ELKRIDGE, Md. , Aug. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Backpack Healthcare is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in its mission to enhance mental health services in Howard County , having recently secured a $1.
1 million proposal funded by the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission (CHRC). This grant will enable Backpack Healthcare to provide vital support to students, families, and caregivers within Howard County Public Schools (HCPSS). Funding was made available by the Maryland General Assembly under the Blueprint for Maryland's Future (Ch.
36 of 2021). The grant to Backpack Healthcare was one of 129 grants awarded statewide by the Maryland Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports and the CHRC to support student behavioral health services. From March 1, 2024 to June 2025 , Backpack Healthcare is making remarkable strides in expanding mental health support across the community.
Key accomplishments include: Group Therapy : Implemented across five Howard County high schools—Mount Hebron, Mayfield Woods Middle , Long Reach , Hammond, and Oakland Mills—beginning in April and continuing through June 2025 . Caregiver Wellness Workshops : Launched in May, with sessions focusing on resilience, coping strategies, and media literacy. These workshops have been well-received, with participants gaining valuable insights into managing their own and their children's mental health.
Individual Therapy and Medication Management : Services are now available and billed through M.