Sep
30
Why does Baltimore out of all cities have one of the worst drug problems?
Filed Under Law Ethics | 6 Comments
Green Poo asked:
Why? How do the drugs get there? Why Baltimore? Why Heroin? Why not NY or LA, the big cities? Can someone please explain to me how this can come about in a city that you would least expect to have a major drug problem. Seriously, they even made a show (The Wire) about drug problems and trafficing in Baltimore. Thank you.
RATKOWSKI
Why? How do the drugs get there? Why Baltimore? Why Heroin? Why not NY or LA, the big cities? Can someone please explain to me how this can come about in a city that you would least expect to have a major drug problem. Seriously, they even made a show (The Wire) about drug problems and trafficing in Baltimore. Thank you.
RATKOWSKI
Sep
28
fenixtxbabe182 asked:
I need to go to a club that’s primarily Latin or Hispanic for one of my courses. If anybody knows or any in the Baltimore area that would be great. Thanks!!
YORKE
I need to go to a club that’s primarily Latin or Hispanic for one of my courses. If anybody knows or any in the Baltimore area that would be great. Thanks!!
YORKE
Sep
27
Career Prospects in Community-based Mental Health in Maryland
Filed Under Mental Health | Comments Off
Samson Omotosho, PhD, APRN/PMHN asked:
There is a lot of prospect in community-based mental health careers both in the state of Maryland and all over the country. This is because for years now, there has been a lot of emphasis on prevention and reduction of inpatient hospitalization for all illnesses, including mental illness. This might primarily have been intended for cost control, it has also facilitated quality and access. The second reason why career prospects in community mental health are many is that there is currently a severe shortage of mental health workers in all sectors. The 2007 Maryland Mental Health Workforce White Paper revealed that the number and complexity of mental health problems experienced by children and their families have increased over the past decade. It further said, “At least one in five children and youth, or 20%, experience a mental health disorder. The crisis of mental health in the United States is such that 75-80% of youth with mental health diagnoses receive no services, and services received are often inadequate”. Thirdly, there is inadequate diversity among the few mental health workforce. For example, 28% of Maryland population is of ethnic minority but only 12% of mental workforce is of ethnic minorities. Furthermore, there is an acute shortage of African American males in mental health workforce.
1. Outpatient Mental Health Clinics (OMHC)
Outpatient mental health clinics provide therapy, counseling, medication management, social skills teaching, and case management services to individuals with severe and chronic mental health problems. Career prospects available in OMHC include:
Therapists and Counselors: New regulations require therapists and counselors in OMHC to have a minimum of a Masters degree and a license (such as LGSW, LCSW, LCSW-C, LGPC, LCPC, RNC, APRN/PMHN) in nursing, social work, psychology, counseling, or psychiatric rehabilitation. Also, an RN without a Masters degree but with an RNC from ANCC can be employed as a therapist. Salaries are very attractive.
2. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Programs (PRP)
PRP programs are an extension of the services provided to the patient in the OMHC. A PRP may stand alone or be an additional service to an OMHC. The purpose of PRP is to promote the rehabilitation, integration and improved quality of life for the patient at home, school, work and community. It aims at helping the patient to function at his or her optimum best in life. The counseling can be done at the Program office (onsite) or at the patient’s home (offsite). PRP counseling could be about a wide range of topics, including anger management skills, social skills, assertiveness skills, medication compliance, coping with symptoms, managing peer pressure, taking a bus, determining bus route, drug and alcohol, gang prevention, *** education, STD education, accessing community resources such as food stamps, affordable housing, bus pass, ID card, driver’s license, job search, preparing for job interview, keeping a job, improving attention in school, completing homework and school projects, respect of authority, etc.
Even though a mere one-year work experience in a mental health setting or having an AA degree qualifies one to be a PRP counselor, PRP programs prefer to employ persons with a BS degree in any health or mental health related field such as nursing, social work, counseling, psychology and rehabilitation. PRP counselors are usually paid $14 or more per counseling session. Each client receives 2 to 8 counseling sessions per month.
3. Expanded School-Based Mental Health (ESBMH)
In addition to the school clinic, some schools also have an ESBMH clinic. A therapist assigned from an OMHC manages each of such clinics. Apart from providing therapy to troubled kids sent to the therapist’s office from the class or principal’s office, the therapist also serve as a resource person to the school staff regarding particular children, issues or topics related to mental health.
4. Crisis Response Programs (BCRI, BCARS)
Mental health professionals are also needed in crisis centers where services are provided for anyone in mental health crisis. The two main centers in Baltimore are Baltimore Crisis Response, Inc. (BCRI) and Baltimore Child and Adolescent Response System (BCARS). For employment inquiries, please call 410-433-5255. There are positions that do not need a Masters degree.
BCARS website provides the following information about what they do:
BCARS is a mobile crisis response service that provides emergency contact with mental health professionals throughout the city. Dedicated crisis clinicians staff the program as part of a continuum of clinical care provided by the Catholic Charities. The Johns Hopkins Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry provide psychiatric consultations to the program. BCARS assists children and families facing psychiatric and psychosocial crises by providing hospital diversion and immediate intervention and respite. For information or assistance, please call the BCARS hotline (410) 752-2272. It is available 24-7.
BCRI web site provided the following information: about what they do:
HOTLINE: The telephone crisis “hotline” (410-752-2272) is available 24 hours a day and is staffed by trained counselors who have the ability to provide information and referral to the network of human services in the Baltimore metropolitan area. The counselors also provide supportive counseling, dispatch emergency assistance and link callers with more intensive BCRI services. In FY 2004 – 34,852 and FY 2005 – 30,257 calls were received on the Hotline.
MOBILE CRISIS TEAMS: Mobile crisis teams are comprised of mental health professionals including psychiatrists, social workers and nurses who can be dispatched to community locations to provide immediate assessment, intervention and treatment. Teams operate from 7:00am till midnight seven days per week. Currently the teams average over 2000 responses per year.
IN HOME SUPPORT: Persons experiencing a mental health crisis can often be maintained in the community through regular visits from the BCRI mobile crisis teams. An average of 350 people a year is cared for in this manner.
RESIDENTIAL CRISIS BEDS: Baltimore Crisis Response, Inc. operates 18 psychiatric crisis beds. Crisis beds are not new to Maryland. However, since its inception, BCRI has operated with an average length of stay of 4.5 days compared with the historical statewide average of 16.5 days.
PUBLIC EDUCATION AND TRAINING: BCRI provide public and professional education and training on a wide range of mental health related topics including: ******* prevention, crisis intervention, mental illness, and stigma. Training has also been provided to members of the Baltimore City Police Negotiation Team, over 3,000 patrol officers, Housing Police and Sheriff’s officers. Through special grants and contracts, BCRI has provided training to Baltimore City Public School teachers and guidance counselors, clergy, 911 operators, shelter care staff and others. Public education is also provided via a cable television program called “Mental Health Matters”. This program provides practical information regarding mental health issues and community resources. BCRI has also offered professional training conferences, workshops and symposia.
ADDICTIONS SERVICES: In response to the growing need for addictions treatment services BCRI has expanded and now provides a 10-day residential detoxification program for chemically addicted and dually diagnosed persons. There are currently 16 beds operated for this purpose.
5. Group Homes
Direct care staff and counselors are needed in group homes to manage, care and support the residents in the areas of activities of daily living, behavior management, life progress, and community living. Employment preference is usually given to individuals who have a degree related to health or mental health. Salary rates are very attractive. New regulations now mandate each group home especially for children to be managed by a Program Administrator (PA) who must possess at least a BS degree in any field but preferably in a health or mental health related field. Program Administrators are very well paid, depending on their education and experience and the size and intensity of the group home.
6. Private Practice
There are a lot of prospects for licensed mental health professionals with at least a Masters degree to establish their own private practice. The practice could be in the area of clinical, research, educational, or consultancy.
SABORI
There is a lot of prospect in community-based mental health careers both in the state of Maryland and all over the country. This is because for years now, there has been a lot of emphasis on prevention and reduction of inpatient hospitalization for all illnesses, including mental illness. This might primarily have been intended for cost control, it has also facilitated quality and access. The second reason why career prospects in community mental health are many is that there is currently a severe shortage of mental health workers in all sectors. The 2007 Maryland Mental Health Workforce White Paper revealed that the number and complexity of mental health problems experienced by children and their families have increased over the past decade. It further said, “At least one in five children and youth, or 20%, experience a mental health disorder. The crisis of mental health in the United States is such that 75-80% of youth with mental health diagnoses receive no services, and services received are often inadequate”. Thirdly, there is inadequate diversity among the few mental health workforce. For example, 28% of Maryland population is of ethnic minority but only 12% of mental workforce is of ethnic minorities. Furthermore, there is an acute shortage of African American males in mental health workforce.
1. Outpatient Mental Health Clinics (OMHC)
Outpatient mental health clinics provide therapy, counseling, medication management, social skills teaching, and case management services to individuals with severe and chronic mental health problems. Career prospects available in OMHC include:
Therapists and Counselors: New regulations require therapists and counselors in OMHC to have a minimum of a Masters degree and a license (such as LGSW, LCSW, LCSW-C, LGPC, LCPC, RNC, APRN/PMHN) in nursing, social work, psychology, counseling, or psychiatric rehabilitation. Also, an RN without a Masters degree but with an RNC from ANCC can be employed as a therapist. Salaries are very attractive.
2. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Programs (PRP)
PRP programs are an extension of the services provided to the patient in the OMHC. A PRP may stand alone or be an additional service to an OMHC. The purpose of PRP is to promote the rehabilitation, integration and improved quality of life for the patient at home, school, work and community. It aims at helping the patient to function at his or her optimum best in life. The counseling can be done at the Program office (onsite) or at the patient’s home (offsite). PRP counseling could be about a wide range of topics, including anger management skills, social skills, assertiveness skills, medication compliance, coping with symptoms, managing peer pressure, taking a bus, determining bus route, drug and alcohol, gang prevention, *** education, STD education, accessing community resources such as food stamps, affordable housing, bus pass, ID card, driver’s license, job search, preparing for job interview, keeping a job, improving attention in school, completing homework and school projects, respect of authority, etc.
Even though a mere one-year work experience in a mental health setting or having an AA degree qualifies one to be a PRP counselor, PRP programs prefer to employ persons with a BS degree in any health or mental health related field such as nursing, social work, counseling, psychology and rehabilitation. PRP counselors are usually paid $14 or more per counseling session. Each client receives 2 to 8 counseling sessions per month.
3. Expanded School-Based Mental Health (ESBMH)
In addition to the school clinic, some schools also have an ESBMH clinic. A therapist assigned from an OMHC manages each of such clinics. Apart from providing therapy to troubled kids sent to the therapist’s office from the class or principal’s office, the therapist also serve as a resource person to the school staff regarding particular children, issues or topics related to mental health.
4. Crisis Response Programs (BCRI, BCARS)
Mental health professionals are also needed in crisis centers where services are provided for anyone in mental health crisis. The two main centers in Baltimore are Baltimore Crisis Response, Inc. (BCRI) and Baltimore Child and Adolescent Response System (BCARS). For employment inquiries, please call 410-433-5255. There are positions that do not need a Masters degree.
BCARS website provides the following information about what they do:
BCARS is a mobile crisis response service that provides emergency contact with mental health professionals throughout the city. Dedicated crisis clinicians staff the program as part of a continuum of clinical care provided by the Catholic Charities. The Johns Hopkins Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry provide psychiatric consultations to the program. BCARS assists children and families facing psychiatric and psychosocial crises by providing hospital diversion and immediate intervention and respite. For information or assistance, please call the BCARS hotline (410) 752-2272. It is available 24-7.
BCRI web site provided the following information: about what they do:
HOTLINE: The telephone crisis “hotline” (410-752-2272) is available 24 hours a day and is staffed by trained counselors who have the ability to provide information and referral to the network of human services in the Baltimore metropolitan area. The counselors also provide supportive counseling, dispatch emergency assistance and link callers with more intensive BCRI services. In FY 2004 – 34,852 and FY 2005 – 30,257 calls were received on the Hotline.
MOBILE CRISIS TEAMS: Mobile crisis teams are comprised of mental health professionals including psychiatrists, social workers and nurses who can be dispatched to community locations to provide immediate assessment, intervention and treatment. Teams operate from 7:00am till midnight seven days per week. Currently the teams average over 2000 responses per year.
IN HOME SUPPORT: Persons experiencing a mental health crisis can often be maintained in the community through regular visits from the BCRI mobile crisis teams. An average of 350 people a year is cared for in this manner.
RESIDENTIAL CRISIS BEDS: Baltimore Crisis Response, Inc. operates 18 psychiatric crisis beds. Crisis beds are not new to Maryland. However, since its inception, BCRI has operated with an average length of stay of 4.5 days compared with the historical statewide average of 16.5 days.
PUBLIC EDUCATION AND TRAINING: BCRI provide public and professional education and training on a wide range of mental health related topics including: ******* prevention, crisis intervention, mental illness, and stigma. Training has also been provided to members of the Baltimore City Police Negotiation Team, over 3,000 patrol officers, Housing Police and Sheriff’s officers. Through special grants and contracts, BCRI has provided training to Baltimore City Public School teachers and guidance counselors, clergy, 911 operators, shelter care staff and others. Public education is also provided via a cable television program called “Mental Health Matters”. This program provides practical information regarding mental health issues and community resources. BCRI has also offered professional training conferences, workshops and symposia.
ADDICTIONS SERVICES: In response to the growing need for addictions treatment services BCRI has expanded and now provides a 10-day residential detoxification program for chemically addicted and dually diagnosed persons. There are currently 16 beds operated for this purpose.
5. Group Homes
Direct care staff and counselors are needed in group homes to manage, care and support the residents in the areas of activities of daily living, behavior management, life progress, and community living. Employment preference is usually given to individuals who have a degree related to health or mental health. Salary rates are very attractive. New regulations now mandate each group home especially for children to be managed by a Program Administrator (PA) who must possess at least a BS degree in any field but preferably in a health or mental health related field. Program Administrators are very well paid, depending on their education and experience and the size and intensity of the group home.
6. Private Practice
There are a lot of prospects for licensed mental health professionals with at least a Masters degree to establish their own private practice. The practice could be in the area of clinical, research, educational, or consultancy.
SABORI
Sep
26
Samuel L. Jackson - baltimore club mix
Filed Under Comedy | 22 Comments
corunography asked:
Another installation in my Baltimore Club mix series.
www.myspace.com/avclubvisuals
DOBLER
Sep
23
Planning a bicycle trip from Boston to Baltimore for Cancer?
Filed Under Other - United States | 1 Comment
redsoxfan19 asked:
I am planning a bike trip from Boston to Baltimore. Is there software out there that could help me plan out the roads in which I will need to take as well as plan out the hotels? Any help would be great! Thanks
DEWIRE
I am planning a bike trip from Boston to Baltimore. Is there software out there that could help me plan out the roads in which I will need to take as well as plan out the hotels? Any help would be great! Thanks
DEWIRE
Sep
18
Baltimore Schools Students Will Benefit From Local Alliance
Filed Under Education | Comments Off
Patricia Hawke asked:
Students at Baltimore schools get a taste of a health career
A new initiative at Baltimore schools provides yet another glimpse into the possibilities that a public school system can throw up for its students, if it only makes the effort. Baltimore schools have tied up with MedStar the Columbia based health care system, to offer students an opportunity to intern at health facilities. The exposure, it is believed will help students who have already considered a move into a health career as part of their future, to make a firm decision. Those who might have been curious about what a medical job involves will now have an opportunity to see first hand the joys and satisfaction of such a job, as well as its myriad challenges.
This new school to work program at Baltimore School is called Rx for Success, and it is already giving students a foretaste of what working in a medical job could be like. The program offers students at Baltimore schools a chance to have summer internships at one of its seven hospitals. Students can also opt for internships at other health care centers operated by MedStar including home nursing services and surgical centers.
Businesses Look to Baltimore Schools for Future Employees
For MedStar, the program’s main benefit is that it gives them an opportunity to offer Baltimore schools students, especially the lower income ones, a chance to get a foothold in satisfying health careers. The other incentive for MedStar is the potential new stream of employees that the program will open up. It’s no secret that MedStar is facing a worrying shortage of skilled manpower. Doctors and nurses as well as those who don’t require much more than a high school education are in demand, and for MedStar this program allows Baltimore schools students to test the waters, before plunging into a health career, preferably at MedStar’s own facilities.
There is every indication that MedStar is looking at the Rx for Success program as a long term one. Under the memorandum, the program will be funded for years, but the success of the program will probably lead to its permanency. The program offer students reading materials and learning facilities besides helping Baltimore schools participating in the program to create large make shift “hospitals” in the basement complete with a version of a pediatric care room and an intensive care unit for students to practice in.
From all feedback to date, the program has been a grand success. Baltimore schools students are enthused about what they are learning, and the value it can bring to others. The on site training offered to the students plus the rich experience of working closely with physicians and other heath professionals, who they otherwise wouldn’t have got the chance to know on a personal level has helped many students at Baltimore schools make up their minds about a medical career.
FRUSH
Students at Baltimore schools get a taste of a health career
A new initiative at Baltimore schools provides yet another glimpse into the possibilities that a public school system can throw up for its students, if it only makes the effort. Baltimore schools have tied up with MedStar the Columbia based health care system, to offer students an opportunity to intern at health facilities. The exposure, it is believed will help students who have already considered a move into a health career as part of their future, to make a firm decision. Those who might have been curious about what a medical job involves will now have an opportunity to see first hand the joys and satisfaction of such a job, as well as its myriad challenges.
This new school to work program at Baltimore School is called Rx for Success, and it is already giving students a foretaste of what working in a medical job could be like. The program offers students at Baltimore schools a chance to have summer internships at one of its seven hospitals. Students can also opt for internships at other health care centers operated by MedStar including home nursing services and surgical centers.
Businesses Look to Baltimore Schools for Future Employees
For MedStar, the program’s main benefit is that it gives them an opportunity to offer Baltimore schools students, especially the lower income ones, a chance to get a foothold in satisfying health careers. The other incentive for MedStar is the potential new stream of employees that the program will open up. It’s no secret that MedStar is facing a worrying shortage of skilled manpower. Doctors and nurses as well as those who don’t require much more than a high school education are in demand, and for MedStar this program allows Baltimore schools students to test the waters, before plunging into a health career, preferably at MedStar’s own facilities.
There is every indication that MedStar is looking at the Rx for Success program as a long term one. Under the memorandum, the program will be funded for years, but the success of the program will probably lead to its permanency. The program offer students reading materials and learning facilities besides helping Baltimore schools participating in the program to create large make shift “hospitals” in the basement complete with a version of a pediatric care room and an intensive care unit for students to practice in.
From all feedback to date, the program has been a grand success. Baltimore schools students are enthused about what they are learning, and the value it can bring to others. The on site training offered to the students plus the rich experience of working closely with physicians and other heath professionals, who they otherwise wouldn’t have got the chance to know on a personal level has helped many students at Baltimore schools make up their minds about a medical career.
FRUSH
Sep
15
starrysteph01 asked:
My friend wants me to drive up to Baltimore to see a concert at Sonar. How safe is it to 1) park my car and 2) walk around? I’m a female in my ’20s, so this stuff concerns me.
SCHWENKE
My friend wants me to drive up to Baltimore to see a concert at Sonar. How safe is it to 1) park my car and 2) walk around? I’m a female in my ’20s, so this stuff concerns me.
SCHWENKE
Sep
14
Baltimore Personal Injury Attorney Can Help Get Justice
Filed Under Personal Injury | Comments Off
Stanley Gallor asked:
Reasons to Seek Legal Help
It is very frustrating to lead a compromised lifestyle due to someone else’s negligence or fault. The feeling of being victimized adds to the physical pain and suffering. Apart from medical attention and care, victims also need legal help to apply their rights. Personal injury laws enable victims to get compensated for damages.
Personal injury cases may be very devastating. Some of the hardships victims may endure include:
Job loss;
Life-long disability and inability to work;
Medical expenses;
Mental and emotional anguish due to compromised lifestyle.
Personal injury attorneys help victims receive justice before the law. Personal injury attorneys are specialized in handling personal injury cases. With years of experience in practicing various areas of personal injury, they can do effective feasibility studies of the cases and help their clients win.
Common examples of personal injury cases include:
Vehicle accidents;
Medical malpractice;
Slip and fall.
Car accidents
Vehicle accidents often occur because of speeding, talking over a cell phone while driving, playing music loudly inside the car or driving under the influence. Drunk drivers often lose control over the steering and smash other vehicles or passersby. Such behavior is always punishable.
Success of vehicle accident or any personal injury case highly depends on the competency of the lawyers. It is also very important to decide in which state the lawsuit should be filed. If an accident happens in Baltimore, Maryland, it is suggested to work with a Baltimore personal injury attorney. A local lawyer will have better knowledge of state laws. Their knowledge can not only boost the chances of success, but help victims get all their damages compensated properly.
A Maryland DUI Attorney knows the ins and outs of DUI laws in Maryland. Therefore, they can help their clients fight the legal battle more effectively. When the victims are sure that the guilty driver was drunk, they should visit DUI lawyers as soon as possible.
Slip and fall
Slip and fall is another type of case where victims are helpless before the sense of responsibility of others. It is always the owner’s responsibility to keep the premise safe and healthy for visitors. For example, it is the duty of the owner of a restaurant to keep the floor clean. Traces of oil on the floor can be hazardous for the visitors. If someone falls because of ill maintenance of the premise, the victim can file a lawsuit against the concerned authority or individual under personal injury laws of the state.
Call for Help Now
If any such case happens to you or any of your family members, contact a personal injury lawyer in your state to learn your rights. Professional legal help is one of the most important things that you should look for after an accident, second only to medical attention.
CLARK
Reasons to Seek Legal Help
It is very frustrating to lead a compromised lifestyle due to someone else’s negligence or fault. The feeling of being victimized adds to the physical pain and suffering. Apart from medical attention and care, victims also need legal help to apply their rights. Personal injury laws enable victims to get compensated for damages.
Personal injury cases may be very devastating. Some of the hardships victims may endure include:
Job loss;
Life-long disability and inability to work;
Medical expenses;
Mental and emotional anguish due to compromised lifestyle.
Personal injury attorneys help victims receive justice before the law. Personal injury attorneys are specialized in handling personal injury cases. With years of experience in practicing various areas of personal injury, they can do effective feasibility studies of the cases and help their clients win.
Common examples of personal injury cases include:
Vehicle accidents;
Medical malpractice;
Slip and fall.
Car accidents
Vehicle accidents often occur because of speeding, talking over a cell phone while driving, playing music loudly inside the car or driving under the influence. Drunk drivers often lose control over the steering and smash other vehicles or passersby. Such behavior is always punishable.
Success of vehicle accident or any personal injury case highly depends on the competency of the lawyers. It is also very important to decide in which state the lawsuit should be filed. If an accident happens in Baltimore, Maryland, it is suggested to work with a Baltimore personal injury attorney. A local lawyer will have better knowledge of state laws. Their knowledge can not only boost the chances of success, but help victims get all their damages compensated properly.
A Maryland DUI Attorney knows the ins and outs of DUI laws in Maryland. Therefore, they can help their clients fight the legal battle more effectively. When the victims are sure that the guilty driver was drunk, they should visit DUI lawyers as soon as possible.
Slip and fall
Slip and fall is another type of case where victims are helpless before the sense of responsibility of others. It is always the owner’s responsibility to keep the premise safe and healthy for visitors. For example, it is the duty of the owner of a restaurant to keep the floor clean. Traces of oil on the floor can be hazardous for the visitors. If someone falls because of ill maintenance of the premise, the victim can file a lawsuit against the concerned authority or individual under personal injury laws of the state.
Call for Help Now
If any such case happens to you or any of your family members, contact a personal injury lawyer in your state to learn your rights. Professional legal help is one of the most important things that you should look for after an accident, second only to medical attention.
CLARK
Sep
14
Miss Baltimore Crabs (Full)
Filed Under Entertainment | 25 Comments
ZacELover01 asked:
Copyright of Newline Cinema
LUCKETT
Sep
12
What are the demographic guidelines for major neighborhoods in Baltimore Md?
Filed Under Washington, D.C. | 1 Comment
Renee asked:
I am looking into the demographics of major neighborhoods in Baltimore Md, as well as statistics on school districts. Anyone very familiar with the are?
TOPP
I am looking into the demographics of major neighborhoods in Baltimore Md, as well as statistics on school districts. Anyone very familiar with the are?
TOPP