Advancing Behavioral Health and Wellness
BHSB advocates for policies that will improve the behavioral health and wellness of Baltimore residents.
Policy Priorities
We advocate for policies that strengthen the behavioral health system and improve access to care. Our policy priorities for 2026 and 2027 are:
- Promote high quality behavioral health services and provider accountability within the public behavioral health system
- Ensure Marylanders continue to have access to the full range of behavioral health services through Maryland’s Medicaid program
- Strengthen and expand the behavioral health workforce to ensure timely access to high-quality behavioral health care
- Increase affordable housing options for those with behavioral health needs, including quality recovery housing and permanent supportive housing
- Implement policies to reduce law enforcement and criminal justice interaction for people with behavioral health needs
- Maximize the impact of state and local opioid restitution funds by investing in overdose prevention strategies, connections to treatment, and recovery support services
Stay Up to Date
Sign up for our Policy Alerts
Keep up with our policy and advocacy efforts during the Maryland General Assembly Session.
Advocacy Updates
2025
2024
2023
- The 2023 Maryland Legislative Session is Underway
- Halfway Through the 2023 Legislative Session
- 2023 Legislative Session Summary
MD988 Campaign
The MD988 Campaign was established in 2021 to expand and strengthen the Maryland 988 network and behavioral health crisis response continuum. Learn more about the Campaign at www.md988campaign.org.
For questions about the campaign contact MD988@bhsbaltimore.org.
Invite your legislator to tour your program
One of the best ways to educate lawmakers about behavioral health is to have them visit your program so they can get a first-hand look at the services that you provide and people you help. For more information contact Dan Rabbitt, Policy Director at daniel.rabbitt@bhsbaltimore.org