Prevention Services: 240-313-3310
Tobacco Use Prevention & Cessation
The Tobacco Free for Life Program (TFFL) offers FREE quit tobacco classes at the beginning of each month. The program consists of four (4) one-hour sessions offered over a two-week period; however, individuals are encouraged to continue beyond the four-week session and participate in the ongoing support program indefinitely. Participants who attend four (4) support classes are eligible to receive four (4) weeks of FREE Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) patches, gum and/or lozenges while supplies last. Each participant will be required to fill out a registration packet, which includes consent to use NRT patches/gum/lozenges. If a woman is pregnant or nursing or if an individual has recently had a heart attack or has undiagnosed chest pains, they will need to have provider approval to receive nicotine replacement therapy. Stress management skills and coping strategies are also offered during the TFFL classes.
Tobacco Free Cessation for Pregnant Moms, Women of Childbearing Age
Quitting smoking is the single most important thing you can do for your health and the health of your baby and children! The Pregnant and Tobacco Cessation Help (PATCH) program is a tobacco cessation program for pregnant women and women of childbearing ages to quit smoking and stay tobacco free. Please call 240-313-3310/711 for MD Relay (TTY) to sign up for PATCH.
The Maryland Tobacco Quitline is also available for pregnant women who smoke. Quit coaches can be reached 24/7 at no cost by texting “READY” to 200-400 or calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). All services are confidential and free, and they work! Participation can even get you gift cards while supplies last.
Safe Storage of Medication Education & Locking Mechanisms
Families take medicines and vitamins to feel well or stay well. Any medicine or vitamin can be dangerous if taken in the wrong way or by the wrong person; even medicine you buy without a prescription, over the counter. The Behavioral Health Services division provides education to individuals and their families about the importance of safe medicine storage and offers FREE locking mechanisms.
If you need to dispose of any unwanted or expired medications in your home, please utilize the closest drop box from the list below:
Pharmacies:
- Reed’s Pharmacy: 343 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Hancock
- Sharpsburg Pharmacy: 17316 Shepherdstown Pike, Sharpsburg
- Smithsburg Pharmacy: 22030 Jefferson Blvd., Smithsburg
- Williamsport Pharmacy: 100 E. Potomac St., Williamsport
- Clear Spring Pharmacy: 34 Mulberry St., Clear Spring
Police Departments:
- Hagerstown Police Department: 50 N. Burhans Blvd., Hagerstown
- Hancock Police Department: 126 W. High St., Hancock
- Maryland State Police Hagerstown Barrack: 18345 Col. Henry K. Douglas Drive, Hagerstown
- Smithsburg Police Department: 63 Rail Road Lane, Smithsburg
- Washington County Sheriff’s Department: 500 Western Maryland Parkway, Hagerstown
Narcan Training
This training focuses on how to recognize, respond to and prevent overdoses. Training participants will also learn opioid types, community statistics and how to administer naloxone. After completing the training, participants will receive naloxone and an overdose prevention kit.
Strengthening Families Program (SFP) – Parenting Classes
The Strengthening Families Program (SFP) is an evidence-based, family skills training program for high-risk and general population families that is recognized both nationally and internationally. SFP is effective because it was specifically crafted to increase protective factors and reduce the risk factors that lead to both substance abuse and youth depression. SFP teaches – and has parents and youth practice – skills involved in bonding (creating warm, loving relationships); setting clear, firm boundaries (rules against antisocial behavior, including drug and alcohol use); and monitoring children’s emotional well-being and activities to see that they always stay in an alcohol and drug-free social environment. (Only provided at Head Start)
HIV Testing and Hep C Testing
Individuals can receive free rapid HIV, Hep C and syphilis testing at the Division of Behavioral Health Services, located at 925 N. Burhans Blvd., in Hagerstown. The testing team also offers rapid HIV, Hep C and syphilis testing within the communities of Washington County. In addition to testing, there is also linkage to care for individuals that need follow-up support.
Washington Goes Purple
Washington Goes Purple is an awareness initiative through the opioid operational command center to educate our youth and community about the dangers of prescription pain medication. This initiative has grown over the past several years to include messaging to address stigma, prescriber outreach, safe storage and mental health. Washington Goes Purple celebrates recovery month during September with support from the entire Washington County community.
Student Assistance Program (SAP)
The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is an intervention program used in schools that provides a systematic procedure of early identification, intervention, referral and follow-up of at-risk students. These students are considered at-risk because of dysfunctional behavior patterns which can be related to involvement with alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Education and Awareness Education Presentations
The prevention program staff offers presentations on many topics related to alcohol, tobacco and other drug education. Some examples include presentations on vaping, peer pressure refusal skills, how to live a drug free life or any topic relating to substance use prevention.
List of Prevention Services:
Tobacco Free For Life Services
- Cessation services
- Free nicotine replacement therapy (patches, lozenges and gum)
- Tobacco-free cessation for pregnant moms, moms of childbearing age
Prevention
- Safer storage of medication education
- Narcan trainings/distribution
- Community
- Individuals
- Organizations, businesses and agencies
- Distribution of Safer Devices
- Lock boxes
- Locking medicine caps and bottles
Services for Adolescents and Families
- Student Assistant Program
- AT Risk educational program
- Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drug educational and awareness presentations
- Washington Goes Purple prevention/recovery education awareness and events
Infectious Disease Programming
- HIV, Hep C and syphilis rapid testing
- Infectious Disease educational presentations
- Safer Sex education and material distribution
