Addiction and Hope

This year, Behavioral Health System Baltimore (BHSB) commemorated Recovery Month with the launch of a new documentary on addiction and hope. Produced by Obie Productions and Maryland Public Television, Real Stories of Addiction and Hope, shares unfiltered, first-person stories from Marylanders in different stages of addiction and recovery. BHSB is an underwriter.

The documentary, which premiered on September 22, is available on MPT's YouTube channel, along with a bonus interview with Steve Diggs, a Bmore POWER coordinator at BHSB.

To continue the conversation on hope and recovery in Baltimore City, BHSB and the Maryland Peer Advisory Council (MPAC) also hosted a screening and panel discussion on October 3, with support from the West Baltimore Renaissance Foundation. Moderated by Lisa Snowden-McCray of the Baltimore Beat, the panel featured Dr. Jocelyn Gainers, Family Recovery Program, Inc., Tiffinee Scott, MPAC, Montressa Tripps, BHSB, and Lawanda Williams, Health Care for the Homeless.

Throughout the conversation, panelists highlighted the importance of stable housing and a supportive community, and the invaluable role of peers in helping those in recovery navigate the system of care. Here is a list of resources:

• Recovery and Wellness Centers
• Support for Women and Children



Rooted in Recovery, Rising in Strength

BHSB's 9th annual celebration of Baltimore's recovery community was held at Lexington Market on September 27. This year's event brought together more than 200 people and 20 resource vendors in one of the city's most historic communities. Thank you to the providers and volunteers for helping to make this event a success. If you missed the celebration, here's a recap:

Baltimore City Opioid Restitution Board

The Mayor’s Office of Overdose Response is seeking new community members for its opioid restitution advisory board, which will review grant applications and make funding recommendations for the City’s restitution funds. To apply, please complete this form.

Impact of Federal Government Shutdown

BHSB continues to monitor the impact of the federal government shutdown on behavioral health programs in Baltimore City. Mandatory programs like social security, Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP do not depend on annual appropriations and remain funded, however, other key health programs are affected. The shutdown could also have a direct impact on behavioral health providers that partner with the federal government, delaying their ability to communicate with federal staff, receive payments, or renew grants/contracts.

Behavioral Health News

Baltimore Sun: Baltimore’s Opioid Restitution Fund was awarded $580M. Over 40% has been spoken for. (Oct. 13, 2025)

Baltimore Sun: ‘The good old days of heroin’: Baltimore’s opioid crisis‘The good old days of heroin’: Baltimore’s opioid crisis (Oct. 10, 2025)

Baltimore Beat: Sober spaces in Baltimore are thriving (Oct. 7, 2025)

Baltimore Sun: Medicaid work requirement will prove costly (Sept. 18, 2025)

Afro News: Reforming Baltimore's drug treatment clinics | AFRO American Newspapers (Sept. 11, 2025)