‘More Good Days Together’: St. Mary’s County Recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Mental health affects nearly every family in some way, whether through personal experience or supporting a loved one. During the May 19 meeting of the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, leaders joined behavioral health professionals and school officials in recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month while emphasizing the importance of reducing stigma, increasing access to care and strengthening local support systems.

Commissioner Mike Alderson presented the proclamation, acknowledging both the widespread impact of mental health conditions and the importance of early treatment and intervention.

“We all probably had — know of somebody who has issues with mental health,” Alderson said. “And how important it is to treat and how important it is to recognize this and help these folks out.”

The proclamation notes that Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed nationally since 1949 to raise awareness, combat stigma and promote access to resources. It also highlights that 1 in 5 American adults experiences a mental health condition each year and stresses the importance of quality care and early intervention.

The commissioners officially proclaimed May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in St. Mary’s County and encouraged residents to “challenge stigma, speak inclusively about mental health, and to seek help if they are struggling.”

“More Good Days Together”

Following the proclamation, Tammy Loewe, LCSW-C and director of Behavioral Health for the St. Mary’s County Health Department, thanked county leaders and highlighted this year’s awareness theme focused on community support and well-being.

“This year is focusing on community support and well-being — more good days together,” Loewe said.

Loewe recognized partnerships among local schools, outpatient mental health clinics, independent providers and behavioral health teams working to support county residents.

“Together with our school systems, our outpatient mental health clinics, our group practices, and independent providers, we are grateful to you all for serving the residents of St. Mary’s County,” she said.

She urged residents struggling with mental health concerns to seek assistance through available county programs.

“If you or a loved one is struggling, there is help,” Loewe said. “Please contact our health department through our care coordination program, or call 988 to get connected to services within our community.”

For individuals experiencing an immediate crisis, Loewe pointed to additional emergency resources.

“If you are in crisis, please utilize our health hub, located in Lexington Park, or call 988 and get connected to our mobile crisis team,” she said. “They can come out and serve you directly at your house or wherever you are.”

Loewe concluded with a message centered on improving quality of life throughout the community.

“As we want every resident in St. Mary’s to have more good days together,” she said.

Schools, Health Officials Stress Collaboration

Mental health support in St. Mary’s County extends beyond health care providers and increasingly relies on partnerships with local schools.

Jeff DiRenzo, director of Student Services for St. Mary’s County Public Schools, emphasized the importance of collaboration between education systems, health officials and community agencies.

“We need to work together, and we need to continue to support our families and our students so that everybody can access their education fully,” DiRenzo said. “So, thank you.”

DiRenzo also thanked county commissioners for supporting mental health initiatives and partnerships across agencies.

Additional representatives present included Robin Schrader, behavioral health liaison for St. Mary’s County Public Schools, and multiple Behavioral Health Division staff members from the St. Mary’s County Health Department, including Behavioral Health Assistant Director Jaime Barnes; Behavioral Health Grant Manager Taylor Nickerson; Suicide Prevention and Outreach Coordinator Devon Hudson; Child, Adolescent and Young Adult Coordinator Kelly Jay; Older Adult Coordinator Rachele Huot; Care Coordination Program Manager Sarah Winter-Kolbe; and Community Support Partnership Coordinator Deosia Scriber.

Local Resources Available

County officials encouraged residents experiencing mental health challenges or emotional distress to utilize local services, including:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate mental health support.
• St. Mary’s County Health Department Care Coordination Program: Assistance connecting residents with behavioral health services.
• Behavioral Health Crisis Response Team: Mobile crisis services available to meet individuals where they are.
• Behavioral Health Health Hub in Lexington Park: Local support for residents in crisis.

Mental health professionals emphasized that seeking help is a sign of strength and encouraged residents to speak openly about mental health concerns.

About Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed nationally each May since 1949 to increase public understanding of mental illness, reduce stigma and promote access to treatment and support services. This year’s local proclamation reaffirmed St. Mary’s County’s commitment to encouraging open conversations and improving access to behavioral health resources.

You can watch the full proclamation below at 3:53.

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