Promoting mental health and ensuring equitable access to care for all Marylanders is something I have prioritized as one of my key legislative issues.
My Legislative Record on Mental Health
Since I was elected in 2018, I have:
Passed legislation to require mobile crisis units to minimize interactions between law enforcement and people experiencing behavioral health crises, prioritizing a mental health response that is culturally competent;
Increased funding for mobile crisis units through grant programs for local governments;
Required 911 systems to develop policies to triage behavioral health crises in order to dispatch the most appropriate services;
Established a participatory process for developing and administering treatment plans for individuals are hospitalized involuntarily;
Advocated that school-based mental health services receive Medicaid reimbursement, and
Supported funding for Takoma Park’s behavioral health response program.
There is much more to do, of course, and I am already working with experts and advocates on more legislation for next year’s session.
Mental Health Resources
Encourage the people in your life to seek help if they need it and remind them they are not alone. Help is available through the 988 Lifeline, support groups, online resources, or local programs.
Kick off the Summer at My Fundraiser!
Please join me in kicking off the summer on Monday, June 3rd. We will gather on the patio at Mi Rancho in downtown Silver Spring from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones will be my special guest. Get full details and R.S.V.P. here.
Biden Victory Fund: Saturday, May 18th at 4:30 p.m.
Local Biden supporters will be holding a fundraiser with special guests Representative Jamie Raskin and Hon. Barney Frank. Find full details and R.S.V.P. here.
Crossroads Food Fair: Sunday, May 19th, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Eat local! Support small businesses! Delicious food and drinks made by vendors from the TPSS Community Kitchen will be available on Laurel Avenue in downtown Takoma Park, MD, at the Crossroads Community Food Network’s 3rd Annual Food Fair.
District 20 Breakfast Club: Sunday, May 26th, 11:00 a.m.
Hear the 2024 Legislative Wrap-up from your District 20 Team of legislators in Annapolis, all while enjoying a delicious brunch at El Golfo. “Dues” are $18 for the brunch. You can “just listen” for free. No R.S.V.P. required.
Next Power in the Park: May 30th from 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Come and learn about clean energy, utility bill assistance, saving energy, and healthy housing. Free food! Giveaways! Face Painting! Join us at the New Hampshire Estates Neighborhood Park at 8825 Piney Branch Road.
Stay in Touch: Need help with a state issue? Please contact my office at lorig.charkoudian@house.state.md.us or leave us a message at (410)-841-3423.
Onward,
Lorig
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