The Maryland Department of Health, in collaboration with the Mental Health Association of Maryland, is launching the ‘Go Green’ initiative for mental health awareness during May. The goal of this campaign is to raise awareness by lighting up green from May 13-19 across the country. This year, the theme for Maryland is “Mental Health is Health”, as state officials emphasize the importance of mental health to overall wellbeing.
Employees of the health department are encouraged to wear green and participate in events throughout the month, including those planned by the Suicide Prevention Office. Various landmarks in Maryland, along with government and nonprofit organizations, will also be joining in by wearing green and lighting up buildings.
The Mental Health Association of Maryland’s Chief Program Officer, Heidi Rochon, highlights the need for protecting mental health and ensuring access to care for all residents of Maryland. State officials, including Maryland Department of Health Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health Alyssa Lord, stress that providing access to care and fostering communities of understanding and support are necessary in reducing stigma surrounding mental health and highlighting resources available for those in need.
Interested participants can sign up at mhamd.org/yes-to-green to join in on this initiative and come together to support the wellbeing of all individuals across Maryland.
