Building Healthier Communities Together
Everyone deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Mental health is just as important as physical health—yet stigma, misinformation, and inequities are barriers that prevent many people from getting the help they need.
We break down barriers to good health by improving access to mental health support and working in partnership with local organizations to expand resources for people across our region—so they can thrive at home, at work, and in their communities.
The Challenge
Too many people across Greater Baltimore are struggling with mental health concerns—and the need is growing.
More than a million Marylanders live with mental health conditions.
The risk of depression, anxiety, chronic disease, and challenges in family and work life increases when someone has experienced an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE). ACEs are traumatic events such as abuse, neglect, or household instability that occur before age 18.
Across Maryland, 60% of adults report at least one ACE. In places like Baltimore City, the impact is even more profound: 31% of adults report three or more ACEs, making trauma‑informed support essential for long‑term well‑being.
Why This Matters
Trauma doesn’t simply fade over time. It can influence health, relationships, and performance in school and at work. When people recognize how stress and past experiences affect their daily lives, they’re better able to manage challenges and respond with more self-awareness.
That perspective also helps them understand that others—family, neighbors, and colleagues—carry their own experiences as well. This awareness supports clearer communication, more patience, and a more respectful environment where people feel safer and more connected.
Our Workshops: Practical Tools for Everyday Wellbeing
United Way’s Health Team offers introductory workshops that make emotional health approachable, accessible, and relevant. These sessions help participants:
- Recognize signs of stress and understand how it affects the body and mind
- Learn the basics of trauma and how it shapes behaviors and emotions
- Practice simple, evidence-informed techniques to feel calmer, more grounded, and more in control
Upcoming Open Sessions
Workshops are designed for any adult who wants to strengthen their emotional resilience—no background or experience required.
- June 16, 2026
- June 23, 2026 (Spanish)
- June 24, 2026
Available in English and Spanish
In person (90 minutes) or virtual (60 minutes)
Interested in bringing our Stress and Trauma Awareness workshop to your community or organization?
Looking for Mental Health Resources?
We’ve compiled a list of helpful mental health services and resources across Central Maryland.
211: A Lifeline for Everyday Needs That Shape Health
Health is influenced by much more than medical care. Basic needs like housing, food, transportation, childcare, and access to mental health support all play a powerful role in a person’s ability to thrive.
211 Maryland at United Way of Central Maryland is a free, confidential service that quickly connects callers to essential community resources, including:
- Housing and eviction prevention
- Food and utility assistance
- Mental health services
- Transportation
- Employment support
- Legal services
- And much more!
211 provides a pathway to stability—and better health.
100+ Essentials: A Resource Guide to Basic Needs
This easy-to-use guide is filled with practical tips, programs, and services to support stronger health, housing, education, and employment across Greater Baltimore.
Whether you’re looking for help with bills, housing, groceries—or want to share resources with someone in need—this guide is for you.
