Latest news with #CalvinBall
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Sheppard Pratt Breaks Ground on New Residential Crisis Program in Howard County
BALTIMORE, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sheppard Pratt celebrated the groundbreaking of its future 16-bed Residential Crisis Program on its Baltimore/Washington Campus with a ceremony on Monday, June 9. The program represents a significant step toward expanding access to high-quality mental healthcare for individuals in Howard County and surrounding areas experiencing behavioral health crises. "This initiative is the result of a strong collaborative approach between Sheppard Pratt, state leaders, and Howard County to address an urgent need for community-based mental health services that reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency department visits," said Harsh K. Trivedi, MD, MBA, president and CEO of Sheppard Pratt. "This program will support Howard County residents through their mental health crises and aims to empower individuals to seek help closer to home, ultimately fostering a stronger support network and a smoother transition back into their communities." With a construction completion date of summer 2026, this 24/7-staffed program is designed to help individuals avoid higher levels of care such as emergency departments or inpatient units and help other county residents transition from those higher levels of care sooner than they otherwise could. It will have special expertise in serving individuals with co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders. With proximity to Sheppard Pratt's Baltimore/Washington Campus, the program will benefit from shared staffing and smooth transitions of care. The State of Maryland has committed $2.8 million in capital grants—$1.6 million through a legislative bond initiative and $1.2 million from a Maryland Department of Health Community Bond Grant. Howard County is providing an additional $2.25 million in capital support, underscoring the urgency and importance of this initiative. "Behavioral health care for people who are experiencing an emergency needs to be expanded across Howard County and our region. As a community, we must continue to invest in our behavioral health infrastructure to ensure that every resident has the resources and care they need to live a healthy and supported life," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. "Today's groundbreaking for Shepard Pratt's new residential crisis facility is yet another bold step toward a healthier, more supportive community, and future for all. Through our investment of $2.25 million, we are ensuring that all our residents have access to strong, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services." The program will implement a federally endorsed, evidence-based model called Dual-Diagnosis Capability in Mental Health Treatment, one of the only residential crisis programs in the state to do so. All clinical staff will receive intensive and ongoing training through Case Western Reserve University, a national leader in behavioral health education and research. In contrast to many existing residential crisis programs, this program will also embrace a harm-reduction treatment model. It will include psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners trained to prescribe medications for substance use disorders, including suboxone for opioid use disorder, another uncommon and much-needed feature in Maryland's mental health infrastructure. "This project reflects what is possible when state, local, and nonprofit partners come together with a shared commitment to improving lives. Sheppard Pratt's new Residential Crisis Program is a direct investment in the well-being of our community and will provide timely, compassionate support for individuals in crisis. Sheppard Pratt is building a stronger, more responsive treatment option in Howard County utilizing the right level of care to address the community's overall health," said Senator Guy Guzzone. "Accessible and timely care can make all the difference for people struggling with behavioral health crises. That's why I've worked to support Sheppard Pratt's efforts to expand its residential program in Maryland. This new facility in Howard County will make much needed behavioral health care more readily available for Marylanders, helping to build a healthier and safer community for all," said Senator Chris Van Hollen. By expanding its residential crisis services, Sheppard Pratt aims to bridge gaps in the mental healthcare system, ensuring a smoother transition through the continuum of care. For more information about Sheppard Pratt's residential programs or to learn more about the organization's services, please visit About Sheppard Pratt Sheppard Pratt is the largest private, nonprofit provider of mental health, substance use, developmental disability, special education, and social services in the country. A nationwide resource, Sheppard Pratt provides services across a comprehensive continuum of care, spanning both hospital- and community-based resources. Since its founding in 1853, Sheppard Pratt has been innovating the field through research, best practice implementation, and a focus on improving the quality of mental health care on a global level. Sheppard Pratt has been consistently ranked as a top national psychiatric hospital by U.S. News & World Report for more than 30 years. 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CBS News
5 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Howard County school board votes to eliminate 127 positions in order to close funding gap
Howard County Public Schools cutting more than 120 jobs as school boards slashes budget Howard County Public Schools cutting more than 120 jobs as school boards slashes budget Howard County Public Schools cutting more than 120 jobs as school boards slashes budget The Howard County school board voted Wednesday to eliminate 127 positions in an effort to close a funding gap in the county's FY2026 budget. The move would cut $11.3 million in costs. Last month, the Howard County Council voted to approve more than $2.7 billion in operating and capital funds. While the district received more than what was originally proposed, it still was not enough to fill the spending gap and balance the budget. What budget cuts positions were eliminated? Budget cuts approved by the board include eliminating third grade orchestra, 21 elementary school media paraeducator positions, and 12 high school secretary positions. The board also decided to reorganize the health assistant and float nurse staffing model by eliminating vacant positions. To save $1 million, the board will also reduce the employee benefit credit, which provides employees with payments each pay period to help cover out-of-pocket healthcare expenses such as prescriptions and copays. Wednesday's decision is not a final vote. The board will meet again next week to formally adopt its operating and capital budgets. Budget challenges for Howard County Schools Previously, the school board asked Howard County Executive Calvin Ball to include $107.3 million more than what the county is legally required to contribute in the FY 2026 budget proposal. Instead, Ball recommended $39 million in new funding for the school system and $6.7 million to pay for education pensions. When that proposal fell short, Ball then filed emergency legislation to increase that amount by $14.5 million using one-time surplus funds. That emergency funding request was approved on Wednesday. In total, the school board is set to receive $816 million.
CBS News
6 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Maryland Gov. Moore to announce support for flood mitigation projects in Howard County
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is expected to announce support for flood mitigation projects in Howard County through a state loan fund Wednesday. Additional support would be provided through the Maryland Department of Emergency Management's Resilient Revolving Loan Fund. Flood mitigation in Howard County Parts of Howard County experienced deadly flooding in 2011, 2016 and 2018, prompting an aggressive effort to prevent similar events in the future. After eight inches of rain turned Ellicott City streets into rivers and damaged more than 70 businesses, the county launched the Safe and Sound plan to address flooding issues with retention ponds in four areas. The plan dictates that debris be removed from waterways after weather events that bring two or more inches of rain within 24 hours or after strong winds. Before the plan was enacted, the waterways were inspected on a quarterly or semi-quarterly basis. Between 2018 and March 2025, Howard County's Department of Public Works removed more than 100,000 pounds of debris. There are a total of seven projects under the Safe and Sound Plan. So far, two of four retention ponds have been built, and a third is expected to be done by fall 2025, according to county officials. In Ellicott City, several flood safety measures have also been implemented, like signage pointing to high-ground access and a tone alert system. Federal funding cuts spark concerns The funding for all of Howard County's flood mitigation projects was secured, Executive Calvin Ball said in February. However, the proposed state budget and the Trump administration's federal spending cuts sparked concerns. The Safe and Sound Plan costs about $250 million, and a third of that is supported by federal funds, according to Ball. The county's flood mitigation plan is supported in part by a $75 million WIFIA loan from the Environmental Protection Agency and $20 million in funding from FEMA. "Uncertainty about federal funding places Howard County in an extremely precarious position, assuming tremendous financial risk," Ball said in March.
CBS News
02-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
Howard County leaders raise Pride flag amid tense political climate
For the third year in a row, Howard County leaders and community members gathered in front of the George Howard government building in Ellicott City to watch the Pride flag be raised. While county leaders are celebrating Pride Month, which is acknowledged each June, the tense political climate is also top of mind. Those who attended the flag raising on Monday told WJZ that these moments are more important than ever. Welcoming all to Howard County The tradition of raising the Pride flag at the George Howard building started in 2023. Every time it's done, Howard County leaders always have a simple message: you can be yourselves here. "When we raise the flag, we are sending a message throughout the state, the nation, and the world that we support people loving who they love," said Calvin Ball, the Howard County executive. Ball was one of several elected and community leaders who spoke to the crowd before the flag was raised. Multiple speakers talked about how this year's flag raising "carried more weight," particularly because of the actions of President Donald Trump and his administration. One of Trump's first executive orders called for federal agencies to only recognize two sexes, male and female. There have been several others targeting transgender people, like those serving in the military. Deep cuts to LGBTQIA+ resources and funding have also been made. Brad Bailey, the chair of Howard County's LGBTQIA+ Commission, said the county has stayed strong against all of the policies. "I grew up in Baltimore County. I've lived in Arizona, Illinois, and Virginia, but when I decided to move back in 2021, I chose Howard County," Bailey said. "Specifically because it is a welcoming environment for the LGBTQIA+ community." Waning business support This year's Pride Month also comes as businesses aren't showing as much support for the LGBTQIA+ community. A survey by Gravity Research, a risk management firm, shows 39% of companies surveyed reduced Pride-related engagement this year. Sixty-one percent of companies surveyed said the Trump administration has made them rethink their Pride strategies. This has also made coming together more important this year. At the flag raising, Howard County Councilwoman Christiana Rigby recounted how she wasn't even fully out when the tradition began. "I hadn't, publicly as an elected official, come out of the closet," she said. Rigby recognizes the importance of representation, especially for LGBTQIA+ children. "For me, having public figures when I was helped me understand a lot more," Rigby said. "If I can do that for someone behind me, I wanna be able to do that."
CBS News
21-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Howard County's school district will face a budget shortfall despite last-ditch efforts
The Howard County Public School System is still facing a budget shortfall after the county's fiscal year 2026 budget was approved on Wednesday. The county council voted to approve more than $2.7 billion in operating and capital funds after tense debates, primarily about funding for public schools. The school district received more than what was originally proposed, however, it's still not enough to fill the school district's gap to balance its budget. Overall, the county's FY26 operating budget is $2.35 billion, while the capital budget is $365 million. The final totals Before approving the budget, some county councilmembers tried some last-ditch efforts to increase HCPSS's allocation in the county operating budget. Initially, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball allotted around $800 million to the school district. Ball then filed emergency legislation to increase the share by $14.5 million from surplus funds. It came after hours of public testimony asking for the county to increase school district funding, and after HCPSS said it needed a minimum of $29.2 million more to pay for existing services and employee compensation, and benefits. Overall, HCPSS is slated to get $816 million in the budget, which means the school district is anticipated to make at least $13 million in cuts for the next school year. Howard County Councilwoman Deb Jung tried to increase HCPSS's share by more than a million, but the amendment failed to pass. Council chair Liz Walsh also said she tried to find $8 million to give to public schools. "I worked very hard to make sure that every cut I did make to our county budget was surgical; it would not hurt any of the departments," Jung said. Council vice chair Opel Jones and councilwoman Christiana Rigby consistently voted down attempts to increase public school funding. Jones noted that if the school district got more money, there would have to be cuts made elsewhere. "Any red cent that we come up with, we're pulling from somewhere else," Jones said. Rigby said she recognizes the need to increase public schools' funding, but adds there have been other factors, like federal funding uncertainty and the state deficit, to consider this cycle. "It's been very challenging because the local conversation is not taking into account what is happening outside of it," Rigby said. Overall, even though the approved HCPSS funding is higher than what the county's legally obligated to give, Walsh still isn't pleased. "I feel like this budget, as proposed and passed today by the majority of my colleagues, is a grave disservice to the Howard County Public School System," Walsh said in her closing remarks.
