Annapolis, MD (September 25, 2009) – Maryland is one of seven states to receive an award from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for integrated home and community-based services and supports for youth and young adults with serious mental health challenges and their families, according to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH). 

The award to assist youth facing severe challenges comes as Governor Martin O'Malley and DHMH Secretary John M. Colmers joined the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Gil Kerlikowske, House Speaker Michael Busch, along with law enforcement, youth, and community leader stakeholders to discuss the current drug control strategy, its effectiveness at every level of government, and improvement initiatives. The roundtable is part of a six-city national tour by Kerlikowske to assess the drug control program and ways to make it more effective for the American people. 

“Protecting and promoting opportunities for our state’s young people is the responsibility of all of us who care about our neighborhoods and the future of our One Maryland,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Whether we’re keeping college affordable, cooperating with our federal and local partners to control drug abuse or helping those in need become productive adults, this is a priority we can not afford to ignore.” 

The Healthy Transitions Initiative will bring $480,000 a year for five years into Maryland to help meet the needs of young adults with mental illness transition into full adult roles.  State mental health officials will use the funds to design and implement a system of care network of services to assist this population.  The system will build upon evidence-supported models to create the network of services that will be piloted in Frederick and Washington counties. 

“This program helps young Marylanders who already face serious life challenges become successful and productive adults, ” said DHMH Secretary John M. Colmers “We’re helping families and saving dollars by providing the skills, knowledge, and training these young people need at this critical point in their growth as they transition from school to meaningful employment and independent living.” 

The grant begins on October 1, 2009 and will be implemented through the department’s Mental Hygiene Administration. Continuation of these awards is subject to both availability of funds and progress achieved by the awardees. This grant program will be administered by SAMHSA’s Center for Mental Health Services.