by MCF Director of Public Policy Ann Geddes Some caregivers are upset upon learning that their child is gay or transgender – they may believe that homosexuality and gender non-conformity are wrong, abnormal or harmful. This negative response can manifest itself in a number of ways – caregivers might prohibit their child from having a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, ..

by MCF Program Coordinator - Problem Gambling Nancy Quidas Many teenagers are gambling and, as parents, you may not even know about it. Recent research revealed that approximately 4-5% of young people between the ages of 12 and 17 are struggling with a gambling addiction. Another 10-14% are at risk of developing an addiction, which means they are already showing signs  ..

by MCF Director of Public Policy Ann Geddes The goal of legislative advocacy is to inform and to influence a legislator about their vote on a piece of legislation. Legislators actually do listen to what their constituents have to say and you have more power than you may realize. Legislative advocacy is not difficult, but there are a few things you should know before you ..

by MCF Chief Operating Officer Gail Doerr One of the most encouraging findings to have emerged from the science of happiness is that people take delight in giving to others. In fact, several studies have found that spending money on others brings more happiness than spending on yourself. The research suggests that certain factors need to be in place in order to maximiz ..

by MCF Director of Public Policy Ann Geddes The Department of Health recently released preliminary data for unintentional overdose deaths for the period January through September 2018. During this time there were 1,848 unintentional overdose deaths – an eight percent increase over the same period in 2017. While the number of heroin-related deaths and prescriptio ..

by MCF Director of Public Policy Ann Geddes The Children’s Behavioral Health Coalition, a group of 20 organizations, has established its advocacy platform for 2019, and its first priority is to request more funding from the Kirwan Commission (https://www.acy.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/ACY-Kirwan-Commission-Info-Sheet-Version-2.pdf) for school-based behavioral healt ..

by MCF Director of Public Policy Ann Geddes You may have seen or read about the Kirwan Commission in the news, but are uncertain about its specifics and how it could impact your family. Here is a brief overview of the origin and focus of this Commission. In 2016 the Maryland Legislature established the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education to make Ma ..

by MCF Clinical Supervisor Ronnie Biemans, MA, LCPC For many of us the time before, during, and after the holiday season is focused on family and celebrations. This can also be a time when we find ourselves doing too much of the wrong things and too little of what keeps us well. You can probably remember at least one time you found yourself in bed with the flu or some  ..

This February, Maryland families will gather at the state capital in Annapolis to raise their voices in support of critical behavioral health issues. Donate now (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=SDHD9CYY5B8KW) to support MCF's #GivingTuesday initiative – our 19th Annual Family Day in Annapolis. Your donation will:  ..

Parents and caregivers who are ready to be stronger advocates for their child and community are invited to apply for MCF’s 2019 Family Leadership Institute (FLI). This 60-hour, six-weekend intensive training program is available at no cost to participants, thanks to a grant by the Maryland State Department of Education. Applicants must have school-age children with mental h ..