Keeping the Door Open in Annapolis

On February 26, a combined 34 staff and clients from Crossroads Community and Corsica River traveled to Annapolis to stand together with one message: Keep the Door Open. At Lawyer’s Mall, we joined hundreds of advocates from across Maryland calling for strong, stable access to behavioral health services.

The rally highlighted the urgent need for investment in Maryland’s behavioral health system. More than one million Marylanders live with a mental health or substance use disorder, yet over 30% of those who need care do not receive it. Crisis calls to the 988 helpline have increased by 30%, and nearly 1,300 Marylanders died from overdose in a recent 12-month period. At the same time, proposed budget decisions could reduce school mental health funding and freeze reimbursement rates for community behavioral health providers, making it harder for programs to keep pace with demand and rising costs.

Behind every funding decision are real people: children who need support in school, parents navigating crisis, and individuals working toward recovery. Community providers play a critical role in delivering care and support across Maryland.