Chase Cook, Director, Office of Communications, 410-767-8649

Maryland Department of Health, Mental Health Association of Maryland, Go Green for Mental Health Awareness Month

Baltimore, MD – In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Maryland Department of Health and the Mental Health Association of Maryland encourage Marylanders to "Go Green for Mental Health" this May.

The Go Green Campaign aims to raise mental health awareness by illuminating buildings in green nationwide from May 12 to 18. This year marks the second year of collaboration between the Mental Health Association of Maryland and the Behavioral Health Administration to broaden participation in Maryland.

“This month presents an opportunity to emphasize our commitment to ensuring that every Marylander has access to quality mental health services with a unified message,” said Maryland Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. “As health leaders, we must promote this campaign's theme throughout the year: mental health is an integral part of overall health.”

The Department encourages individuals and businesses in Maryland to wear green, light their buildings in green, take photos, and share their participation on social media. Participants include the Baltimore Museum of Art, Sheppard Pratt, and many government and nonprofit organizations across the state. 

“Many people in Maryland, particularly young individuals, and older adults, are facing challenges such as sadness, depression, and anxiety,” said Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health Alyssa Lord. “We are committed to reducing stigma, identifying gaps in care, providing the tools to support one another, and working with our communities and providers on how and when to seek help.”

The Department creates and shares mental health resources year-round, including:

• The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Youth Mental Health
  
• Maryland Action Plan to Prevent Suicide in Schools (MAPS)
• Taking Care of Us — Suicide Prevention
• Aging and Suicide Factsheet
• Responding to Suicidal Ideation and Suicide for Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families​
• Connecting to Hope - Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Toolkit
• Digital Media Safety Guide
• Grief and Loss Resources 
• ​Mental Health Crisis Resources for Coping with Violence
• Minority Mental Health Resources​​​
  

“At the Mental Health Association, we believe that improving visibility and opening conversations are key to breaking down the barriers that prevent people from seeking help,” said Mental Health Association of Maryland Chief Program Officer Heidi Rochon. “By simply shining a light, we are standing in solidarity with those impacted by mental health challenges and showing our commitment to building a culture of compassion, education, and support.” 

Participating organizations will receive a Mental Health Awareness toolkit and be included on the Mental Health Association of Maryland’s campaign webpage. To sign up, visit mhamd.org/yes-to-green.

The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement. 

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