Community Resources: Civista Health is a regional, not-for-profit, integrated health system serving Charles County and the surrounding areas of southern Maryland. Civista is derived from the dictionary term "civic" meaning "concerned with the general welfare and betterment of life for a community" and the term "vista" symbolizing the "broad vision and insight needed to meet the total health and wellness needs of our community." Patients at Southern Maryland Hospital Center are sometimes surprised at the advanced medical care available to them “right here at home.” Over the years we’ve acquired the sophisticated specialists, superior staff and up-to-the-minute technology to make SMHC the leading medical center in the region – while still keeping personal patient care as our first priority. Welcome to the Maryland Medical Assistance Program. These programs are an integral part of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, providing access to health care services for many of the State’s low-income residents. Individuals may be eligible for services through the Maryland Medicaid Program, the Maryland Children’s Health Program or the Maryland Pharmacy Assistance Program, depending upon income and other factors. Welcome to the Maryland Health Insurance Plan (MHIP) Web site. MHIP is a state administered health insurance program for Maryland residents who do not have access to health insurance. The plan is now administered by CareFirst Blue Cross & BlueShield. Please note that at this time the website is still under development, however you may also call: 443-738-0667 or 888-444-9016 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different in many ways, both are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program Medicare is health insurance for people age 65 or older, under age 65 with certain disabilities, and any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant). Medicaid is available only to certain low-income individuals and families who fit into an eligibility group that is recognized by federal and state law. Medicaid does not pay money to you; instead, it sends payments directly to your health care providers. Depending on your state's rules, you may also be asked to pay a small part of the cost (co-payment) for some medical services. The Maryland Medicaid Pharmacy Program (MPP) Provides services for the following programs: Medical Assistance Receive complete pharmacy services. HealthChoice Receive most mental health drugs and Fuzeon® - All other drugs are provided by HealthChoice Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). Primary Adult Care (PAC) Receive most mental health drugs and AIDS/HIV drugs - All other drugs are provided by PAC Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). Family Planning Receive only contraceptives. Medicare Part D Fully dual eligible Medicare beneficiaries receive most drugs excluded from Medicare Coverage -- All other drugs are provided by Medicare Prescription Drug Programs (PDPs). The Partnership for Prescription Assistance brings together America's pharmaceutical companies, doctors, other health care providers, patient advocacy organizations and community groups to help qualifying patients who lack prescription coverage get the medicines they need through the public or private program that's right for them. Patient assistance programs are run by pharmaceutical companies to provide free medications to people who cannot afford to buy their medicine. RxAssist offers a comprehensive database of these patient assistance programs, as well as practical tools, news, and articles so that health care professionals and patients can find the information they need. All in one place. Find out about "Alerts" issued by the Charles County Department of Health. Keep up to date with information such as the Rabies Alert in Charles County - the increase in the number of animals who have tested positive for rabies in Charles County thus far in 2007 as compared to the numbers in years past! This year alone there have been 14 as compared to the total number of 24 in 2006! The Humane Society of Charles County is a private, non-profit organization. We are located at 71 Industrial Park Drive, St. Charles, Waldorf, Maryland. Our mailing address and phone number are shown at the top of the page. HOURS: We are open to the public 6 days a week. Hours are 11AM to 6PM every day except Thursday. On Thursdays we are open 1PM to 6PM. We close on Sundays and for major holidays (but don't worry...our volunteers still come in to care for the animals!). The Humane Society of Charles County started in 1978 with only 25 members and less than $100. Our single objective was to rescue dogs and cats hit by cars. Today we are over 1,000 families strong! Our services have greatly expanded over the years and we are now able to shelter and rehabilitate rescued animals in our modern facility on Industrial Park Drive in St. Charles. In 1989, we expanded our dog run area from 10 to 24 runs. Thanks to your contributions and generous grants, we began operating a spay/neuter clinic on the premises! Because of your support, we can continue to operate for the benefit of both the animals and residents of Charles County. Health Partners is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded by the Sister of The Holy Cross. It operates and funds a health clinic for uninsured, low-income adults in Charles County. Primary medical care and education are provided by qualified volunteers who contribute their time and talents to helping persons most in need. American Red Cross - Southern Maryland ChapterThe Southern Maryland Chapter of the American Red Cross serves the citizens living in Tri-County area. We are located in Southern Maryland. Our physical boundaries are the Potomac River, and include the Countys of Charles, Calvert and St. Mary's. The chapter is centrally located in the county seat of La Plata. Our original charter was issued in November 1917. Our 80 years of continuous service have been provided by our volunteers. Red Cross volunteers provide the leadership, strength and energy to the chapter. It is though their efforts that we can say... We'll Be There. Hospice of Charles County, Inc. is a nonprofit, community based organization that provides effective pain and symptom management to individuals diagnosed with a terminal illness, regardless of their ability to pay; and through the efforts of certified, skilled-care professionals and trained volunteers, we provide emotional and spiritual support to sustain the quality-of-life for patients and caregivers. The mission of the Department of Health - Charles County is to protect, promote, and assure the health of the community and it's citizens. We respond to the health care needs of Charles County by providing personal health services (both mental and physical), health education, disease detection and prevention in a safe environment, with integrity, sensitivity, and quality professional care. We carry out our mission in concert with the Charles County Government. The Charles County Department of Health is a local office of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The Charles County Department of Social Services is a public, community-focused agency of the Maryland Department of Human Resources that assists County citizens and maintains a special concern for those most vulnerable. Our mission is to develop and provide services that promote self-sufficiency, stability, and safety in partnership with our customers, community, and county government. Charles County Department Of Community Services offers many programs and services to the public: recreational classes, housing programs, transportation services, senior activities, child care, and much more. The Charles County Department of Community Services serves as the designated Area Agency on Aging for Charles County and provides a wide range of programs and services to promote independence and improve the quality of life for older persons. The following services and programs, as well as information concerning benefits, services, and programs from other community resources, may be accessed through the Department of Community Services Aging & Community Centers Division http://www.charlescounty.org/cs/aging/ Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee, Inc A private non-profit organization committed to combating poverty in Southern Maryland. SMTCCAC, Inc. strives to provide a variety of self-sufficiency services to the residents of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's Counties Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland serves as a forum for the discussion and resolution of issues affecting the Southern Maryland Region. The Council shall select, advocate and advance those activities, which will best serve the interests of all the people of Southern Maryland. These activities shall promote the social and economic development of the Region, environmental protection; include research, information management, and the preparation of a regional plan. All of the activities of the Tri-County Council shall be designed to assist federal, State and county governments in better performing their respective duties. The Charles County Healthcare Roundtable was created as a response to the nationwide shortage of healthcare practitioners. The goal is to encourage young people in Charles County to choose healthcare careers by working with the schools to teach students about the choices available in those fields. In addition to age-specific programs in the classrooms, members participate in "Healthcare Careers Awareness Month" and "Healthcare Careers Awareness Day" with events in the schools and in the community. The Healthcare Roundtable also provides an opportunity for networking and problem solving among members of the Healthcare community. For information, contact info@charlescounty.org. Community Foundation of Charles County To improve the quality of life for the community of Charles County by aligning philanthropic interests with community needs through stewardship and collaboration. Charles County Government - Charles County is a community that respects heritage while welcoming and celebrating the diversity of new residents. We are blessed with a natural environment that still includes beautiful open spaces, rural areas, wildlife and wildlife habitats, scenic rivers, and waterfront vistas. We are also proud of our growing urban areas and the amenities and opportunities that are part of smart growth and dynamic development. Charles County Sheriff's OfficeThe Community Services Section plays an integral role in developing and maintaining strong relationships between the Sheriff’s Office and the community. This section administers innovative and effective crime prevention programs that leads numerous community outreach efforts through its four sections. In addition Community & Youth services includes Fingerprinting, Explorers Criminal Justice Program, Neighborhood Crime Watch Statistics, Watchworks Newsletter, Firearm Safety Certification Course, Community Resource Guide & Deaf Visor Cards. Charles County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Their mission is to provide excellence in rehabilitation and aging services delivered by employees that reflect our values in areas such as Long Term Care, Dementia, Rehabilitation & Adult Day Care Services. New Horizon Solutions Transportation Services provides transportation to the general public and specialized services that focus on the needs of the disadvantaged, elderly and disabled. We provide transportation services both inside and outside the tri-county area including wheelchair accessibility, early morning and late evening pick-up services. Our transportation divisions include; • Medical Appointments Division • Senior & Children Transportation Division • Wheelchair Accessible Transportation Division • Vocational Rehabilitation Transportation Division We currently work with several organizations within Charles County including; Charles County Health Department, Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), Spring Dell Center and the Southern Maryland Chapter National MS Society. VanGO offers specialized transportation services to medical appointments for persons participating in the Maryland Medical Assistance Program. Only persons with a valid Medical Assistance Card, approved for transportation benefits, are eligible. Charles County Children's Aid Society Our primary purpose is to provide emergency assistance to families with children under the age of 18 living in Charles County. This emergency assistance can take the form of food, clothing, personal care items or monetary assistance for temporary/permanent shelter, utilities, medical needs, rent/mortgage, fuel bills, transportation or burial expenses. Our agency assist approximately 10,000 children and families annually. Charles County Association for Handicapped & Retarded Citizens, Inc is your source for disability information in Charles County. We know the many services you may be entitled to and will listen-not just refer you to another number. You want solutions and we will answer your questions about: The Arc of Southern Maryland promotes community involvement, independence and personal success for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maryland, Inc. is a private non-profit charitable organization serving boys and girls in our local community. We provide quality volunteer and professional services to enable children and youth to make positive life choices and become capable adults. As part of the oldest mentoring institution founded at the turn of the century, we provide carefully screened volunteers to many of our children-at-risk to provide them with an adult friend and role model. A professional case manager provides ongoing support, training, and counseling to the child, parent, and volunteer. Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maryland (BGCSM), a youth development organization, opened in 1999 as Calvert County Boys & Girls Club. The organization serves over 1,500 youth in seven Clubs throughout Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s Counties providing after school programs from 3-7:00 p.m. and summer camps in all three Counties from 7:30-5:30 p.m. to youth ages 6-18. Alternatives for Youth and Families, Inc. has developed a continuum of care model to provide programs for seriously disturbed children and adolescents. These unique programs include short-term crisis beds, intermediate care in a therapeutic group home, treatment foster care programs, and independent living services for older adolescents. In addition, Alternatives for Youth & Families' Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program is able to serve children of all ages in various stages of the continuum and in the community. TRICO CorporationAlthough treatment is an important function of the TRICO services, PREVENTION of more serious mental health, substance abuse, and youth delinquency problems is specifically addressed by TRICO through individual counseling, motivational and recreational groups. Remedial services are also provided for those who indicate a need or desire for such programs. Emphasis is placed upon AVAILABILITY of services. We serve everybody who comes to us, no matter their ability to pay. The Corporation is organized into four functional divisions, each providing or striving to provide complementary services. The Catherine Foundation Pregnancy Care Center We are committed to providing you with accurate information about pregnancy, fetal development, lifestyle issues, and related concerns. All information is kept confidential. The Center for Children is a private, non-profit organization that provides comprehensive mental health services to children and their families. The Center for Children believes that every child in need should have the opportunity to receive quality mental health care. We are dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse and the promotion of positive mental health through crisis intervention, therapy, education, and advocacy. With offices in La Plata and Leonardtown, Maryland, the Center for Children serves clients from Charles, St. Mary's, Calvert, and lower Prince George's counties. Catholic Community Services goes where the need is, reaching deep into the communities we serve to bring help for today and hope for the future to the most vulnerable among us. Clients receive services at 88 locations throughout the District of Columbia and five Maryland counties. Our approach to every situation is the same. We focus on prevention where possible, intervention when needed and advocacy when resources or opportunities are either inadequate or unfair. In all our work, we share the teaching of the Gospel and serve as a voice for those who can’t be heard. And we’re continually looking for ways to improve and innovate the way we deliver services. All of our programs meet the strict standards set by local licensing and regulatory agencies, and many programs are further accredited by such internationally recognized organizations as the Council on Accreditation and the Council On Quality and Leadership. These designations recognize our commitment to developing best practices and serving as thought leaders in our field. United Way of Charles County’s mission is to provide all citizens of Charles County the means to invest in their community to bring about positive changes in peoples’ lives. We answer directly to you, the community, for all we do. Abilities Network provides customized services to children, adults, and families of differing abilities that focus on one-on-one supports to foster broadened, more inclusive communities through education, training, and advocacy. Christmas in April Charles County is the volunteer organization started in 1990 that, in partnership with the community, rehabilitates the houses of low-income homeowners, elderly and disabled, so that they may continue to live in warmth, safety and independence. HFH Southern Maryland is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with people in need to build and renovate decent, affordable housing. The houses then are sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged. The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Maryland Healthcare Commission Homepage Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services Homepage United State Department of Treasury - Office of Public Affairs - Health Savings Accounts (HSA Basics Tri-fold brochure - link to PDF file)