Supporting Overdose Loss Survivors | Anne Arundel County Health Department

Section 1: Hero / Landing Area

Headline: Healing, Hope, and Support for Your Family.
Sub-headline: We are here to help children and guardians in Anne Arundel County who have lost a parent to opioid overdose. You are not alone.
Primary Call to Action (Button): [ Apply for Support ]
Secondary Call to Action (Link): [ Contact Us for Help ]

Introduction:
- Brief explanation that this initiative includes specific programs (SOLS) designed to invest in children so they can grow into happy, healthy adults.
Our Promise to You (Core Values):
- Compassion: We meet you exactly where you are. We listen without judgment.
- Hope: We believe in your family’s ability to heal and grow.
- Respect: We treat your story and your privacy with dignity.
- Family-First: We partner with you to put the child’s needs first.
- Privacy: Your trust is vital. Your information remains confidential and is only used to help you access services.

Financial Assistance:
- We provide funding to help settle children into their new routine or home.
- What this covers:
  - Beds, bedding, and furniture.
  - Clothing and school supplies.
  - Safety items for the home.
  - Mental health counseling or comfort items.
  - Youth activities (sports, camps, hobbies).
Connecting You to Resources:
- Navigating life after loss is hard. We help you find:
  - Food and housing assistance.
  - Mental health and grief counseling.
  - Healthcare and insurance (Medicaid/Medicare).
  - Legal and guardianship resources.
Education & Scholarships:
- Support for young adults who lost a parent during adolescence.
- Assistance with college, trade school, or job training certificates.

Basic Requirements: To apply for financial and resource support, the following usually apply:
- Residency: The child and the guardian must currently live in Anne Arundel County.
- Loss: The child has lost a parent or guardian to an opioid overdose within the last 2 years.
- Guardianship: You must be the current guardian of the child.
Note on Eligibility: Even if the parent who passed away lived outside the county, you may still be eligible if the child lives here now. Please reach out to us if you are unsure.

How it Works:
- Gather Your Documents: You will need proof of residency (like a utility bill), proof of the loss (like a death certificate or obituary), and guardianship papers.
- Apply: Fill out our secure online form or call us to apply over the phone.
- Review: Our team reviews applications quickly (usually within 3 business days).
- Meeting: If approved, we will meet with you (virtually or in-person) to discuss exactly what your family needs.
Downloadable Checklist: [PDF Link: Document Checklist]
Apply Now Button: [ Go to Application Form ]

A curated list of external partners for families needing immediate help.
Crisis Support:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Anne Arundel County Crisis Response System
Food & Essentials:
- Anne Arundel County Food Bank
- Baby Pantries (Brooklyn Park & Riviera Beach)
Housing & Stability:
- Housing Resource Portal
- Eviction Prevention
Health & Wellness:
- Mental Health Agency (MHA)
- Substance Use Treatment Services

"What if I don't have all the documents yet?"
- Answer: Please contact us. We can help guide you or work with partner organizations to verify information.
"Is this only for young children?"
- Answer: We support children and adolescents. We also have scholarship opportunities for young adults entering college or trade schools.
"What if my application is denied?"
- Answer: If you are not approved, we will explain why and provide other resources. You also have the right to appeal the decision by submitting a simple form.

Program Administrator Contact: Phone number & Email. 410-222-7678
Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
Partner Referral: Are you a school, hospital, or agency referring a family? [Click here for the Partner Referral Form].