Our partners at Montgomery County Public Libraries invite you to celebrate the history, acheivements and futures of African Americans.  MCPL is offering many educational and engagement actvities to celebrate Black History Month during February with author talks, lectures, arts and crafts, story times and more.

 

Check out some of our curated, digital collections during Black History Month – OverDrive Collection, Hoopla Collection.

Find out ways to  learn and celebrate

In some cases, physical activity can be as beneficial to your heart as medication. As part of their Healthy Heart research and resources guide, a Johns Hopkins expert outlines six heart benefits of exercise, and  how you can make staying active part of your heart-protection plan.

AAHP Diabetes/Heart Health promotes healthy living through it’s numerous programs focused on the heart health of African Americans in Montgomery County

The goal of Healthy Montgomery, community health improvement process. It is an ongoing effort that brings together County government agencies, County hospital systems, minority health programs/initiatives, advocacy groups, academic institutions, community-based service providers and other stakeholders to achieve optimal health and well-being for all Montgomery County residents.  By promoting and supporting programs that  support Healthy Living, we can support these goals.

Visit our Resource Guide on Healthy Living to find local programs on  Health & Nutrition, Wellness and Physical Activities, and programs that support vulnerable populations.

November is National Family Caregivers Month – a time to celebrate the contributions of caregivers, provide them with tools that they need, and continue to advocate for individuals with mental illness. Mental Health Amercia provides these tools and supports for family members that provide round-the-clock care to their loved ones In Montgomery County, these providers offer support and resources for Caregivers

Saturday, October 29^th from 10am – 2pm is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day! This event is sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and encourages communities to safely dispose of unwanted, unused or expired prescription opioids to prevent misuse, overdose and overdose fatalities. There are several locations in Montgomery County, such a police departments and pharmacies, that are serving as collection sites during this event. or a full list of take back sites in Montgomery County, users can visit here:

knowtherisksmc.org

Here are a few reminders on how to properly dispose of prescription opioids:

1. Participate in local take back programs. There are several pharmacies and police departments that are registered as permanent location sites for the “take back” program. They will take back your prescription opioids with no questions asked. Remember, the goal is to prevent the diversion of prescription opioids so they are willing and ready to accept your returns.

2. Do NOT flush prescription opioids. Sewage treatment systems cannot remove all the medications from the water released into lakes, rivers or oceans. Please protect the habitats of Nemo, Dory and their fishy friends, and let’s not make opioid infused water a trend! Bottled water and home filtration systems don’t necessarily avoid exposure.

Youth Substance Use Prevention Month
October is National Youth Substance Use Prevention Month.
Learn more from the Montgomery County Prevention Alliance
Educating youth, parents/caregivers and concerned community members about substance misuse and ways to prevent it.

Talk to your teeen   Resources to help educate you on effective ways to speak with your teen!
Training Free Naloxone trainings held throughout the year
Resources – Support Groups, Education, Advocacy
Local resources from infoMONTGOMERY 

SAMHSA has information and resources for parents, caregivers, and other caring adults who talk with young people about the risks and harms of using alcohol and other substances

• White House Proclamation on National Youth Substance Use Prevention Month, 2022
• “Talk. They Hear You.”
• Stop Underage Drinking
• Communities Talk success stories
• Substance Use Prevention Resources for Youth and College Students

SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations..

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) was launched nationwide in October 1987 as a way to connect and unite individuals and organizations working on domestic violence issues while raising awareness for those issues. Over the past 30+ years, much progress has been made to support domestic violence victims and survivors, to hold abusers accountable, and to create and update legislation to further those goals.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV)’s mission is to lead, mobilize and raise our voices to support efforts that demand a change of conditions that lead to domestic violence such as patriarchy, privilege, racism, sexism, and classism.

They offer this 2022 #weareresilient toolkit For Survivors, Advocates and Allies Domestic Violence Awareness Month, October 2022

View Montgomery County’s programs for abused adults and children, and what our organizations are doing to prevent violence in our community.

National Preparedness Month raises awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies. Check these preparedness tips and sign up for Alert Montgomery. Alert Montgomery is the official emergency communications service for Montgomery County, MD. During a major crisis, emergency or severe weather event, Montgomery County officials can send event updates, warnings and instructions directly to you on any of your devices.

In 2021, FEMA’s Ready Campaign and the Ad Council broke ground by producing the first-ever national preparedness campaign specifically targeting the Latino community for National Preparedness Month. Released during Hispanic Heritage month, the advertisements centered around the Latino community’s commitment to personal planning for occasions and family milestones as a bridge to also planning for disasters.

This one-of-a-kind campaign is committed to putting people first and reaching communities where they are. To continue these efforts, this year’s National Preparedness Month campaign will feature a call to action for the Black and African American community.

v This year’s national public service announcements are being developed and will be released throughout the country this September, to help get preparedness information into the hands of those who live in underserved communities.

2022 Theme: A Lasting Legacy