ANNAPOLIS, MD — In a significant move to advance health equity and accessibility in behavioral health crisis services, Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced the award of $13.5 million in grants. This funding, distributed by the Maryland Department of Health to 19 jurisdictions, aims to enhance the state’s capacity to offer high-quality, person-centered behavioral health services through the development of mobile crisis teams and the establishment of behavioral health crisis stabilization centers.
Governor Moore emphasized the dual importance of rapid and effective response to behavioral health crises, stating, “When a Marylander is in crisis, they deserve our full and undivided support… This funding will help ensure that we support Marylanders contending with a mental health or substance use crisis with speed, strategy, expertise, and compassion.” This initiative marks a crucial step in strengthening community health and support systems statewide.
The grant aims to mitigate the strain on emergency departments and reduce unnecessary interactions with the criminal legal system by providing immediate, on-site support to individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. Mobile crisis teams, equipped with behavioral health clinicians, will offer 24/7 support throughout the year to individuals of all ages.
Secretary of Health Dr. Laura Herrera Scott highlighted the importance of these teams, noting, “Maryland’s Mobile Crisis Teams provide immediate support to any youth or adult who is experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis… The face-to-face intervention deployed in real time is key in de-escalating the crisis and assisting the person by connecting them to the proper long-term support.”
Furthermore, the establishment of behavioral health crisis stabilization centers represents a novel approach in Maryland to crisis intervention. These centers are designed to offer up to 24 hours of intensive crisis prevention and support for both children and adults, serving as an alternative to emergency department visits. They will provide services such as screening, assessment, brief intervention, and prescribing capabilities.
Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health Alyssa Lord underlined the significance of these centers, stating, “Behavioral Health Crisis Stabilization Centers are a critical resource for Marylanders who are struggling with mental health or substance use… These centers… will provide immediate and equitable care to anyone in need, as well as link them to ongoing, community-based solutions.”
The grants will support the establishment of Behavioral Health Crisis Stabilization Centers in Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s, and Washington counties, as well as Baltimore City. Additionally, they will facilitate the development and expansion of mobile crisis teams across numerous Maryland counties and Baltimore City.
Marylanders facing a mental health or substance use crisis are encouraged to utilize the 988 helpline, offering 24/7 free and confidential support. For immediate danger or medical attention, individuals should call 911.
This initiative is part of Maryland’s broader commitment to building healthier communities through improved access to behavioral health services. For more information on behavioral health crisis services, please visit the Maryland Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Administration at health.maryland.gov/bha.
