To mark Mental Health Awareness Month, the Maryland Department of Health has joined forces with the Mental Health Association of Maryland to launch a nationwide campaign called ‘Go Green’. The initiative aims to highlight the importance of mental health by encouraging individuals and businesses to light up their surroundings in green from May 13-19.
The theme for this year’s campaign is “Mental Health is Health,” and Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health Alyssa Lord emphasized the significance of mental health in overall wellbeing and the need for access to care and support in building communities of understanding. Residents and businesses in Maryland are invited to participate by wearing green, lighting up buildings in green, and sharing their participation on social media.
Several notable buildings like Oriole Park at Camden Yards, M&T Bank Stadium, Merriweather Post Pavilion, government organizations, and nonprofits have already signed up for the initiative. Additionally, the Maryland Department of Health is organizing events and activities throughout the month to raise awareness and support mental health.
Chief Program Officer Heidi Rochon from the Mental Health Association of Maryland stressed the importance of protecting mental health and ensuring equal access to care for all Marylanders. She urged communities across the state to come together and show their commitment to mental health by lighting their skyline in green. Interested participants can sign up at mhamd.org/yes-to-green.