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May 1, 2026

Media Contact:
Amanda Hils, Assistant Director for Media Relations, [email protected]

Maryland Department of Health, Mental Health Association of Maryland Go Green for Mental Health Awareness Month
Marylanders are encouraged to help raise mental health awareness throughout May 

Baltimore, MD —The Maryland Department of Health and the Mental Health Association of Maryland are encouraging Marylanders to "Go Green for Mental Health" this May in observance of Mental Health Awareness Month.

The Go Green Campaign is entering its fourth year of partnership between the Mental Health Association of Maryland and the Maryland Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Administration to boost statewide engagement and raise mental health awareness. As part of the campaign, buildings across the nation will be illuminated in green from May 10 to 16, and specifically on May 1 for single-day participation. This year, the Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, the National Alliance on Mental Illness – Maryland Chapter, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Maryland Chapter have joined the effort.

“Mental health is foundational to the well-being of every Marylander, and as health leaders, we must champion it throughout the year,” said Maryland Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. “This month provides a crucial opportunity to reinforce our commitment to a unified message: every Marylander deserves and should have access to quality mental health services.”

The Department encourages Marylanders to wear green, light their homes and buildings green, take photos, and share their participation on social media using #GoGreenMD. Participants include Government House and a growing number of government and nonprofit organizations across the state. 

“Many Marylanders, especially young people and older adults, struggle with depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide,” said Acting Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health Dr. Rachel Talley. “We are committed to reducing stigma, identifying where care is lacking, equipping people with tools to support each other, and collaborating with our communities and providers on when and how to seek assistance.”

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

• The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Mood Boosting and Self-Care: Actionable Tips for Managing Stress and Navigating Depression
• Social Media and Youth Mental Health: ​​​​​​​​​​Addressing and Avoiding Screen Addiction
• Grief And Loss Resources 
• Minority Mental Health Resources​​​ and Taking Care Of Us: Addressing The Rising Suicide Rates Among Black And Brown Youth​
• Maryland Action Plan To Prevent Suicide In K-12 Schools
• Connecting To Hope: The Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Toolkit
• Firearm Safe Storage and Youth Suicide Prevention​

For more information, visit mhamd.org/yes-to-green and health.maryland.gov/suicideprevention. 


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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