HOWARD COUNTY, Md. — A collaboration of local organizations in Howard County is hosting a free festival Thursday aimed at supporting the mental health of veterans, service members, and their families through creative expression and community connection.
WATCH: Free festival in Howard County aims to support veterans' mental health
Howard County is gearing up for its annual “Good Vibes and Voices” concert and event, a family-friendly celebration designed to bring the community together while shedding light on mental health and suicide prevention, especially among veterans and service members.
The event, which is open to all, is a joint effort between the Howard County Health Department and Howard County Recreation and Parks, with a focus on fostering connection, healing, and fun. From motivational speakers to food vendors, the festival will blend entertainment with purpose.
Jessica, a member of the Howard County Health Department's suicide prevention team, says the initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure local residents—particularly those in the veteran and military-connected communities—know they are supported.
“We’re really focused on making sure there are services available in our community for people who need them,” she said. “We want people to know that there is help and there is hope.”
According to data from the department, from 2017 to 2021, 1 in 6 deaths by suicide in Howard County were veterans. During that same period, 2 in 7 gun-related suicide deaths also involved veterans. These sobering numbers underscore the need for proactive outreach and compassionate programming like “Good Vibes and Voices.”
The festival will feature healing conversations, facilitated not only through traditional means, but also through creative expression. Military-connected motivational speakers, spoken word artists, and comedians will take the stage, using their talents to start important discussions and offer hope in ways that resonate beyond a typical therapy session.
“Sometimes healing doesn’t happen through sitting down in a room with a therapist,” said Jessica. “Sometimes it’s through laughter. Sometimes it’s through art. Sometimes it’s through hearing someone share a story that sounds like yours.”
This year marks the second annual event, and organizers say it’s expanding in both size and impact. Held at a new area within Rockburn Branch Park, the festival will now include a veteran-owned gaming truck, more veteran-owned food vendors, a moon bounce for children, and additional family-friendly activities like a visit from a police cruiser and Mission BBQ’s food truck.
Danielle, a special events planner with Howard County Recreation and Parks, credits partnerships for the success and growth of the event.
“We couldn’t do this alone. It takes all of us working together to bring healing to the community and to provide a space that is safe, supportive, and inclusive,” she said.
The event is free, and while registration is encouraged to help organizers prepare, it’s not required. The event starts at 6:00 pm and goes to 8:00pm.
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