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Maryland Department of Health, Mental Health Association of Maryland pledge to Go Green for Mental Health
The partnership is in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, which is recognized nationally throughout May
Baltimore, MD – In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Maryland Department of Health is partnering with the Mental Health Association of Maryland to encourage Marylanders to Go Green for Mental Health this May.
The goal of the Go Green Campaign is to raise awareness by lighting up green, the color for mental health awareness, from May 13-19 across the country. This year, the Mental Health Association of Maryland and the department’s Office of Suicide Prevention are partnering to expand participation in Maryland under the theme “Mental Health is Health.”
“Mental health is integral to overall wellbeing, and it is imperative that we provide access to care and continue to build communities of understanding and support,” said Maryland Department of Health Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health Alyssa Lord. “As we strive to foster a culture of openness and reduce stigma, it is crucial to shine a light on the importance of mental health and the resources available for those that may need care.”
The department is encouraging individuals and businesses in Maryland to wear green and light buildings in green, take photos and share participation on social media. Participants include Oriole Park at Camden Yards, M&T Bank Stadium, Merriweather Post Pavilion, and many government and nonprofit organizations across the state. Health department employees are also encouraged to wear green and participate in events.
In addition to lighting the office green, the Suicide Prevention Office is sharing a calendar of events throughout the month.
The department creates and shares mental health resources year-round, including:
“We need to do more to protect mental health and ensure equitable access to care for all Marylanders,” said Mental Health Association of Maryland Chief Program Officer Heidi Rochon. “We hope that communities across that state will rally together and show commitment to the wellbeing of all Marylanders by lighting our skyline in green.”
Participating organizations will receive a Mental Health Awareness Toolkit and be listed on the Mental Health Association of Maryland’s campaign web page. To sign up, go to mhamd.org/yes-to-green.
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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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