Mental Health Advisory Council

Meetings are held the third Wednesday, 3 p.m., Health Dept., Room 12, 21580 Peabody Street, Leonardtown, MD

Purpose:  The purpose of this council shall be to serve as advocate and planning consultant for a comprehensive health system for persons of all ages in the areas of Mental Health and Substance Abuse in St. Mary's County. Further, the Council shall monitor, review, and evaluate programs and the allocation of resources related to Mental Health and Substance Abuse in St. Mary's County. The Council shall report to the local Health Officer, the County Commissioners, and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and maintain liaison contact with the Community Health Advisory Committee.

Composition:  Who Shall Be A Member:  An appointee may represent more than category. Members may be appointed by the St. Mary's County Commissioners from the following constituencies:

1. A representative from the St. Mary's County Department of Education.
2. A representative of the Walden/Sierra, Inc. , Board of Directors.
3. A representative of the Pathways Board of Directors.
4. A representative of the Department of Social Services.
5. A psychologist or other mental health provider.
6. A representative of the legal profession.
7. A representative of the clergy.
8. A representative of the Board of County Commissioners.
9. A representative of St. Mary's Hospital involved in mental health services.
10. A representative from a drug and alcohol program at Pax River NAS.
11. A substance abuse provider who is not a physician.
12. A representative from a local law enforcement agency.
13. A representative from the Department of Juvenile Services.
14. A representative from the Office of Aging.
15. A representative of Marcey House.
16. A representative who is a physician.
17. At least five( 5) individuals selected from the following groups or organizations:

a.   At least two (2) individuals who are currently receiving or who have in the past received mental health and/or addiction services;

b.   Parents or other relatives of adults with mental disorders;

c.   Parents or other relatives of children/adolescents with emotional/behavioral mental disorders. The onset of which occurred during childhood or adolescence;

d.   A member of the local mental health association ( Alliance for the Mentally Ill); and

e.   A member of the general public.
  

Non-voting Ex-Officio members may include:

1.       County Health Officer

2.       Representative of Mental Health Administration Regional Office

3.       Regional Coordinator of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Administration

4.       A representative of the regional state psychiatric hospital serving St. Mary's County (Crownsville)

5.       Executive Director of Pathways

6.       Executive Director of Walden/Sierra, Inc.

7.       Executive Director of Tri-County Youth Services Bureau

8.       St. Mary's County Representative of Crownsville Citizens Advisory Board

9.       St. Mary's County Representative of RICA-PG Citizens Advisory Board

10.     Representative of the St.
    Mary's County Alcohol/Drug Abuse Prevention Program

11.     Director of Rock Creek Foundation

12.     Executive Director of Mental Health Authority

13.     Administrator of St. Mary's Hospital

14.     Chair- St. Mary's County Commission for Women

15.     A former member of the Council

Tenure:  Two consecutive 3-year terms (6 years)