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| Volume 15 Issue 8 |
May 2020 |
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This month we share:
Also included: upcoming trainings and events and employment opportunities.
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MCF Offers Online Support Groups for Maryland Families
 MCF now offers many online support groups to provide a safe space for you to learn, share and receive compassionate help. All are facilitated by trained Family Peer Support Specialists who heave dealt with similar challenges in their own families. Current groups are available for:
- Parents and caregivers of children with behavioral health challenges
- Young adults ages 18-26 struggling with behavioral health challenges
- Anyone who cares for a person struggling with substance use (alcohol or drugs)
- Parents who have lost a child to overdose
- Anyone who cares for a person struggling with problem gambling
Groups are free for all participants and are held on different days of the week and different times of day. Find one or more that can work for you and join us soon!
Find a Support Group
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When to Worry About Children's Screen Time
 With parents and children working and learning remotely, screen time is on the rise and many parents have relaxed the usual limits on activities like online gaming and using communication apps. During this time of parental multitasking, this is a reasonable compromise and each family needs to find what works for them. Given this, what should parents be concerned about and how can we protect our children from dangerous or inappropriate content, or even from developing an online gambling problem? There are some great ways to
assess the risks and make sound decisions for your family.
Read More
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Special Education During School Closures
On March 30th the Maryland State Department of Education issued guidance on the provision of  special education services during school closures due to COVID-19. The guidelines state:
- Schools should contact families with a child on an IEP to arrange a plan for services during school closure
- Schools still need to provide a Free, Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to students with disabilities during school closure
- Students remain entitled to related services on their IEP (such as speech therapy or counselling)
Read More
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Family Resources for Substance Use Disorder During COVID-19
Families that struggle with substance use disorder are experiencing unique and increased challenges caused by the COVID-19 public health crisis. An additional concern is that the resources usually available to support these families are not available in the same way now. There are, however, many very effective online and remote alternatives to receive support.
Maryland Coalition of Families offers family peer support to any loved one caring for someone with a substance use disorder (alcohol or drugs) or a problem gambling issue.
Read More
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| Enjoy the Great Outdoors, But Do It Safely
During this time when many of us are stuck at home, remember that the great outdoors is still open! Spending time outside in nature is a perfect to de-stress, relax, and get some physical activity. As of May 7, Governor Hogan has loosened restrictions on many outdoor recreational activities, allowing sports such as golfing and tennis, fishing, hunting, boating, and horseback riding. Hiking, biking, and camping are also allowed in many of Maryland’s state parks, although social distancing guidelines must be strictly followed. While most state parks are open, some remain closed or have restricted areas. To enjoy them
safely, choose a park nearest your home to limit travel and be sure to check the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website before you leave for the park and read the guidelines for social distancing in state parks.
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| Top Free Apps to Help You Stay Calm, Mindful and Focused
 Here are three top-reviewed, free apps to boost your emotional well-being during these uncertain (but certainly stressful) times. Just remember that apps should be used as a supplement to mental health treatment-- not as a replacement. If you are having difficulty managing your thoughts or behaviors, seek the support of a professional.
For Meditation—Insight Timer
Insight Timer features guided meditations, music and talks posted by contributing experts. The app features the most extensive free library of guided meditations with over 27,000 titles provided by experts such as neuroscientists, psychologists, mindfulness teachers, as well as lecturers from Stanford University, Harvard University, and the University of Oxford. Find it in the Apple App Store or Google Play.
For Anxiety—Breathe 2 Relax
Breathe2Relax is a stress management tool that teaches diaphragmatic breathing, a technique that's been shown to lower the heart rate, lower blood pressure, and help relieve stress. This type of breathing can help people who are experiencing panic, anxiety, PTSD, or anger. The app features videos, reading materials, and ways for users to track their progress.
Find it in the Apple App Store or Google Play.
For Mindfulness—MyLife
The MyLife app recommends the activities that are right for you, whether you are anxious, sleepless, hopeful, or angry. Over 400 activities including meditation, breathing, yoga, guided journaling and more help you reduce stress, get more sleep and find your calm.
Find it in the Apple App Store or Google Play.
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Four Things You Need to Know About Maryland's
Good Samaritan Law
 Higher levels of stress and lack of recovery supports during COVID-19 can mean an increased risk of overdose for family and friends struggling with substance use issues. When the unthinkable happens and a drug or alcohol overdose is suspected, Maryland’s Good Samaritan Law provides a safety net for those seeking assistance for the victim.
Here are four essential things to know about the law:
- The law is meant to encourage an observer to seek medical attention without fear of arrest or prosecution.
- The law protects against prosecution for certain crimes, including: possessing or using a controlled dangerous substance, possessing or using drug paraphernalia, or providing alcohol to minors.
- The law also applies to the victims of drug or alcohol overdose, when they receive medical assistance because someone else sought it for them.
- The law does NOT cover persons witnessing the medical emergency if they are not helping with the emergency.
For more information about Maryland’s Good Samaritan law, click here.
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Open Enrollment for Health Coverage Has Been Extended
 The Maryland Health Connection has established a Special Enrollment Period open to uninsured Marylanders who need health coverage. The open enrollment period will end on Wednesday, June 15. Visit MarylandHealthConnection.gov or download the free Enroll MHC mobile app (from Apple App Store or Google Play), and select 'Coronavirus Emergency Special Enrollment Period' when applying. Free help is available by calling 1-855-642-8572 from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays.
For more information on Maryland Health Connection along with a list of frequently asked questions, visit the Maryland Insurance Administration’s website.
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Also online:
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Upcoming Trainings & Events:
Online Substance Use Workshop
This virtual training series will educate families and loved ones about substance use disorders. .
When: Thursdays, May 21 and May 28, 2020, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Where: Online
Read More and Register
Family Fun and Games
Leave your struggles behind for a little while to have fun, laugh and play games. Children of all ages are welcome.
When: Every Friday, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Online
Read More and RSVP
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MCF Employment Opportunities
MCF is growing, and we have employment opportunities that might be perfect for you or someone you know! We currently have job openings for:
- Chief Program Officer - For an individual with extensive human services leadership and management experience.This position oversees MCF’s growing portfolio of programs
and serves as a member of our senior leadership team in Columbia, MD.
- Mid-Shore Family Peer Support Specialist - For those with personal experience as a family member, caregiver, or other loved one of an individual with substance use challenges. Easton, MD.
- Anne Arundel County Family Peer Support Specialist - For those with personal experience as a primary caregiver of a youth, adolescent or young adult who has/had intensive mental health needs or substance use challenges, as well as experience with the Department of Juvenile Services on behalf of a youth, adolescent, or young adult. Severn.
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