Advocates Ask Md. To Budget More Money For Mental Health

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Mental health advocates are calling on the state to budget more money so people who need treatment are able to get it.

Political reporter Pat Warren has more on the campaign to "keep the doors open."

It's been an emotional and financial roller coaster for Trish Todd, whose son has mental health issues.

"Families should get the treatment they need, not the treatment they have to settle for," she said.

Mental health advocates want funding to keep pace with inflation to make sure services are available for those in need. In addition to funding, advocates are pushing for round-the-clock walk-in service and mobile crisis teams for people across the state.

"For too many vulnerable Marylanders---some with mental illness, some with addiction, some with complicated medical problems, all of them living in poverty---they're locked out from even walking through an open door," said Kevin Lindemood, Healthcare For The Homeless.

The state budget office is against tying funding to inflation but supporters believe lack of treatment exacts a greater cost.

"Here's the simple fact: Maryland is the richest state in the richest country in the world. Nobody but nobody should go without treatment because the state won't step up with funding," said Delegate Eric Leudtke.

Funding rates have risen six times in the past 20 years.

Meanwhile, people are put on waiting lists or go without any help at all.

The bill for a 24-hour walk-in plan cleared a Senate committee last week.