MDOD Newsletter                                                                           May 2019

May is Mental Health Awareness Month!

Celebrating Through Art: The First Lady's Youth Mental Health Awareness Art Display


First Lady Yumi Hogan hosted her fourth annual Children's Mental Health Celebration Thru Art Show at the Lowe House Building in Annapolis.  More than 50 pieces of art, from artists ranging in age from 3-18, are on display until May 20th in the halls of the Lowe Building.  Governor Hogan has proclaimed May 5-11 as Children's Mental Health Matters Week in Maryland.  Mrs. Hogan and Secretary Beatty presented the Governor's proclamation to Jane Plapinger, Executive Director of Maryland Coalition of Families, and Linda Raines, CEO Mental Health Association of Maryland. 

First Lady stands with artist as she accepts citation. First Lady talks with artist in front of picture.

Download the Tips for Fostering Resiliency in Your Child May Calendar HERE.   Visit the Children's Mental Health Matters website for more tips, resources and information:  CLICK HERE   Resources available in English and Spanish. 


Lt. Governor Rutherford Chairs Mental Health Commission
Deputy Secretary Miele listens at meeting.

In January 2019, Lt. Governor Rutherford announced  Executive Order 01.01.2019.02 , signed by Governor Hogan, establishing the Commission to Study Mental and Behavioral Health in Maryland. The commission, chaired by Lt. Governor Rutherford, has been tasked with studying mental health in Maryland, including access to mental health services and the link between mental health issues and substance use disorders. Deputy Secretary Christian Miele represents our department on the Commission.  For more information on the Commission or for a schedule of upcoming meetings CLICK HERE.  


Lt Governor and Deputy Secretary Miele Honor CIT Conference Awardees

Lt Governor stands with large group as they hold award.

Lt. Governor  Boyd Rutherford  joined Deputy Secretary Christian Miele and  NAMI Maryland  Executive Director Kate Farinholt in honoring award recipients at the 3rd annual Crisis Intervention Team Maryland Conference.  
MDOD Celebrates Autism Awareness Month

Visit from Canadian MP Mike Lake



MP Mike Lake stands with son Jayden_ Sec Beatty_ Del Guyton_ and Dep Sec Miele

Canadian Member of Parliament Mike Lake and his son Jaden, who has an autism diagnosis, presented their "Expect More:  An Autism Adventure" which challenges all of us to raise expectations.  A discussion comparing autism-related services and best practices in Canada and Maryland with a group of autism advocates in Maryland followed.  Mike Lake's World Autism Awareness Day comments on the floor of the Canadian Parliament can be seen HERE.  Pictured above is Delegate Michele Guyton, Jaden Lake, MP Mike Lake, Secretary Beatty and Deputy Secretary Christian Miele.  

The First Lady Celebrates Spring and Collaboration at Linwood Center



Group holds sign in Korean that says _Welcome_
First Lady kneels in garden with student.  

Linwood Center welcomed First Lady Yumi Hogan, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and Secretary Beatty to plant flowers next to the Hyunsu Butterfly statue in the front of the school.  The First Lady helped establish a sister school relationship between Linwood and the Daniel School in South Korea. Check out the WBAL-TV news coverage HERE.

Ribbon Cutting for The Arc Central Chesapeake

Large group stands with scissors in front of white ribbon.   Sec Beatty holds Governor_s Citation with Jonathan Rondeau
Arc Central Chesapeake held a ribbon cutting for its brand new corporate headquarters and community center located in Severn.The new buildings include the administrative headquarters, the Lorraine Sheehan Center for Enterprise and Community Development, and the Rollason Community Center. The Rollason Community Center is available for rent to local non-profits and others.  Secretary Beatty presented Arc CC CEO Jonathan Rondeau a Governor's Citation marking the event.  Check out the WMAR News coverage HERE .    
 

2019 Disability Related Legislation Wrap-Up

A brief synopsis and wrap-up of relevant information is available on our website.
Be BRAVE!  Don't miss out!!

Group of six stand in front of wall with _Brave in the Attempt June 4th Towson University_ behind them.

 

The 3rd Annual 2019 Brave in the Attempt, FORWARD, a TED-talk style event, will be June 4 at Towson University, West Commons Ballroom.  Our resource fair is 5pm-6pm, program begins at 6pm.  This year's speakers will challenge and inspire you to move forward in your life!  The event is sponsored by MDOD, SOMD, DDA, and SEEC.  Trust me, you don't want to miss it.  

 

Tickets are free, but must be reserved.  CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!