Fight Back Against Mold Illness with Help from Proactive Wellness Centers

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CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment in Columbia, MD

Experiencing mold toxicity is a terrifying thought for most people. Although it may seem like an interesting concept for a medical drama, nobody wants to experience the effects of mold exposure firsthand.

Mold is a fungus that thrives in wet environments, such as under tiles, wood floors, and ceilings, pipes, and roofs. While several types of mold exist, some are more hazardous than others, and some individuals may be allergic or sensitive to mycotoxins, the toxins that mold naturally produces. Exposure to excessive amounts of mold, or the types of mold that trigger health problems, can lead to mold toxicity and even CIRS - Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. This acute and chronic systemic inflammatory response syndrome is typically acquired after exposure to mold or other producers of biotoxins, usually from damaged water buildings.

If you believe that you're suffering from mold toxicity or mold illness, it can seem like the world is folding in on you. No matter what you do, your symptoms persist, lowering your quality of life and eliminating your peace of mind. Fortunately, there is reason to be hopeful: Proactive Wellness Centers now offers a research-backed, highly effective mold illness poisoning treatment in Columbia, MD for men and women just like yourself and your children as well if they have been impacted.

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Understanding

CIRS and Mold Toxicity

CIRS and mold illness are on the rise, and accurate diagnosis of the issue plays a major role in this trend. Thanks to Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, there is a huge body of evidence that covers diagnosing and treating patients with CIRS. Dr. Lawson is one of less than 30 practitioners in the United States that are fully certified by Dr. Shoemaker for diagnosing and treating CIRS. The body of evidence by Shoemaker and many associates is the largest body of scientific evidence that is published in major medical journals. Around 80% of CIRS/Mold cases are caused by indoor air contaminated with mold toxins and other triggers. However, it's important to note that CIRS can also be caused by biotoxin producers such as cyanobacteria and a marine dinoflagellate that produces the Ciguatera toxin found in certain types of fish.

When mold or biotoxins are not processed effectively, a series of biochemical changes known as the Biotoxin Pathway occur. Genetic studies have revealed that approximately 24% of individuals have a genetic makeup that makes them susceptible to developing an illness related to mold or biotoxins. The remaining 76% of the population can typically eliminate these toxins from their system and avoid the development of the Biotoxin Pathway that can lead to various diseases.

CIRS Treatment Columbia, MD

CIRS and Mold Poisoning Misdiagnosis

CIRS and mold exposure symptoms overlap with many other chronic illnesses, which makes diagnosis challenging and can even lead to missed diagnosis of CIRS. Based on research from Proactive Wellness Centers, CIRS is frequently misdiagnosed. Some of the most common misdiagnoses include:

  • Lupus
  • Chronic Pain Syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • PTSD
  • More

Lyme disease, in particular, is often misdiagnosed. We have treated a number of patients whose symptoms were in line with Lyme disease. Fortunately, we were able to confirm the presence of CIRS and mold and were able to successfully help those patients using CIRS treatment in Columbia, MD.

Note that many of these patients have CIRS and Lyme disease and in that case, it is necessary to treat both in order for full recovery. Treating one or the other will invariably leave the patient with debilitating symptoms and even more frustration with their medical team. At Proactive Wellness Centers, we are skilled In diagnosing and treating both.

CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment Columbia, MD
CIRS Mold Poisoning Treatment Columbia, MD

CIRS and Mold Poisoning Symptoms

If you're reading this page, chances are you're concerned that you might have CIRS or some form of mold poisoning. You may be wondering what you have - is it CIRS, or is it something else like Lyme disease? We can't provide the answer to that question without consultation and testing at our wellness center in Virginia. However, there are common symptoms of CIRS and mold toxicity you should know.

Some of the most common symptoms of CIRS include:

  • Fatigue
  • Decreased Word Finding
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty Concentrating
  • Morning Stiffness
  • Tremors
  • Excessive Thirst
  • Tingling
  • Night Sweats
  • Frequent Urination
  • Confusion
  • Mood Swings

Proactive Wellness Centers'

Tools for Diagnosing Mold Sickness and CIRS

Identifying and confirming if a patient is being impacted by CIRS and identifying the cause and source of the biotoxin are the two main steps in diagnosing CIRS and Mold Exposure. To diagnose CIRS and Mold Exposure, the following diagnostic tools are commonly used:

To learn more about the debilitating symptoms of mold sickness and to find out whether you have CIRS or something else, contact Proactive Wellness Centers. Our team of medical professionals is here to help you every step of the way.

Mold Toxicity Symptoms Columbia, MD

Hope for Patients with CIRS: Proactive Wellness Centers' Mold Illness Treatment in Columbia, MD

Our approach to treating CIRS utilizes integrative and functional medicine, The Shoemaker Protocol along with the latest evidence-based approaches to treating mold illness and the related secondary issues that it causes. We begin by utilizing advanced diagnostics to confirm the presence of the condition and identify the specific environment causing continued exposure to biotoxins. Next, we take a stepwise approach to halt the progression of the disease, eliminate biotoxins from the body, and reverse any damage to cellular structures. Our goal is to help patients achieve a full recovery.

To do this, we not only have to identify the primary condition like CIRS or Lyme disease, but we then have to continue looking to see if you have any of the common secondary conditions like reactivated EBV, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and others. Once we understand the totally of your condition, then we can implement a treatment plan tailored for you. Yes, it will leverage the Shoemaker protocol, but we have found that we have to extend the protocol to cover the secondary issues that we uncover.

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The steps we follow to reach that goal include:

In order to initiate the recovery process, it is important to address and resolve any affected areas, or, alternatively, relocate the patient from that environment if necessary. Prolonged exposure to mold can hinder the success of the treatment plan and impede the healing process.

Two commonly used binding agents in the process of treating Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome are Welchol and Cholestyramine. Cholestyramine is particularly effective in binding biotoxins that are processed in the liver's bile ducts and helps to eliminate them from the body. It has been scientifically proven, through placebo-controlled studies, to reverse multiple aspects of the inflammatory process associated with CIRS.

Many individuals experiencing mold sickness and other chronic inflammatory illnesses may have a staph infection called MARCoNS (Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Coagulase Negative Staphylococci) residing deep in their nasal cavities. This infection is resistant to antibiotics and needs to be eliminated for the patient to fully recover.

Each patient requires a customized plan based on the affected areas and CIRS severity. Retesting is necessary after each step to confirm balance restoration. Testing may include some or all of the following:
  • VIP
  • TGF Beta 1
  • MMP9
  • ADH
  • Antigliadin
  • Androgen Imbalance
  • C4a
  • More

In order to halt the growth of mold fungi, patients need to avoid foods that can cause mycotoxins. Some examples of these foods include:
  • Barley
  • Cottonseed
  • Peanuts
  • Corn
  • Black Pepper
  • Figs
  • Rice
  • Bread
  • Beans
  • More
Proactive Wellness has a proven track record of treating patients who have experienced severe health issues without any clear explanation. Unlike other "syndromes," our diagnosis process involves specific tests to confirm a diagnosis rather than simply ruling out other diseases.
Mold Poisoning Symtoms Columbia, MD

Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Chronic Fatigue, and Chronic Pain Syndrome are examples of illnesses that are often diagnosed without such confirmatory tests. If you are experiencing unexplained health issues or have been exposed to water-damaged buildings, it is possible that you are suffering from CIRS or a mold illness.

The good news is that we can diagnose and address this disease with a mold illness treatment program in Columbia, MD tailored to your body and your symptoms. That way, we can help you regain your health as soon as possible.

Be Wary of These

5 Symptoms of Mold Exposure

Mold spores can easily be brought into your home on your shoes or clothing or through open windows or doors. If these spores can find a warm, damp, humid environment, they can begin to multiply. Soon, your home can be filled with toxic mold. If you think mold has invaded your home or another environment, like in an office or warehouse, it's important for you to know about the symptoms.

Unfortunately, diagnosing mold issues can be exceptionally difficult. But why? The answer can be quite frustrating.

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Understanding the Difficulty of Diagnosing Mold Symptoms

Many doctors fail to recognize the impact of mycotoxins emitted by certain indoor mold species, which can lead to chemical and inflammatory reactions. While conventional medicine acknowledges that mold can cause allergies, it may overlook this crucial aspect of mold-related health issues.

This can happen for several reasons:

  • Standardized treatment protocols for mold toxicity are offered mostly by Functional/Integrative physicians as the conventional physicians are not on board despite over 20 years of published research. Due to this issue, patients spend precious months/years going from doctor to doctor in the conventional channel with no answers.
  • Though ERMI testing has been accepted in the integrative/functional medical community, there isn't a "gold standard" in mold testing that is universally accepted.
  • Mold symptoms can manifest in vastly different ways depending on the patient.
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Treatment Columbia, MD

After understanding the points above, it's no wonder that mold poisoning can be hard to diagnose. Fortunately, integrative and functional holistic medicine providers and wellness centers like Proactive Wellness are flipping the proverbial script. Unlike traditional clinics, our team considers environmental factors that can affect patient health and has advanced training to provide mold poisoning treatment in Columbia, MD.

Now that you understand why mold symptoms are so hard to diagnose let's take a closer look at five of the most common indicators of mold sickness.

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Symptoms Columbia, MD

Fatigue

Fatigue is probably the number one symptom of well over 90% of CIRS patients. The level of fatigue varies from 5 on a 10 point scale all the way to 10 on a 10 point scale. Many patients can no longer work or remain productive as in the worst cases, the fatigue is overwhelming. College students living in moldy dorms frequently have to drop out of school until the illness is treated effectively. Older adults have to retire or stop working due the fatigue. If you have overwhelming fatigue, CIRS may be a major contributor to your illness.

CIRS Treatment Columbia, MD

Breathing Problems

Exposure to mold can cause a host of respiratory problems, such as breathing difficulties, allergies, and asthma, especially in individuals with a weakened immune system. Mold can worsen asthma, irritate the nasal passages, lungs, and throat, and lead to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and nasal congestion. Other health issues such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, sinus congestion, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis have also been associated with mold sickness.

CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment Columbia, MD

Sadness and Depression

Mold can cause a variety of illnesses that can show up in different ways, such as psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, insomnia, concentration problems, and memory loss. It has been reported that nearly 40% of people who live in moldy homes experience depression. Researchers suggest that exposure to toxic mold and dealing with the physical symptoms of mold illness can contribute to mental health issues.

Due to this phenomenon, many mold patients are given antidepressant medications in the conventional channels.

CIRS Mold Poisoning Treatment Columbia, MD

Feeling "Pins and Needles"

Numbness, twitching, or tingling in the extremities, such as hands, feet, legs, and arms, is another symptom of mold illness. The sensation is similar to pins and needles, which are often felt when the body is held in an uncomfortable position for a long time. While this sensation can indicate serious nerve damage or disease, it can also be a symptom of mold sickness.

Mold Toxicity Symptoms Columbia, MD

Digestion Problems and Disorders

When exposed to mold, individuals may experience various digestive problems. Some may lose their appetite, leading to unintentional weight loss. Others may suffer from stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Furthermore, the influx of mold spores may trigger systemic inflammation, causing bloating and weight gain due to the digestive system's exposure to harmful mold.

Mold Poisoning Symtoms Columbia, MD

Ask Us Anything

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Top Tips for

Controlling Mold in Your Environment

It's not possible to completely eliminate all mold and mold spores from your home or place of work. However, since mold spores need moisture to grow, the best way to prevent or get rid of growth is to reduce the moisture in your environment. If you already have mold growing there, it's important to clean it up and address the issue causing dampness. If you only clean up the mold and don't address the underlying problem, the mold is likely to return.

Here are some tips to help reduce moisture throughout your home or office:

  • Use A/C or Dehumidifiers. This is especially important if you live in a hot, humid area of the United States.
  • Ensure A/C drip pans are clean, dry, and obstruction-free.
  • Thoroughly dry areas that are damp or wet within 48 hours.
  • Be sure to install insulation in cold areas like your home's exterior walls and windows. Doing so will reduce condensation.
  • Work with an HVAC company to check your HVAC system. Doing so can help ensure your unit is removing as much humidity as possible.
  • Keep the humidity in your home below 60% whenever possible.
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Treatment Columbia, MD
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Symptoms Columbia, MD

Here are some tips to help reduce moisture in your kitchen:

  • Check for leaks near your ice makers, sinks, and anywhere else water is present.
  • Make sure your exhaust fans are directing moisture outside, not into your attic.
  • If you notice your appliances are causing moisture on windows and other surfaces, turn them off as soon as you're done using them.

Here are some tips to help reduce moisture in crawlspaces:

  • Use a plastic covering on the dirt in your crawlspace. Doing so will prevent moisture from saturating the ground.
  • Ensure that your crawlspace or basement is ventilated well.
  • Check your home's gutters. Make sure they're directing water away from your property, not toward your foundation or crawlspace.

Your Top Choice for

Mold Toxicity Treatment in Columbia, MD

Trying to "tough it out" through life with CIRS isn't any way to live. If you're suffering from the effects of biotoxin illness, you should know that there are solutions available to help you reclaim your health and your life. With the help of a can-do attitude, healthy living, and mold illness treatment from Proactive Wellness, there's light at the end of the dark tunnel you're trapped within. Contact our office today to get started on your first step toward recovery!

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Latest News in Columbia, MD

Enterprise Community Development Closes Financing on Two Major Redevelopments in Columbia, MD

Ranleagh Court and Waverly Winds to double the number of homes available by bringing 205 modern, affordable homes to Howard CountyWaverly WindsEnterprise Community Development, one of the largest mission-focused nonprofit affordable housing providers in the Mid-Atlantic, has closed on financing for the redevelopment of Ranleagh Court and Waverly Winds, two modern, new affordable housing communities in Columbia, Maryland. These projects, which will bring 205 ap...

Ranleagh Court and Waverly Winds to double the number of homes available by bringing 205 modern, affordable homes to Howard County

Waverly Winds

Enterprise Community Development, one of the largest mission-focused nonprofit affordable housing providers in the Mid-Atlantic, has closed on financing for the redevelopment of Ranleagh Court and Waverly Winds, two modern, new affordable housing communities in Columbia, Maryland. These projects, which will bring 205 apartment homes to Howard County, mark a significant milestone in the nonprofit’s commitment to preserving and expanding affordable housing in Columbia, replacing aging, 1960s-era properties with high-quality, energy-efficient, mixed-income communities.

“The redevelopment of Ranleagh Court and Waverly Winds reflects our deep commitment to creating sustainable, inclusive communities that provide residents with stability and opportunity,” said Janine Lind, president, Enterprise Community Development. “As the birthplace of Enterprise, Columbia embodies James Rouse’s vision of a diverse, inclusive community where all residents have access to opportunity. These new communities honor that legacy by providing modern, high-quality homes while ensuring longtime residents can remain in this sought-after neighborhood with housing that meets their current and future needs.”

Ranleagh Court and Waverly Winds provide an industry-leading mixed-income model, ensuring that one-third of the homes are reserved for the lowest-income residents, one-third designated for workforce housing, and one-third offered at market rate.

Ranleagh Court

Ranleagh Court will replace a 41-unit development with 82 new apartment homes in a four-story, elevator-served building. The community will feature one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments, each designed with modern finishes, in-unit washers and dryers, and contemporary layouts. Residents will have access to a clubroom, after-school homework space, business center, fitness center, and outdoor amenities including a playground, dog park and landscaped plaza. Built to Enterprise Green Communities standards, Ranleagh Court will integrate high-efficiency HVAC systems, Energy Star appliances, and a rooftop solar array to enhance sustainability. The development will also improve accessibility, with 100% of units visitable and 5% built to meet UFAS compliance standards.

The $47.88 million redevelopment is financed through a combination of public and private investment, including $21.44 million in short-term bonds from JPMorgan Chase Bank, a $13 million HUD 221(d)(4) permanent loan via M&T Realty Capital Corporation, and $13.04 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), Section 45L and Investment Tax Credit equity syndicated by Enterprise’s housing credit investments business. Additional funding includes a $3 million Rental Housing Works soft loan from the Maryland Community Development Administration, a $5.5 million grant from Howard County’s Housing Opportunities Trust Fund and MIHU Fee In Lieu program, $2.8 million in loan funds through HUD’s Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program, $850,000 Congressionally directed Community Project Funding and project-based rental assistance contracts supporting 29 units.

Waverly Winds will replace an aging 62-unit property with a newly constructed, 123-unit community across two four-story buildings. The redevelopment will feature spacious one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments, all designed with modern layouts and high-quality finishes. Residents will benefit from a range of on-site amenities, including a resident lounge, business center with co-working space, fitness center, outdoor patio, and playground. The project has been structured as a twin 4% and 9% LIHTC transaction, with equity syndicated by Enterprise’s housing credit investments business.

The $64.15 million redevelopment is financed through a combination of public and private investment, including construction loans from Bank of America of $32.24 million, permanent first mortgages from Bellwether Enterprise of $18.40 million, and additional funding from the Maryland Community Development Administration’s Housing Trust Fund and Rental Housing Works programs of $4.59 million, Howard County’s Housing Opportunities Trust Fund and MIHU Fee In Lieu programs of $4.72 million, and loans through HUD’s Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program of $2.96 million in collaboration with Howard County. The 4% LIHTC portion of the project will be Enterprise Green Communities certified, ensuring adherence to high environmental performance standards. The Waverly Winds 9% community, built to Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Homes standards, will incorporate sustainable features such as high-efficiency appliances and advanced air filtration systems to promote energy efficiency and healthy living. Both buildings will incorporate rooftop solar arrays. Waverly Winds has also been made possible through a land swap agreement with Columbia Association, further strengthening its integration into the surrounding community.

Once completed, Ranleagh Court and Waverly Winds will double the number of homes previously offered by bringing 205 new apartment homes to Howard County, significantly expanding housing options in a high-opportunity area known for its excellent schools, job centers, healthcare facilities and recreational amenities. The redevelopments ensure that current residents have ongoing housing options with long-term affordability while providing an inclusive, sustainable and vibrant living environment. Both communities will be far more accessible, with 100% of units visitable and 5% built to meet UFAS compliance standards, ensuring greater mobility and accessibility for residents.

Both properties were previously owned by Community Homes Housing, Inc. (CHHI), a Howard County based nonprofit organization that provided $14 million in funding in the form of favorable seller financing and additional dollars through its affordable housing fund. Together, CHHI and Enterprise created the shared vision for transforming Ranleagh Court and Waverly Winds into mixed-income, sustainable, accessible and modern communities for current and future residents.

The project team for both properties includes Moseley Architects and Harkins Builders, Inc., and both developments will be managed by Enterprise Residential, LLC, ensuring high-quality property management and resident services.

Enterprise Community Development is a mission-driven affordable housing provider that specializes in high-impact residential development, preservation, property management and resident services for more than 23,000 people who call our communities home. Our $1.4 billion portfolio includes 116 communities and 14,000 homes, positioning us as the largest nonprofit affordable housing provider in the Mid-Atlantic and the sixth largest nonprofit owner of affordable housing in the United States. We are an affiliate of Enterprise Community Partners. For more information, visit www.enterprisecommunitydevelopment.org.

Measles Case Confirmed In MD Resident: Health Officials

A Howard County resident who traveled outside the country contracted the measles, MD health officials said as they look for anyone exposed.Deb Belt, Patch Staff|Updated Sun, Mar 9, 2025 at 6:01 pm ETCOLUMBIA, MD — A Howard County resident who traveled outside the U.S. contracted the measles, state health officials said Sunday. Passengers at Washington Dulles International Airport and people who went to Johns Hopkins Ho...

A Howard County resident who traveled outside the country contracted the measles, MD health officials said as they look for anyone exposed.

Deb Belt, Patch Staff

|Updated Sun, Mar 9, 2025 at 6:01 pm ET

COLUMBIA, MD — A Howard County resident who traveled outside the U.S. contracted the measles, state health officials said Sunday. Passengers at Washington Dulles International Airport and people who went to Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Pediatric Emergency Department the same days as the traveler may have been exposed.

The Maryland Department of Health and Howard County health officials said a Howard County resident who recently traveled internationally tested positive for measles. The person's age, hometown and other information has not been released.

This case is not associated with the measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, state health officials said. As of March 7, 198 measles cases have been reported in Texas and 10 cases confirmed in New Mexico. One death has been reported in each state, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As a precaution, state of Maryland and county health officials are coordinating to identify people who might have been exposed, including contacting potentially exposed passengers on specific airline flights.

Anyone who visited these locations on these dates and times may have been exposed:

Find out what's happening in Columbiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Early symptoms of measles are a fever of more than 101 degrees, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. Usually, one to four days after the early symptoms, a red rash appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.

Measles symptoms typically develop 10-14 days after exposure to the virus but can develop as soon as seven days and as long as 21 days after exposure. A person with measles is contagious, beginning four days before the rash appears, until four days after the rash begins.

People are generally considered immune to measles if they have had two measles vaccine shots, previously had measles or laboratory evidence of immunity or infection, or were born in the United States before 1957. Those who are most at risk of complications from measles infection are pregnant women, infants less than one year old, and those who are immune compromised.

People in these at risk groups who may have potentially been exposed and are not immune should contact their health care provider or call Howard County Health Department’s Infectious Disease Surveillance and Response Program at 410-313-6284 for additional guidance.

Virginia residents with questions about their potential exposure can call the Virginia Department Health at (804) 363-2704 or email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov.

People, especially those not vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles, who were at any of these locations during the possible exposure times should monitor themselves for any early symptoms of measles for 21 days after the potential exposure, health officials said.

Anyone who develops a fever or other symptoms of measles should not go to childcare, school, work, or out in public. Instead, they should contact their health care provider first rather than going to a waiting room or emergency room so measures can be taken to prevent spread of the highly-contagious disease.

Measles can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected individual leaves that area.

Measles cases do occur sporadically in Maryland with one case of measles identified in the state in 2024, one in 2023, and no cases from 2020-2022.

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Town Hall Meeting For Federal Workers Draws 1K Participants

Federal workers turned out in droves to attend a town hall meeting led by MD legislators who fielded questions about layoffs.Kristin Danley-Greiner, Patch Staff|Updated Wed, Mar 12, 2025 at 5:45 pm ETCOLUMBIA, MD — Hundreds of federal workers gathered Tuesday for a town hall meeting where they were able to ask lawmakers questions about the layoffs affecting them.U.S. Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Ange...

Federal workers turned out in droves to attend a town hall meeting led by MD legislators who fielded questions about layoffs.

Kristin Danley-Greiner, Patch Staff

|Updated Wed, Mar 12, 2025 at 5:45 pm ET

COLUMBIA, MD — Hundreds of federal workers gathered Tuesday for a town hall meeting where they were able to ask lawmakers questions about the layoffs affecting them.

U.S. Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, U.S. Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth and Howard County Executive Calvin Ball were on hand at the town hall. Emily Cowie, a federal contractor, attended the town hall. She is one of nearly 327,000 federal workers who call Maryland home. There are an estimated 50,000 civil servants who call Howard County home. Cowie told WBAL she is waiting to see what happens next and is trying to preparing for any situation. She was one of 1,200 people who registered to attend the event, which ended up switching venues to accommodate the high number of participants.

There will be a business resource expo in Howard County planned for March 26 for federal workers who were let go and want assistance with entering the business world.

Howard County announced the expansion of assistance programs to help its residents who are federal workers in jeopardy of losing their jobs.

County jobs: The Howard County Office of Human Resources is working to ensure that federal employees can quickly apply for open county government positions and is working to expedite the employment application process for federal workers.

Find out what's happening in Columbiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Job search support: The Howard County Office of Workforce Development is offering additional hours for federal employees seeking career counseling, assistance with resume building and tutorials to leverage LinkedIn and other social media platforms. Call 410-313-1060 for more information.

Child care: The Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks is working on ways to expand its care program for county residents, including impacted federal workers, at its before- and after-care program sites offered at 23 Howard County Public School System elementary schools. The Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services' Office of Children and Families' CARE Line is a free information and referral service for people who have questions about children in Howard County, including child care services. CARE Center staff work with families to identify their needs and help find solutions. For assistance, call 410-313-CARE or email children@howardcountymd.gov.

Food and housing assistance: Terminated or furloughed federal employees living in Howard County in need of food assistance are eligible to receive prebagged shelf staples from the Community Action Council of Howard County's Food Bank for up to three months from the date of their first visit. Supplies are limited, and proof of residency and federal photo identification will be required. After three months, households that continue to experience food insecurity can apply for full food bank access and other CAC services.

Foreclosure prevention: Federal employees who have recently lost employment and are facing unexpected financial crises and/or are behind on their mortgage payment may be eligible for the Foreclosure Prevention Assistance Program from the Howard County Department of Housing and Community Development.

State and federal assistance: Impacted federal workers are encouraged to review their participation eligibility for state and federal assistance programs, including:

Transportation: Howard County is advancing a partnership with Montgomery County to expand Flash Bus Rapid Transit along the U.S. Route 29 corridor from downtown Columbia to Silver Spring. The Howard County Council approved legislation authorizing Howard County to move forward with planning for this critical service extension. The county anticipates launching the Flash extension with Montgomery County in 2026, which will provide a new public transportation option for Howard County residents and federal employees to access Silver Spring and Washington area transit services.

Mental health support: Families who may be struggling with the weight of uncertainty, fear and confusion are encouraged to call 988 to talk to someone.

Columbia Orchestra: Peter and the Wolf

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Columbia|Local EventSat, Apr 5, 2025 at 10:30 AMJim Rouse Theatre and Performing Arts Center, 5460 Trumpeter Rd, Columbia, MD, 21044Mor...

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Columbia|Local Event

Sat, Apr 5, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Jim Rouse Theatre and Performing Arts Center, 5460 Trumpeter Rd, Columbia, MD, 21044
More info here

The Young People’s Concert is back! Narrator Greg Jukes and Dance Connections join the Orchestra for Prokofiev’s immortal Peter and the Wolf, Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty, Encanto, and more!

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