Maryland Veterans Behavioral Health Advisory Board

Why was the Advisory Board created?

Governor Martin O’Malley established the Maryland Veterans Behavioral Health Advisory Board through the passage of Senate Bill 210 and House Bill 372 during the 2008 Legislative Session of the Maryland General Assembly. While the Advisory Board originally focused on Iraq and Afghanistan veteran issues, legislation passed in 2009 expanded efforts to include all veterans.

The Advisory Board was created to look at the availability and accessibility of behavioral health services to veterans and their families. Key data, such as an inventory of services, gaps in services and obstacles in accessing services will be examined, and collaboration among federal, state and private service providers will be facilitated to maximize funding and access to resources. The issues and recommendations developed by the Advisory Board are critical to Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans.