St. Mary’s Deputies Respond To Dozens Of Mental Health Calls As Awareness Month Highlights Crisis Response Efforts

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — As communities across the nation observe Mental Health Awareness Month in May, new data from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office highlights the growing need for trained, compassionate responses to individuals in crisis.

In April alone, deputies responded to 76 calls related to mental health incidents, according to a recent social media post from the agency. Of those, 47 resulted in emergency petitions, connecting individuals with medical professionals for evaluation and care.

Officials say those numbers represent more than statistics — they reflect real-life situations where timely intervention can make a critical difference.

Throughout May, the Sheriff’s Office is highlighting its Crisis Intervention Team training program, which equips deputies, correctional officers and partner agencies with specialized skills to respond effectively to mental health crises. The training focuses on communication, de-escalation techniques and collaboration with health care providers and community resources.

“CIT emphasizes communication, de-escalation, and collaboration, ensuring people are treated with dignity and guided to the help they need,” the Sheriff’s Office stated.

The program is designed to reduce the risk of escalation during encounters while prioritizing the safety and well-being of both individuals in crisis and responding officers. By strengthening partnerships with local mental health providers, CIT-trained personnel can help direct individuals toward appropriate care rather than relying solely on enforcement measures.

The April call volume highlights the ongoing demand for these services in St. Mary’s County, as law enforcement continues to play a frontline role in responding to behavioral health emergencies.

Officials are also using Mental Health Awareness Month to remind residents that help is available beyond emergency response. Individuals experiencing a mental health crisis — or those concerned about someone else — can call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, to connect with trained counselors 24 hours a day.

As the Sheriff’s Office continues to expand awareness and training efforts, leaders say the goal remains clear: ensuring that every person in crisis is met with understanding, care and a path toward recovery.

---