Women’s Law Center of Maryland is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your information. This Text Messaging Privacy Policy explains how we use text messages (SMS/MMS) to communicate with clients and the limits of text message privacy.
Consent to Receive Text Messages
By providing your mobile phone number and agreeing to receive text messages, you consent to Women’s Law Center of Maryland communicating with you by text regarding services, appointments, case-related updates, referrals, resources, reminders, and other information related to your participation in our programs.
Providing your phone number is voluntary. You may choose another method of communication if you prefer.
Types of Messages
We may send text messages regarding:
- Appointment reminders and scheduling
- Program or service updates
- Requests for information or documents
- Referrals and community resources
- Follow-up communications
- Other information related to the services we provide
We will not send marketing or promotional text messages.
Confidentiality and Security
While we take reasonable steps to protect your information, text messaging is not a fully secure form of communication. Messages sent over cellular networks may be intercepted, delayed, or accessed by others who have access to your mobile device.
For your privacy:
- Avoid sending highly sensitive or confidential information by text message.
- Protect your phone with a password or other security features.
- Notify us if your phone number changes or if your device is lost or stolen.
If we need to discuss sensitive matters, we may ask to communicate by telephone, secure email, or in person instead.
Message and Data Rates
Standard message and data rates may apply based on your mobile carrier and service plan. Women’s Law Center of Maryland is not responsible for any charges imposed by your wireless carrier.
Opting Out
You may stop receiving text messages at any time by replying STOP to any text message or by notifying us directly at 410-321-8761 or admin@wlcmd.org.
After you opt out, we will discontinue text communications except where necessary to confirm your request or as otherwise required by law.
Emergency Communications
Text messaging should not be used to report emergencies or situations requiring an immediate response. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency services.
Information Sharing
We do not sell, rent, or share your mobile phone number with third parties for marketing purposes.
We may share information only:
- As necessary to provide services you have requested;
- With service providers that assist us in delivering text messages and who are required to protect your information;
- When required by law, court order, or other legal obligation; or
- As otherwise permitted or required under applicable confidentiality and privacy laws.
Record Retention
Text message communications may become part of your client record and may be retained in accordance with our record retention policies and applicable law.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Text Messaging Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on our website or otherwise made available to clients.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this policy or our text messaging practices, please contact:
Women’s Law Center of Maryland
102 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, #100, Towson, MD 21204
410-321-8761
admin@wlcmd.org
Safety Notice: If receiving text messages from us could put your safety at risk, please let us know. We can discuss alternative methods of communication that better protect your privacy and safety. If you believe someone else has access to your phone, notify us as soon as possible so we can update your communication preferences.