The Queen Anne’s County Commissioners want the community to know of resources available for family emergencies and crisis situations.

“Some families find it especially hard to cope with a crisis and we want to be sure those families, as well as relatives, neighbors and community members of those families, know there are places to go for help,” said County Commissioner Paul Gunther, speaking on behalf of the Commissioners.

The Commissioners call for community awareness was in response to an incident involving the death of a three-year old Stevensville child on December 17. According to reports from the Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Medical Services personnel responded to a 911 call Wednesday afternoon and discovered the unconscious child. The child was taken to Anne Arundel Medical Center and pronounced dead at 3:40 p.m. The investigation is being handled by the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Sheriff’s Office.

For All Seasons Inc. is based in Easton and has satellite offices across the Mid-Shore region. Executive Director Dick Goldstein said the facility offers mental health and crisis intervention services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “When people call the Hotline number they can talk to a trained crisis intervention counselor,” said Goldstein. For All Seasons Inc. also offers mental health counseling on a one on one basis, either with an Emergency Room or doctor’s office referral, although Goldstein said the referral may be waived in emergency situations.

Goldstein said anxiety disorders are exacerbated this time of year and with the constant barrage of media attention focused on the economy, it may be especially difficult for those with mental health issues to cope.

The County Commissioners ask for everyone’s help in spreading the word about the resources available locally and to e-mail or call the Commissioners Office with information about any additional services.

FOR ALL SEASONS HOTLINE 410-820-5600

MARYLAND CRISIS CENTER HOTLINE 1-800-422-0009 www.suicidehotlines.com/maryland

CHESAPEAKE HELPS offers information and referrals for crisis assistance, mental health services, child care, support groups and much more 1-866-722-4577
www.chesapeakehelps.org

QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES 410-758-8000
www.dhr.state.md.us/queenannes

QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
410-758-3977