Maryland Health & Mental Hygiene: Official Department

The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) is a vital state agency dedicated to protecting and improving the health and well-being of Maryland's residents. Established in 1971, DHMH plays a pivotal role in ensuring access to quality healthcare, preventing disease, and promoting healthy lifestyles across the state.

Mission and Vision

DHMH's mission is to empower all Marylanders to live healthier, longer, and more productive lives. Its vision is a Maryland where every individual enjoys optimal health and well-being. The department is committed to achieving these goals through innovative programs, effective policies, and collaborative partnerships.

Key Functions and Services

DHMH is responsible for a wide range of health and mental health services, including but not limited to:

• Public Health Services: DHMH works to prevent disease, promote health, and protect the public from health threats. This includes surveillance, investigation, and control of infectious diseases, as well as health education and promotion initiatives.
• Mental Health Services: DHMH oversees mental health services for adults and children, including outpatient and inpatient treatment, crisis intervention, and community support programs.
• Substance Use Services: The department provides prevention, treatment, and recovery services for individuals with substance use disorders.
• Healthcare Access: DHMH administers programs that help Marylanders access affordable healthcare, such as Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
• Healthcare Quality and Safety: DHMH ensures the quality and safety of healthcare services in Maryland through licensing and certification of healthcare facilities, as well as oversight of healthcare professionals.

DHMH Structure and Leadership

DHMH is led by the Secretary of Health, who is appointed by the Governor of Maryland. The department is organized into several administrative units, including the Center for Health Care Quality, the Center for Health Equity, and the Behavioral Health Administration.

DHMH Initiatives and Programs

DHMH implements various initiatives and programs to address the health priorities of Marylanders. Some of these include:

• Healthy Maryland 2020: A statewide health improvement plan focusing on reducing chronic diseases, promoting healthy eating and active living, and ensuring access to quality healthcare.
• Maryland's Opioid Operational Command Center: A collaborative effort to combat the opioid crisis through prevention, treatment, and enforcement strategies.
• Maryland's Behavioral Health Integration Project: An initiative to integrate mental health and substance use services into primary care settings, improving access and coordination of care.

Contacting DHMH

For more information about DHMH and its services, or to find local health departments and providers, visit the official DHMH website at health.maryland.gov. You can also contact the DHMH Helpline at 1-877-463-3464.