The COVID-19 emergency has dramatically changed life in Baltimore, and across the country.  While it’s important to stay informed, we encourage you to be mindful of how these changes may be impacting your mood and mental health. BHSB put together resources and information to support our community to stay healthy and connected during this pandemic.  

If you are a behavioral health provider   click here to see resources and updates for providers.

Information about COVID-19

For information about COVID-19, review these resources from local and national health experts.

• COVID-19 Information (Center for Disease Control)
• COVID-19 Updates for Maryland (Maryland Department of Health)
• Baltimore COVID-19 Information (Baltimore City Health Department)
• Coronavirus Myth Busters (World Health Organization)
• COVID-19 Fact Sheet (Baltimore City Health Department)

Resources to Support Emotional Health and Wellness 

It’s important to follow guidelines for social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This experience can evoke a range of emotions and stressors for people. It is essential to care for our mental health during this time of uncertainty and isolation. We are all #InThisTogether. Here are some resources to help: 

• It’s especially important for people in recovery and those with mental illness to find ways to connect with each other and find support right now.
  • Find support groups for mental illness and substance use (Mental Health Association of Maryland)
  • NAMI Baltimore is offering free support groups online for people living with mental illness and their families
  • Here is a list of support groups and virtual meetings in Maryland. 
  • If you are specifically looking for Baltimore Narcotics Anonymous groups, click here. 
• Accessing Care during the Coronavirus Crisis (Mental Health Association of Maryland)
• Guide to Support Mental Health during this Emergency (NAMI) 
• Calm your Child’s Coronavirus Fears (Mental Health Association of Maryland)
• Toolkit to care for your anxiety during the COVID-19 outbreak

Resources for Baltimore City Residents  

There are a wide variety of resources available to support Baltimore residents through this emergency.  

• You can call Baltimore’s Crisis, Information and Referral Line anytime for support for your mental and emotional health. Call (410) 433 5157.
• House of Ruth’s 24 hour hotline is available to support victims of domestic abuse, call 410-889-7884. You can find updated information and resources online at Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence 
• 211 can help if you need assistance finding food, paying bills, or connecting to other essential services, connect online or call.
• This map will help you find free meals, healthcare or other resources near you. 
• Find free food services near you with this map of COVID-19 free food sites 
• Free resources for children and families impacted by school closures
• Only use public transportantion for essential travel. For MTA changes and updates, visit  their Coronavirus updates page 
• Maryland Health Connection has launched a special one-month emergency enrollment period through April 15. 
• Governor Hogan temporarily prohibited evictions during the crisis
• Is your small business impacted by the crisis? Find local resources to support small businesses
• Maryland Department of Labor’s Division of Unemployment Insurance
• Baltimore residents have come together to create a spreadsheet and resource for mutual aid
• Maryland residents 65 and up can register for a daily check in call. Call 1-866-502-0560 to register. 
• If you are an essential employee and need child care, call Locate Child Care at 877-261-0060

Funding Opportunities During the COVID-19 Crisis

• Maryland Department of Commerce Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund—This $50 million grant program for businesses and non-profits offers grant amounts up to $10,000, not to exceed 3 months of demonstrated cash operating expenses for the first quarter of 2020.
• Baltimore Community Foundation Evolving Community Needs Fund—This funding supports several key areas including preventing the spread COVID-19, grassroots response, and mitigating the impact of lost wages for low-income earners.
• U.S. Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program—Eligible non-profits may qualify for a loan to help keep their workers on payroll. Loans can be up to $10 million determined by 8 weeks of prior average payroll plus an additional 25% of that amount. Loan payments will be deferred for six months. Lenders may begin processing loan applications as soon as April 3, 2020.