“This is an opportunity to help thousands of Marylanders and also save lives.”
THOMAS BLOOM RASKIN PROFESSIONAL
It gives them the opportunity to talk to a mental health professional during a time when they need assistance the most,” said Senator Zucker, Senate Bill 719 sponsor. “One of the important things about this program is that it gets people before they’re in crisis. No one should ever feel like they must suffer in silence.”Īccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), visits to the emergency department for suspected suicide attempts by adolescent girls have increased 50% in the past 18 months and the proportion of mental health–related emergency department visits for children aged 5–11 and 12–17 years increased approximately 24% and 31% in 2020 compared to 2019. Particularly after all we’ve been through over these past 16 months it’s critically important that we continue to focus on the issue of mental health. We’re also ensuring his name will forever be a symbol of hope for others who are struggling with mental health issues. “We aren’t just memorializing Tommy’s memory. “I know that countless lives will be saved because of the law that now bears Tommy Raskin’s name,” said Governor Hogan. The Thomas Bloom Raskin Act was the first bill Governor Hogan signed into law on April 13, 2021, the day after Sine Die. “At 211 Maryland, we are really excited to be a partner in this effort to provide proactive mental health services for those who are in need and we are looking forward to beginning the 211 Health Check Program in July.” “I want to thank Congressman Raskin for sharing his story and shining a light on mental health,” said 2-1-1 Maryland President and CEO Quinton Askew. When the program launches, those who have signed up for text alerts will be invited to schedule their first call. 211 Maryland will send supportive text messages leading up to launch of 211 Health Check later this summer. Marylanders can text HealthCheck to 211-MD1 to sign up for text alerts about the program or to register for the program early. We live in a state that cares about each and every person out there, and we don’t want to lose anybody else.” The 211 Mental Health Check Program responds to this crisis. The rates of suicide and suicide attempts have increased dramatically. The mental and emotional health problems among very young kids, preteens and teens in particular, skyrocketed during the pandemic. “COVID-19 took a huge toll on our people. “I’m moved to think we have a state that has worked together across party lines to focus on mental and emotional health,” said Rep.
The proactive mental health phone support program provides a one-on-one connection with a warm, caring specialist trained in suicide prevention and mental health support.
The Thomas Bloom Raskin Act (Senate Bill 719/House Bill 812), which takes effect July 1 st, directed the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) to establish the 211 Health Check Program. ANNAPOLIS – Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) today hosted a press conference with Governor Larry Hogan, State Senators Craig Zucker and Malcolm Augustine, Delegate Bonnie Cullison, and 211 Maryland President and CEO Quinton Askew to announce that the 211 Health Check Program is launching this summer in July.