The Maryland Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Administration has announced that Maryland RecoveryNet will no longer approve or process new authorizations for recovery housing due to funding exhaustion for the fiscal year 2025. The suspension of services will take effect on March 31, 2025, impacting individuals who rely on the program for housing support during their recovery process.
Maryland RecoveryNet is a statewide program that provides recovery support services for individuals with substance use disorders. The program, administered through local behavioral health authorities, offers services such as recovery housing, transportation assistance, employment support, and case management. These services play a crucial role in helping individuals maintain long-term sobriety, access stable housing, and reintegrate into their communities.
With the program reaching its funding limit, new 60-day authorizations for recovery housing and extended 30-day concurrent authorizations will no longer be processed. Additionally, all new residence provider applications and new service location applications from both new and existing providers will be paused for the remainder of the fiscal year.
The Maryland Department of Health cites funding constraints as the primary reason for this decision. Under the authority of state health laws, the Behavioral Health Administration will conduct a review of current practices and funding resources to determine the best course of action moving forward. During this period, the agency plans to reassess funding structures, explore more sustainable service models, and focus on ensuring that recovery housing and other services remain accessible and effective across the state.
For the remainder of the fiscal year, current recovery housing residents will not be affected, but new applicants may experience delays in accessing these critical services. State officials have not yet provided a timeline for when new authorizations and provider applications will resume. The Maryland Department of Health will continue working with local behavioral health agencies, recovery advocates, and service providers to evaluate long-term funding solutions and ensure program sustainability.
So what are recovering addicts suppose to do? Face being put back out on the street while they have achieved their goal of sobriety in recovery and are trying to move forward step by step?!