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News from MHAMD
Keep the Door Open Passes Maryland Senate
Today, the Maryland Senate voted unanimously to pass the Keep the Door Open Act to increase access to treatment for mental health and substance use disorders.
More than 500 advocates, consumers and families rallied in Annapolis last month to support the bill. At the rally, hosted by the Maryland Behavioral Health Coalition, speakers called on the General Assembly to pass the Keep the Door Open Act and other legislation to increase access and funding for critical treatment services. The Act (SB476/HB580), sponsored by Senator Guy Guzzone and Delegate Antonio Hayes, would ensure that adequate funding for community health providers is included annually in the state budget.  
The House Health and Government Operations Committee has heard the bill but has not yet voted on the legislation.  
Take a moment to urge your representatives in the House to support the Keep the Door Open Act.
Help On the Way for Older Adults in Maryland 
An estimated ten thousand people each day will celebrate their 65th birthday over the next 20 years. That means communities are going to face unprecedented challenges when it comes to behavioral health.
Fortunately, Maryland is responding. Starting July 1, 2017, Core Service Agencies in five regions of the state will provide the expertise of Older Adult Behavioral Health Specialists, specially-trained professionals who can help older adults with appropriate behavioral health services as they transition from nursing homes to the community. With knowledge of local supports and services, as well as expertise in geriatric behavioral health, the specialists will assist individuals, families and healthcare providers in the coordination of assessment, treatment and recovery services. MHAMD spent more than a decade advocating for these positions as we believe it will significantly improve access to care and quality of life for aging Marylanders. Check the Behavioral Health Administration website for developing information about this exciting new realm of help and hope. 
Healthy New Moms in Action: #MomsRock
All moms sometimes need reminders of their strength. MHAMD’s Healthy New Moms program will help moms and families create such a reminder on March 18 at the B'More Healthy Expo. It’s your chance to select a #MomsRock, a rock painted with a positive word or message in support of moms. 
You can also find Healthy New Moms in communities across the state hosting film screenings, panel discussions or other events to educate moms, families, healthcare providers and communities about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and the resources available. Find a film screening or event near you.
 And, don’t forget to keep up with the Healthy New Moms Campaign's advocacy work in Annapolis. MHAMD is working to pass legislation for a better system of maternal mental health care in Maryland.

Get involved with the Children's Mental Health Matters! Campaign 
Children's Mental Health Awareness Week is only two short months away, and you can show your support for children's mental health by participating in several Campaign activities!  
Want to Get Involved?
  • Commit to five minutes of advocacy each week by joining MHAMD's Commit2Five campaign! Sign up now.
  • Share your experiences with behavioral health and support the Keep the Door Open Act by taking part in the Maryland Behavioral Health Coalition’s Faces of Behavioral Health Campaign!
On the Blog: Consumer Quality Team interviews mental health consumers at Clifton T. Perkins Hospital
For the first time, the Consumer Quality Team of Maryland (CQT) interviewed mental health consumers about their experiences at Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center in Jessup, Maryland. With the addition of this hospital in January, CQT now visits all five state inpatient facilities. 
Read more on the MHAMD Perspectives Blog.
MHAMD in the Community
B'More Healthy Expo
March 18, 2017
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Learn More

Mental Health First Aid® Core (Adult) Instructor Training 
April 3-7, 2017
9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Register now

Mental Health First Aid® Core 8-Hour Class 
April 24-25, 2017
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Register now

Mental Health First Aid® Youth 8-Hour Class
June 7-8, 2017
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Register now
Do you need to talk to someone? 
Call the Maryland Crisis Hotline at 
1-800-422-0009


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Mental Health Association of Maryland 1301 York Road, Suite 505
Lutherville, MD | 21093 US
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