward a future where everyone has access to mental health care. Donate today!

https://fcmha.org/donate/ways-to-give/

Facing emotional, mental, family, or relationship crises? Dealing with suicidal thoughts, anxiety, grief, or depression?

Our Walk-In Behavioral Health services operate 24/7 at our Walk-In Crisis Care Center. Whether face-to-face or virtually, our crisis specialists are ready to meet with you, working collaboratively to address your concerns and connect you with the support you need.

Walk-in services are:
• Available at no cost to clients
• Available to all ages
• Available without an appointment
• Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

The Walk-In Crisis Care Center is located at 340 Montevue Lane, Frederick, MD 21702, and is accessible by the Transit 80 Connector.

Green is tied to nature, promoting a calming and relaxing effect on both the mind and body—key aspects of mental well-being.

Get outside and enjoy the fresh air around Frederick County. And discover other reasons why it is so important to get outside to support your mental health, https://mhanational.org/surroundings/outdoors-nature

Mental Health Month is a time to come together to build a strong foundation of emotional wellness for the whole community!

There are many ways to support our life saving work through:

Annual Giving - Community members like you can donate to MHA at any time to ensure our programs and services are available to those who need them.

Recurring Giving - Donors who choose to consistently give on a monthly or other recurring basis lay the foundation for mental wellness in our community.

Honorary and Memorial Giving - A gift to MHA is a unique and special way to honor a loved one, community member, or keep their memory alive. Each gift provides life changing support for someone who needs it.

Company Match - Many employers offer matching donations as a benefit to their employees. Double your impact and ask your employer if they offer a company match.

Every dollar you donate helps someone get the support they need.

Whether it's providing resources or advocacy efforts, your contribution can make a significant impact. Let's join hands and work toward a future where everyone has access to mental health care. Donate today!

https://fcmha.org/donate/ways-to-give/

Today, we celebrate all the incredible people who share their love, guidance, and strength in a motherly role. Whether you're a mom, stepmom, foster mom, grandma, aunt, guardian, or a supportive figure, this day is for you. 💕

Thank you for your endless patience, caring heart, and the countless ways you make a difference. You are seen, valued, and appreciated.

Wishing you a day filled with joy, love, and special moments with the people who matter most. Happy Mother's Day! 🌷

When you're at the end of your line, call ours.

All of us encounter moments and challenges that no one should have to face alone. Challenges can include workday stress, abuse, suicidal thoughts, and the lingering effects of major life events like death or divorce.

Call our Hotline anytime, day or night. It’s free of charge. It’s confidential. It’s at your fingertips.

Calling 301-622-2255 provides:
• A caring and supportive voice
• Resources and information that show the way forward
• Help in the midst of a crisis

Today MHA celebrates 10 years of providing Walk-In Crisis Services to Frederick County.

In this time, we've been able to enhance the accessibility and scope of the Walk-In Crisis Center, transforming it from a 40-hour per week service to a 24/7 operation introducing valuable additional services such as navigation support, peer recovery services, and urgent medication appointments.

Walk-In Services are:

• Available at no cost to clients
• Available to all ages
• Available without an appointment
• Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

The Walk-In Crisis Care Center is located at 340 Montevue Lane, Frederick, MD 21702, and is accessible by the Transit 80 Connector.

Nearly 4,000 children are in foster care in Maryland.

In Frederick and Carroll Counties, the Mental Health Association operates Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Voices for Children—programs that recruit, train, and support citizen volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in courtrooms and communities.

Learn more, https://fcmha.org/how-we-help/court-appointed-special-advocates/