Bright Future for Mental Health: The ‘Go Green’ Campaign Kicks Off in Maryland

To mark Mental Health Awareness Month, the Maryland Department of Health is joining hands with the Mental Health Association of Maryland to launch a unique campaign. The ‘Go Green’ campaign, taking place from May 13-19, aims to highlight the importance of mental health by encouraging individuals and businesses to light up their surroundings in green. This initiative is happening nationwide, and the goal is to build communities that understand the significance of mental health and have access to care and support.

The Maryland Department of Health’s Office of Suicide Prevention is partnering with the Mental Health Association of Maryland this year to expand participation under the theme “Mental Health is Health.” Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health Alyssa Lord emphasized how crucial it is to prioritize mental health as part of overall wellbeing and how essential it is to have access to care and support in building such communities.

Residents and businesses in Maryland are encouraged to wear green, light up their buildings in green, and share their participation on social media. Several notable buildings like Oriole Park at Camden Yards, M&T Bank Stadium, Merriweather Post Pavilion, government offices, and nonprofit organizations are participating in this initiative. The Maryland Department of Health has also organized events and activities throughout the month to raise awareness about mental health issues.

Chief Program Officer Heidi Rochon from the Mental Health Association of Maryland highlighted how crucial it is to protect mental health and ensure equal access to care for all Marylanders. She urged communities across the state to come together and show their commitment towards mental health by lighting up their skyline in green. Those interested in participating can sign up at mhamd.org/yes-to-green.