Abby Potter, MEd, and Chontey Copeland, joined us on June 16 to guide us through tips and strategies on how to maintain a peaceful home environment amidst these ever-changing times. Experts in childhood development and mental wellness, Potter and Copeland lead us through positive intervention and effective communication methods for our new at-home lifestyle. To watch the full discussion, please see the video below.

Thank you to your speakers:

Abby Potter, MEd, Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI) Master Trainer and the Senior Coordinator of Education Program Development and Training at Sheppard Pratt. 

Chontey Copeland, Mental Health Coach and Advocate with The Green Heart Community and mother of two children ages 12 and 15 years old.

If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health, please see Sheppard Pratt’s resources below:

Comprehensive Outpatient Psychiatric Evaluation Service

Sheppard Pratt’s Crisis Walk-In Clinic provides referrals to the level of mental health care that’s right for you. The Crisis Walk-In Clinic serves people of all ages and is located in the Weinberg Building on Sheppard Pratt’s Towson Campus.

6501 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21204

410-938-5302

Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturdays, 1 – 5 p.m.

Sheppard Pratt’s Virtual Crisis Walk-In Clinic offers psychiatric triage and referrals to our mental health care options through a secure, online platform. The Virtual Crisis Walk-In Clinic is available to any individual living in Maryland.

To schedule a psychiatric triage, call 410-938-5302 Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or Saturdays 1 – 4 p.m. or fill out this form

Triage appointments are available:

Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturdays, 1 – 4 p.m.

Sheppard Pratt’s Call Center can help you get connected to the care you need. Our team is available at 410-938-5000, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Thank you to our sponsor:

During this uplifting webinar, Maria Mouratidis, PsyD, coached attendees through an opening meditation, kicking off an interactive presentation about self-renewal in a post-pandemic world. She concentrated on the strengths developed during quarantine and how to apply them to everyday life moving forward. To view the full webinar, see the video below.

Thank you to our speaker:

Maria Mouratidis, PsyD, Clinical Director, The Retreat and the Comprehensive Outpatient Psychiatric Evaluation Service

If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health, please see Sheppard Pratt’s resources below:

Comprehensive Outpatient Psychiatric Evaluation Service

Sheppard Pratt’s Crisis Walk-In Clinic provides referrals to the level of mental health care that’s right for you. The Crisis Walk-In Clinic serves people of all ages and is located in the Weinberg Building on Sheppard Pratt’s Towson Campus.

6501 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21204

410-938-5302

Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturdays, 1 – 5 p.m.

Sheppard Pratt’s Virtual Crisis Walk-In Clinic offers psychiatric triage and referrals to our mental health care options through a secure, online platform. The Virtual Crisis Walk-In Clinic is available to any individual living in Maryland.

To schedule a psychiatric triage, call 410-938-5302 Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or Saturdays 1 – 4 p.m. or fill out this form

Triage appointments are available:

Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturdays, 1 – 4 p.m.

Sheppard Pratt’s Call Center can help you get connected to the care you need. Our team is available at 410-938-5000, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Thank you to our sponsor:

As the COVID-19 pandemic changed how we lived our everyday lives, no one experienced shifts in their roles at home and at work more than women. Disproportionately burdened with homemaking and childcare duties, many women took on new and expanded challenges – with no end in sight. Dr. Zaveri, women’s mental health expert, and Brenda Mannix, LMSW, discussed how the pandemic has led to burnout for many women–and how to get re-energized and re-invigorated. To view the full discussion, see the video below.

 

Thank you to our speakers:

Brenda Minnix, LMSW

If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health, please see Sheppard Pratt’s resources below:

Sheppard Pratt’s Crisis Walk-In Clinic provides referrals to the level of mental health care that’s right for you. The Crisis Walk-In Clinic serves people of all ages and is located in the Weinberg Building on Sheppard Pratt’s Towson Campus.

6501 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21204

410-938-5302

Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturdays, 1 – 5 p.m.

Sheppard Pratt’s Virtual Crisis Walk-In Clinic offers psychiatric triage and referrals to our mental health care options through a secure, online platform. The Virtual Crisis Walk-In Clinic is available to any individual living in Maryland.

To schedule a psychiatric triage, call 410-938-5302 Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or Saturdays 1 – 4 p.m. or fill out this form

Triage appointments are available:

Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturdays, 1 – 4 p.m.

Sheppard Pratt’s Call Center can help you get connected to the care you need. Our team is available at 410-938-5000, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Thank you to our sponsor: 

During a Q&A, Sheppard Pratt experts Jon Hershfield, MFT, Michael Young, MD, and Denise Connelly, LCSW-C shared how to manage uncertainty when facing a “new normal” and presented tools for approaching a post-COVID world with confidence. The pandemic has heightened uncertainty and anxiety around jobs, relationships, finances, and most certainly mental health. With the distribution of COVID vaccinations comes the reality of a post-COVID world, and with it, many new, stressful, and uncertain situations. The experts shared how to navigate such situations and the considerations that must be taken for those who have been depressed, anxious, or overusing substances. To view the full discussion, watch the video below.

If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety and uncertainty, please see the  following resources for help:

The Retreat at Sheppard Pratt

The Center for OCD and Anxiety at Sheppard Pratt

Thank you to our speakers: 

Jon Hershfield, MFT, The Center for OCD and Anxiety

Michael Young, MD, The Retreat at Sheppard Pratt

Denise Connelly, LCSW-C, MAC, CAC-AD, ACRPS, The Retreat at Sheppard Pratt

Thank you to our sponsor: 

Baltimore teamed up with experts from Marijane Consults, Evermore Cannabis Company, and The Living Room to take deeper dive into the world of cannabis. The five panelists discussed the cultivation process, the many different types of cannabis products, how specialized cannabis care can enhance quality of life and treat common conditions, and more. With cannabis laws changing, our speakers also shared their involvement with reforming policies—to learn more about the Last Prisoner Project, please see here. To view the full discussion and learn more about the ins and outs of the industry, see the video below.

The Experts:

Jackie Jones, CRNP, founder of Marijane Consults

Nicole Smith, CRNP, Marijane Consults

Tom Klassen, Head Grower, Evermore Cannabis Company, LLC

Evan Damareck, Dispensary Manager, The Living Room

Will Reckner, Director of Processing and Extractions, Evermore Cannabis Company, LLC

Josh Crossney

Founder of The Cannabis Science Conference

Thank you to our sponsors: 

On Thursday, May 6, we hosted a virtual awards ceremony to celebrate and thank the incredible 106 Excellence in Nursing winners for their bravery and courage during these unprecedented times.

As you probably know, there are few metro areas with more great nurses than Baltimore, and our job in Baltimore’s seventh annual Excellence in Nursing survey was to identify the best of the best. To arrive at the results, we solicited nominations from peers, supervisors, and patients of registered nurses—both in and out of hospitals—who represent the finest in their field, and we received an overwhelming response. Four months and hundreds of nominations across 19 specialties later, the finalists were chosen.

The winning nurses, along with their peers, friends, and family enjoyed a virtual ceremony featuring opening remarks by Michael Teitelbaum, president of Baltimore followed by moving words from Dr. Lisa Rowen, DNSc, RN, CENP, FAAN, Chief Nurse Executive, University of Maryland Medical System and lastly, a touching keynote speech by WPOC Baltimore Morning Show Host, Laurie DeYoung. An awards presentation followed as Amanda Brown, Director of Marketing and Audience Development at Baltimore, named each winning nurse.  

All winners were also sent beautiful packages to their homes in advance of the event featuring a custom award courtesy of Allogram, a succulent from Flowers & Fancies, and chocolates from iHeart Media.

Thank you to our sponsors:

During this uplifting and genuine conversation, our amazing panelists discussed their journeys to leadership roles. They spoke about the inherent greatness of women, the strength and power of voice, and the importance of elevating other women through mentorship. Our editor-in-chief, Max Weiss, moderated the discussion and all who joined celebrated Baltimore’s unique trait of cultivating female leadership. Our panelists’ authenticity and candor during this event were truly inspiring. To view the full discussion, please see the video below.

Thank you to our incredible speakers!

Christine Michel Carter

Best-Selling Author, ForbesWomen Contributor, Speaker, and Media Analyst

Rabbi Jessy Dressin

Executive Director of Repair the World, Baltimore

Nyki Robinson

Founder and CEO of Black Girls Vote, Inc.

Shelonda Stokes

President of Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and CEO of the Downtown Management Authority

During this candid and informational presentation, Dr. Zaineb Makhzoumi, MD, MPH, from University of Maryland Dermatology Associates shared the latest information on common skin concerns from anti-aging and skin cancer prevention and treatments to regimens for acne and “maskne.” Dr. Makhzoumi hosted an engaging Q&A with attendees following her presentation. To learn more about University of Maryland’s dermatology services, visit umm.edu/dermatology or call in to make an appointment at 667-214-1171. Doctors are also seeing patients at their practice locations in Columbia and Downtown Baltimore.

To view the discussion, please see the video below.

Thank You to Our Speaker:

Dr. Zaineb Makhzoumi, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Head of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology, and Director of Clinical Services, University of Maryland Dermatology Associates

Thank you to our sponsor: 

University of Maryland, Baltimore president, Dr. Bruce Jarrell, and his two brilliant colleagues, Dr. Wilbur Chen and Dr. James Campbell joined Baltimore for a timely and informative conversation about COVID-19, health, and vaccines. Dr. Jarrell and the School of Medicine’s vaccine experts discussed the latest information on the efficacy of the vaccine, pediatric trials, and much more. Plus, an interactive Q&A answered common questions from our attendees. To view the full discussion, see the video below.

Our Speakers:

Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, President, University of Maryland, Baltimore

 

Wilbur Chen, MD, MS, FACP, FIDSA, Professor of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine

James Campbell, MD, MS, Professor of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine

To learn more or participate in an upcoming trial, please see here.

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in the world of pediatrics, please see here.

Do you have questions about COVID-19? Join University of Maryland, Baltimore’s Academy of Lifelong Learning COVID-19 response forum here and get feedback from their infectious disease and vaccine experts. 

The UMB Academy of Lifelong Learning’s (ALL) mission is to create and present health and human services academic content to inspire, engage, and educate learners from middle school through retirement. As an alum, you can continue your journey in learning as you connect with some of the top experts in their fields – ALL offers site visitors the ability to ask questions of UMB Experts and they provide their insights and answers.

 

Thank you to our sponsor: 

On November 19, Rachel Drunkenmiller, founder of UNMUTED, joined Baltimore to discuss the importance of reimagining workplace wellness. She shared what it takes to effectively engage employees and support their wellbeing, as well as the value of employee mental health. For employers, engaged, thriving employees means a competitive business advantage, including improved employee engagement, increased creativity and innovation, improved leadership effectiveness, and stronger, more cohesive teams. She broke down how all of these factors improve an organization’s bottom line and their ability to recruit and retain talent. During the session, she fueled genuine and inspiring conversation with attendees.

She shared great resources (insights, videos, blog posts, and more)—all of which can be found here. To view the full discussion, please see the video below.

On Monday, December 7, three local nonprofit leaders joined Baltimore and shared how they’ve reimagined traditional fundraising strategies and event experiences during these ever-changing times. Challenging an unpredictable climate, they’ve achieved success and met their organizations’ goals by pivoting to new and innovative methods.

View the full discussion below. 

Thank you to our speakers:

Franklyn Baker, President & CEO of United Way of Central Maryland

Paul Wolman, Founder of WolmanEdge and Heart of the School Awards & Support Fund

Brock Yetso, President & CEO of The Ulman Foundation

Heather Iliff, Moderator, President & CEO of Maryland Nonprofits

Thank you to our partner: 

On October 28, three local, powerful women joined Baltimore for The Future is Female: The Many Faces of Perseverance virtual event. We heard from Dr. Tammira Lucas, a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, and professor, Heather Darney, Vice President of Community Relations at Baltimore Ravens, and Christina Block, Product Manager at T. Rowe Price. Our speakers shared their stories, experiences, and helpful tips that uplifted the audience. During an interactive panel discussion moderated by SC&H’s Vice President of Marketing, Jen Presswood, these inspirational women thoughtfully and genuinely answered questions from attendees. To view the full discussion, please see the video below.

Thank you to our sponsors and partners: 

Presenting Sponsor:

Gold Sponsor:

Series Partner:

Media Partner:

On August 6, Sheppard Pratt experts, Jon Hershfield MFT and Dr. Andrea Gottlieb, discussed the “what” and “why” of the anxiety you might be experiencing and the best means of coping amidst so much uncertainty. NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore volunteer, Sarena Love, also joined the conversation to share her lived experiences battling the dueling pandemics of COVID-19 and anxiety. To learn more, please view the following video.

If you or a loved one are struggling with the best parental practices during a pandemic, please see the following resources:

Virtual Crisis Walk-In Clinic: Available for urgent online psychiatric triage, Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday 1-4 p.m.

Crisis Walk-In Clinic: Available for urgent in-person psychiatric triage, Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday 1-4 p.m.

Care Finder: Use Sheppard Pratt’s Care Finder to find the program that meets your needs. Search for a word, use the filters, look alphabetically, or search by zip code.

COVID-19 Mental Health Resources: Discover blog posts with mental health tips, DIY activities to do with your kids, open mental health services, and more.

Anxiety Coping Tools:

Mindfulness 101

Mindfulness Lesson

Anxiety Resources

OCD Resources

Sarena Love’s Coping Tools:

Call It by Its Name: Give the illness a name. Yes, a human name. That way you have someone else to blame when your mental illness rears its ugly head.

Five for Five: Keep a list by your bed full of useful information for mini crisis. I call mine the five for five. I have five names of people I can call to tell me things will be okay and they love me. Five activities that I can do immediately that calm me or make me happy. Five foods that trigger happy memories or provide dopamine to my brain. Five affirmations that I say aloud. And five grounding techniques.

Support Basket: I keep a basket full of things by my bed for very low-functioning days. Days where the most you can do is go to the bathroom and get back in bed. In my basket I keep a granola bar, a bottle of water, a post it note reminding myself to play my happy Playlist on YouTube, and some pictures of my favorite people.

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Thank you to our presenting sponsor:

On July 30, Sheppard Pratt’s Dina Wientge and Dr. Terri Griffith joined Baltimore for a conversation about coping with eating disorders in quarantine. They shared how to recognize an eating disorder, ways to cultivate healthy habits, coping tools, and the best time to seek help for yourself or a loved one. To learn more, please view the following video.

Lastly, if you or a loved one are struggling with an eating disorder, below are resources provided by Sheppard Pratt.

Recommended Reading:

• Skills-based Learning for Caring for a Loved One with an Eating Disorder: The New Maudsely Method by Janet Treasure
• Help Your Teenager Beat an Eating Disorder by James Lock
• Brave Girl Eating: A Family’s Struggle with Anorexia by Harriet Brown
• Life Without Ed: How One Woman Declared Independence from Her Eating Disorder and How You Can Too by Jenni Schaefer
• Goodbye Ed, Hello Me: Recover from Your Eating Disorder and Fall in Love with Life by Jenni Schaefer

Helplines

• National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) Helpline: 800-931-2237
• Suicide Prevention Hotline: 24/7 free & confidential support
  • Lifeline number: 1-800-273-8255

Virtual Support Groups

• National Eating Disorders Virtual Support Group
• Bring Your Brokenness Support Group

Find a therapist: Psychology Today

• National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI)
• Relationships First
• Suicide Prevention Hotline

Resources During COVID-19

• On the @covid19eatingsupport Instagram page, Health at Every Size (HAES)®-based clinicians offer live meal support every 2 hours beginning at 8:00 a.m. EST daily.
• NEDA Founders and eating disorders experts are participating in Morning Side Chats in the Living Room. This free virtual series for the community provides live support for recovery, healing, and growth on Saturday mornings at 11:00 a.m. EST. Access via the NEDA website.

Other Sheppard Pratt Resources:

• Virtual Crisis Walk-In Clinic: Available for urgent online psychiatric triage, Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday 1-4 p.m.
• Crisis Walk-In Clinic: Available for urgent in-person psychiatric triage, Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday 1-4 p.m.
• Care Finder: Use Sheppard Pratt’s Care Finder to find the program that meets your needs. Search for a word, use the filters, look alphabetically, or search by zip code.
• COVID-19 Mental Health Resources: Discover blog posts with mental health tips, DIY activities to do with your kids, open mental health services, and more.

On July 23, Sheppard Pratt licensed clinicians Meagan Herman and Chelsea Hayas-Keller joined Baltimore for a conversation about parenting during a pandemic and the best practices for providing children and parents with certainty amidst uncertainty. They discussed ideas for connecting with your child, healthy ways to help your child cope with disappointment, tips for helping your child manage anxiety, and how to address your own anxiety and stress. To learn more, please view the following video.

If you or a loved one are struggling with the best parental practices during a pandemic, please see the following resources:

Virtual Crisis Walk-In Clinic: Available for urgent online psychiatric triage, Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday 1-4 p.m.

Crisis Walk-In Clinic: Available for urgent in-person psychiatric triage, Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday 1-4 p.m.

Care Finder: Use Sheppard Pratt’s Care Finder to find the program that meets your needs. Search for a word, use the filters, look alphabetically, or search by zip code.

COVID-19 Mental Health Resources: Discover blog posts with mental health tips, DIY activities to do with your kids, open mental health services, and more.

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Thank you to our presenting sponsor:

On July 16, Jason Martin joined Baltimore for a conversation about recognizing addiction and substance abuse during COVID-19. Martin, the director of addiction services at Sheppard Pratt, shared ways to recognize, manage, and find solutions for those struggling with the unique circumstances of quarantine and social distancing that might be fueling harmful habits. To learn more, please view the following video.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction or substance abuse, please see the following resources:

Virtual Crisis Walk-In Clinic: Available for urgent online psychiatric triage, Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday 1-4 p.m.

Crisis Walk-In Clinic: Available for urgent in-person psychiatric triage, Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday 1-4 p.m.

Care Finder: Use Sheppard Pratt’s Care Finder to find the program that meets your needs. Search for a word, use the filters, look alphabetically, or search by zip code.

COVID-19 Mental Health Resources: Discover blog posts with mental health tips, DIY activities to do with your kids, open mental health services, and more.

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Thank you to our presenting sponsor:

On Thursday, May 21, Baltimore hosted our second virtual event, Community Conversations: Navigating Financial Wellness Amid Economic Uncertainty. Partners T. Rowe Price and Junior Achievement of Central Maryland joined us for a discussion dedicated to financial wellness. Roger Young, CFP®, senior financial planner at T. Rowe Price and vice president of T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., discussed retirement savings, as well as paying for education. While Jennifer Bodensiek, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Central Maryland, shared the values of discussing finances with your family and the advantages of including family in financial conversations. Both Roger and Jennifer conducted a insightful conversation on covering day-to-day expenses amid a pandemic. You can view our full discussion below.

For additional T. Rowe Price financial resources, please visit here. Junior Achievement of Central Maryland resources are available here.

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On Tuesday, April 21, more than 300 participants joined Baltimore for our first-ever virtual event, Community Conversations: Navigating Emotional Wellness During Uncertain Times. Partners Sheppard Pratt and NAMI Metro Baltimore joined us, along with Dr. Todd Peters and Dr. Brad Piergrossi, to share how to take care of yourself and others along with the best means of coping with anxiety, depression, and isolation. You can view our full discussion below.

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Lucinda Levine of Inkquiry Visuals illustrated our conversation and turned it into a work of art. You can find her time lapsed video below and a downloadable version of her work here.

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Sheppard Pratt Resources

Sheppard Pratt is here to serve as a mental health resource for you and your family. Learn about telehealth and walk-in options that are now available:

Telehealth and Teletherapy

Sheppard Pratt is now offering telehealth, teletherapy, and medication management services through telehealth. Please contact the outpatient center nearest you to learn more and see if you qualify. Click here to see locations and learn more.

Sheppard Pratt’s Virtual Crisis Walk-In Clinic is now open. Through this program, we offer psychiatric triage and referrals to our other virtual and in-person care options through a secure, online platform. Click here to learn more and make an appointment.

Walk-In Options

Crisis Walk-In Clinic: Our Crisis Walk-In Clinic remains open for immediate psychiatric triage – please exercise this option rather than going to an emergency room when possible. Learn more here.

• Hours: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Saturdays, 1 – 5 p.m.

Outpatient Behavioral Health Centers: Some of our outpatient behavioral health centers are now offering walk-in appointments. Click here to find a location near you.

For those considering in-person care: if you have a fever, coughing, shortness of breath, or have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, please call your primary care provider. If you feel sick and it is an emergency, please call 911.

To learn more, contact info@sheppardpratt.org.

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NAMI Metro Baltimore Resources

NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore offers weekly support group meetings online. NAMI support groups are led by trained volunteers who understand mental health conditions first-hand. Groups are available for individuals living with a mental health condition, and family members and caregivers who are supporting a loved one in recovery. It is free to participate in a NAMI program, and registration is required. Visit www.namibaltimore.org for a schedule and for additional details on joining a support group.

Need additional support? The NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm at (410) 435-2600.

All of NAMI’s programs and resources are available free to community members in need. To help support NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore and our efforts to provide virtual programming in this critical time, you can make a donation at www.namibaltimore.org/get-involved/donate.

About NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore

NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore provides free mental health education, support, and advocacy to individuals living with mental health conditions and their families. The organization is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, and serves community members in Baltimore City and Baltimore County.

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For guided meditations from Dr. Brad Piergrossi that you can do from home, visit here.