On March 8, 2022, Associate Policy Director D’Paul Nibber testified before the House Appropriations and Health and Government Operations Committees in support of HB 1018 – Public Safety and Behavioral Health Improvement Act. This bill would, among other provisions, establish the Behavioral Health Screening Grant Program, which is intended to assist local jurisdictions in identifying and treating Marylanders with substance use disorders.

From the MACo testimony: 

Behavioral health interventions have received renewed focus as a result of high-profile incidents involving individuals experiencing crises related to substance use disorders. Counties have acted swiftly to ensure our shared constituents receive the supports they need,
standing up hotlines, building crisis stability centers, and establishing mobile crisis intervention teams. This bill would assist counties in identifying individuals most in need of these services.

MACo testified on the bill’s crossfile, SB 781, on March 8, 2022, as well.

More on MACo’s Advocacy:

Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2022 legislative session on MACo’s Legislative Tracking Database.
Learn more about MACo’s 2022 Legislative Initiatives.
Read more General Assembly News on MACo’s Conduit Street blog.