Health Department Announces Programs for the New Year

Quit Nicotine Program
The Quit Nicotine Program is FREE and takes place over the course of 7 weeks (weekly 1-hour sessions). Participants learn behavioral modifications, stress management, and other techniques to help them quit using nicotine products, including vaping.

Next Program:
January 7 – February 18, 2025 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Learn more or register at smchd.org/tobacco.

Taking Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) Program
Participants in the TOPS program attend weekly in-person or online meetings to help them achieve their weight-loss goals. They will also be able to access members-only resources to support healthy eating and physical activity, including recipes, a weight tracker, and fitness guides.

Next Meeting:
January 8 at 5:00 p.m. at the Lexington Park Library (TOPS Meets every Wednesday)

Learn more or register at smchd.org/tops.

Harm Reduction Support Groups
SMCHD’s Harm Reduction Program offers weekly support groups at the St. Mary’s County Health Hub. These support groups are free and open to interested community members. Join for nonjudgmental discussion, companionship, and support.

Next Meetings:
Seeking Serenity (Women’s Support Group) – January 9 (Thursdays at 1:00 p.m.)
Male Empowerment Network Men’s Support Group) – January 9 (Thursdays at 2:30 p.m.)

Learn more at smchd.org/harmreduction.

Basics of Food Safety Class
Our Environmental Health Division offers FREE introductory virtual classes on safe food handling. In this three-hour training, participants will learn about foodborne illness, effective cleaning methods to fight bacteria, safe cooking practices, and more. This class is designed for those preparing food at home, in restaurants, or working at special events where food is served to the public.

Next Virtual Class:
February 19, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Learn more or register at smchd.org/safe-food-handling.

American Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and AED Training
As an authorized American Red Cross training facility, the St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) is offering American Red Cross adult and pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED certification to members of the community. The fee for course completion is $80 per person – a sliding scale fee is available for community members unable to afford the total amount.  Due to a maximum capacity of 16 participants per class, classes will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis – registration is required.

Next Sessions:
Tuesday, January 14, 2025, from 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. (Blended)
Tuesday, January 28, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (In-Person)

Learn more or register at smchd.org/cpr.

Overdose Response Program
The Overdose Response Program provides free training, open to anyone who would like to learn how opioids affect the body, how to recognize the signs of opioid overdose, and how to care for someone who may be experiencing an overdose until emergency help arrives. Participants receive a free rescue kit that includes naloxone (Narcan®), a life-saving medication that may be able to restore the breathing of a person who has overdosed on opioids (e.g. heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, methadone, etc.) – available via scheduled curbside pickup.

Next Sessions:
Thursday, January 9 (Virtual) from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 16 (Virtual) from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Friday, January 31 (Virtual and In-Person at the St. Mary’s County Health Hub) from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Learn more or register at smchd.org/overdose.