Gov. Wes Moore announced on Friday he was allocating $13.5 million in grant money to improve behavioral health crisis services in the state.
Nineteen jurisdictions in the state applied for grant money, and each will receive a portion of the funds. The money will go toward pilot programs that “expand and improve mobile crisis team services and establish behavioral health crisis stabilization centers,” according to a press release.
The behavioral health crisis stabilization centers, which will be created for the first time in the state, will provide 24 hour services, seven days per week. One goal with the centers is to reduce emergency room visits by having a more specific place where people with a behavioral health crisis can go.
“When a Marylander is in crisis, they deserve our full and undivided support. And to truly meet people where they are, we can’t just think about acting quickly – we also need to think about acting effectively,” Moore said in a statement. “This funding will help ensure that we support Marylanders contending with a mental health or substance use crisis with speed, strategy, expertise, and compassion. Today, we take an important step forward in our work to build stronger, healthier communities for all.”
It isn’t the first time the state has allocated funds to the behavioral health crisis. In March 2022, the Maryland Department of Health gave $17.7 million in grants to behavioral health crisis authorities across the state. The goal was the same then; to decrease the impact the behavioral health crisis has on hospitals.
Another goal of the grant money is that it will keep people out of “unnecessary contact” with the criminal legal system, according to the press release.
The mobile crisis teams will visit any individuals, regardless of age, as it operates 24/7.
“Maryland’s Mobile Crisis Teams provide immediate support to any youth or adult who is experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Laura Herrera Scott in a statement. “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.”
Those in a mental health or substance use crisis are urged to call or text 988 for “free and confidential emotional support,” according to the release.
