Health

The Bureau of Access to Health Care Services facilitates enrollment into quality healthcare by: processing insurance applications for low income children under age 19 through the Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP); assisting clients with applying for health insurance and providing services to help clients navigate the Medicaid system in the Administrative Coordination Care Unit (ACCU);  and scheduling transportation for Medicaid recipients to receive necessary medical treatment with the Medical Assistance Transportation Program.

The Bureau of Behavioral Health works on the promotion of mental health, resilience, and wellbeing; the treatment of mental and substance use disorders; and the support of those who experience and/or are in recovery from these conditions, along with their families and communities

Approximately one out of every two American men and one out of every three American women will develop Cancer at some point during their lifetime.

The goals of the Cancer Control Program at the Howard County Health Department are to:

• Reduce cancer deaths in Howard County and to reduce the differences in cancer outcomes among whites and ethnic minorities.
• Increase breast and cervical cancer screening among the uninsured, low income women statewide and provide follow-up diagnosis
• Carry out public and professional education to assure the quality of screening services
• Provide early detection of Colorectal Cancer by increasing the number of Maryland adults screened and to decrease racial and ethnic health disparities
• Work with community partners, State agencies, healthcare entities, resource centers and other local health departments to implement proven strategies to protect Maryland residents from tobacco-related death and disease
• Prevent youth and young adults from ever using tobacco products
• Provide resources to assist residents who are ready to quit using tobacco
• Eliminate exposure to harmful toxins found in second-hand smoke
• Identify and eliminate health disparities among population groups disproportionately affected by tobacco-related death and disease

The goals of Community Outreach & Education are to implement wellness initiatives that reduce health risk factors, improve wellness and safety, and maintain a productive and active Howard County community and work force.

The COVID-19 page provides information, resources and services related to the coronavirus pandemic.

The mission of this program is to prepare the County and its healthcare system to respond to natural and man-made public health emergencies including but not limited to: severe weather conditions, bioterrorism and disease outbreaks.

The Bureau of Environmental Health has three programs that address the physical environment. Programs include: Well & Septic, Food Protection and Community Hygiene.

Howard County Health Department provides Sexual and Reproductive Health Services to Howard County women, men and teens and the LGBTQ community. 

We see uninsured or underinsured clients. Payments for services are based on a sliding fee scale. We accept Medical Assistance Plans and Managed Care Organizations (MCO), Visa, Mastercard, Discover or cash. Commercial insurances are accepted, but HCHD is out-of-network with all commercial insurances. 

Services are confidential.  We always accept new patients!

The Immunization Program offers information and services for adult, adolescent and childhood immunizations

This program promotes immunizations for all ages and investigates reportable illnesses including: Foodborne illnesses, STIs, Hepatitis, Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, Lyme disease, Meningitis, COVID-19 and other outbreaks

The Local Health Improvement Coalition (LHIC) works to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities in Howard County. Participation is sought from individuals and organizations that seek to ensure access to programs and services that support our vision of equitable health outcomes for all.

The Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health Program addresses those issues from preconception to teen years and beyond.

The goal of the Nurse Monitoring program is to help county residents to remain safe at home by connecting them with services and supports that can encourage their independence and personal well-being. This often means that individuals can live at home longer without having to consider moving to a nursing home or other facility placement.

WIC is a federally funded program that provides healthy foods and nutrition counseling for pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children under age five.