County Council of Dorchester County Open Meeting Minutes June 17, 2025 The County Council of Dorchester County convened into Open Session on June 17, 2025 at 5:02 p.m., in Room 110 ofthe County Office Building, 501 Court Lane, Cambridge, Maryland 21613. A roll call of the members was conducted. Present in Room 110 were: George L. Pfeffer, Jr., President; Mike Detmer, Vice President; Rob Kramer, Jr.; William V. Nichols; and, Ricky C. Travers. Also present in Room 110 were: Jerry Jones, County Manager; and, Irene Barnes, Executive Operations Specialist. Charles MacLeod, County Attorney, joined by phone. Upon motion by Councilman Kramer at 5:03 p.m., seconded by Councilman Nichols, the Council unanimously adjourned into Closed Session, pursuant to the following sections ofTitle 3 of the General Provisions Article oft the Maryland Annotated Code, $3-305(b)(1) to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; $3-305(b)(13) to comply with a specific constitutional, statutory, or judicially imposed requirement that prevents public disclosures about a particular proceeding or matter; $3- 305(b)(7) to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice; and, $3-305(b)(4) to consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State. The Written Statement for Closing a Meeting under the Open Meetings Act is attached hereto. OPEN SESSION The County Council of Dorchester County convened into Open Session on June 17, 2025 at 6:09 p.m., in Room 110 of the County Office Building, 501 Court Lane, Cambridge, Maryland 21613. Present in Room 110 were: George L. Pfeffer, Jr., President; Mike Detmer, Vice President; Rob Kramer, Jr.; William V. Nichols; and, Ricky C. Travers. Also present in Room 110 were: Jerry Jones, County Manager; and, Irene Barnes, Executive Operations Specialist. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilman Pfeffer led the invocation and the pledge of allegiance. CALL FOR ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA There were no additions or deletions to the agenda, however, there was a title correction on the consent agenda item, Grant Submission Request - IIJA Airport Infrastructure Grant - Federal Aviation Admin - Airport, from Grant Submission Request to Grant Award. Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously approved the corrected agenda. FINANCIAL REPORT: CASH AND INVESTMENTS Councilman Pfeffer reported total cash and investments as $30,102,815.53. Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of. June 17, 2025 Page No. 2 CLOSED SESSION SUMMARY The Council convened into a Closed Session at 5:03 p.m. on June 17, 2025 to discuss the following items pursuant to Title 3 ofthe General Provisions Article ofthe Maryland Annotated Code $3-305(b)(1), (13), (7) & (4): 1. Notifications of recent personnel changes within the County were provided. 2. Personnel matters relating to specific individuals and positions; 3. Proposals of specific organizations to retain existing facilities; 4. Received legal advice from the County Attorney regarding the following: a. A specific County owned property; b. Requirements of a specific funding source; C. An memorandum of understanding between the County and a specific municipality; d. An agreement between the County and a specific organization; e. A: specific incident within a County department; f. A constituent matter related to municipal services; g. Appointment of a board member to a specific board; and, h. Notification received from a specific state agency. CONSENT AGENDA Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda. County Council Open Session Minutes - June 3, 2025 Accounts Payable Disbursement Report Week Ending June 13, 2025 Councilman Travers abstained from payments made to Simmons Center Market Grant Award - IIJA Airport Infrastructure Grant - Federal Aviation Admin - Airport Request ofSteve Nuwer, Airport Director, to accept a $45,932.00 FY25 Airport Infrastructure grant agreement through the Federal Aviation Administration to fund 95% ofthe topographical survey costs in preparation for the rehabilitation of Taxiway A at the CGI Airport, with a match of $2,418.00 funded by the FY24 Capital Budget appropriation for the CGE Runway 16/34 Rehabilitation NEPA Survey, with a four year award period. Grant Award - FY26 Critical Area Commission - Planning & Zoning Request of Susan Webb, Planning & Zoning Director, to submit a $5,000.00 FY26 Critical Area Grant agreement through the Maryland Critical Area Commission to assist the County with expenses related to enforcing Critical Areas regulations, with no match requirement and an award period of. July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. County Property Tax Exemption Request - Finance Request ofTrudy Neal, Treasury Manager, Finance, to confirm the following County property tax exemptions: 07-105118 Glenburn Associates Limited Partnership $ (19.46) Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of June 17, 2025 Page No. 3 07-115970 Glenburn Associates Limited Partnership $ (37.07) 07-157967 Glenburn Associates Limited Partnership $ (19.46) 07-158025 Glenburn Associates Limited Partnership $ (18.53) 07-172737 Glenburn Associates Limited Partnership $ (10.19) 07-179707 Glenburn Associates Limited Partnership $ (4,263.75) 15-028262 Homes For Hurlock Limited Partnership $ (5,561.56) 07-175086 Woman's Auxiliary of DGH $( (1,328.58) Intradepartmental Budget Transfer Request - Recreation & Parks Request of Duc Trieu, Recreation & Parks Director, to complete a FY25 budget transfer request within the department. Grant Award - Economic Development Administration - MD/US Dept. of Commerce - Tourism Request of Holly Gilpin, Tourism Director, to açcept a $112,320.00 Economic Development Administration grant award through the Maryland Department of Commerce, with no match requirement and an award period ofJuly 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025. FY26 Senior Care Program - Department ofSocial Services Request of Jenifer L. DuBosq, Director, Dorchester County Department of Social Services (DCDSS), to continue the Senior Care Program in Dorchester County, which provides comprehensive case management and funding for essential services to individuals over the age of 65, who are moderately to severely disabled and at risk of nursing home placement, which will be funded by the DCDSS through a Maryland Department of Aging grant. PROCLAMATIONS COUNTY SONG = DORCHESTER DREAMS - MONTH OF JUNE The Council presented a Proclamation declaring "Dorchester Dreams"! by Jayla Elise Diggs as the Official County Song for the month of June. PRESENTATIONS ANNUAL REPORT - CONTINUANCE OF SERVICE REQUEST - MID SHORE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, INC. Kathryn Dilley, Chief Executive Officer, Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. (MSBH) and J Howard, Behavioral Health Coordinator, Specialty Populations & Programs, MSBH, presented the attached presentation. Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Nichols, the Council unanimously approved the request of Ms. Dilley to execute a Core Service Agency FY26 Letter of Agreement between Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's, and Talbot counties and MSBH, to allow MSBH to continue to act as the agent in oversight, planning and development of the Public Behavioral Health System in Dorchester County Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of. June 17, 2025 Page No. 4 ACTION ITEMS CHRIST ROCK EVENT REQUEST - CHESAPEAKE BAY DOGS - RECREATION & PARKS Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Counçilman Kramer, the Council unanimously approved the request of Mr. Trieu on behalfof Willis Johnson, Director, Chesapeake Bay Dogs, to use the open area between the parking lot and the basketball court at Christ Rock Park on August 16-17, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for scrimmages. The Council acknowledged that a certificate ofinsurance will be provided. BID AWARD - SPORTS LIGHTING FOR ATHLETIC FIELDS - RECREATION & PARKS Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously approved the request of Mr. Trieu to award the bid for the Installation of Sports Lights for Three Multi-Purpose Athletic Fields project at the School Street Complex to the lowest bidder, Aerial Services, Inc., at the cost of $674,134.00, which will be funded by the FY23 Local Parks and Playground Infrastructure grant. ROAD CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT AMENDMENT - PLANNING & ZONING Upon motion by Councilman Detmer, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously approved the request of Ms. Webb, on behalf of Perry Otwell, Member, Cabin Creek, LLC to execute the Mill Pond at Cabin Creek Road Construction Agreement Amendment No. 4 to exclude the remaining lots in the subdivision from the prohibition preventing the owner from selling the lots in the subdivision until the road construction has been completed and approved. The Council acknowledged that: 1) the occupancy and construction permits cannot be obtained until the roads are completed and accepted to the standards set forth in the agreement; and, 2) Planning & Zoning and Public Works have reviewed and are in favor of this request. FY26 CATEGORICAL BUDGET - BOARD OF EDUCATION Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Kramer, the Council unanimously approved the request of Laurie K. Dale, Chief Finançial Officer, Dorchester County Public Schools to: 1) accept the Dorchester County Public Schools FY26 Categorical Budget based on the County's FY26 Budget allocation of $26,316,174.00 for operating expenses and $0.00 for capital expenses; and, 2) execute the FY26 Annual Budget Certification Statement. MARYLAND ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES RECOMMENDATIONS Upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Nichols, the Council unanimously approved the following list of initiatives to provide to the Maryland Association of Dorchester County Council Open Session Minutes of Junc 17, 2025 Page No. 5 Counties for the 2026 Maryland General Assembly legislative session: 1) consider a pause or suspension of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future to allow counties to catch up financially; 2) reconsider solar pre-emption; 3) improving infrastructure related to transportation and water drainage; 4) battery storage safety concerns for solar, as well as concerns about the sufficiency of decommissioning bonds; and, 5) continue to reform juvenile justice. COUNCIL'S COMMENTS Councilman Detmer: 1) commended and thanked Mr. Jones for providing excellent leadership and responsiveness; 2) spoke on the recent murder within the City of Cambridge and the need for additional juvenile justice reform; and, 3) emphasized that protests and the execution of first amendment rights should be conducted in a peaceful manner. Councilman Pfeffer: 1) said the County will be closed on Thursday, June 19, 2025 in observance ofJuneteenth; and, 2) reiterated Councilman Detmers comments, urging all protestors to be peaceful. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, and upon motion by Councilman Travers, seconded by Councilman Nichols, the Council unanimously adjourned the meeting at 6:58 p.m. AITEST: THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF DORCHESTER, - AAU UNTY: Jefry Jones George L. Pfeffer, Jr., - résident County/Manager Mike Detmer, Vice President Rob Kramer, Jr. Wallen 1 Khchek William V. Nichols Abent Ricky' C. Travers 5t Approved the day of Jdly 2025. PRESIDING OFFICER'S WRITTEN STATEMENT FOR CLOSING A MEETING ("CLOSING STATEMENT") UNDER THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT (General Provisions Article $ 3-305) This form has two sides. Complete items 1 - 4 before closing the meeting. 1. Recorded vote to close the meeting: Date: vlnl25 Time: 5.62 p.m.; Location: 501 Court Lane, Room 110, Cambridge, MD 21613; Motion to close meeting made by: Kromer Seconded by: Michols Members in favor: Pfcfftv Kiamty Nichols DriMeN aiplws Opposed: Abstaining: Absent: 2. Statutory authority to close session (check all provisions that apply). This meeting will be closed under General Provisions Art. $ 3-305(b) only: (1).x "To discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals"; (2). "To protect the privacy or reputation of individuals concerning a matter not related to public business"; (3). "To consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto"; (4)x "To consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State"; (5). "To consider the investment of public funds"; (6). "To consider the marketing of public securities"; (7)_x "To consult with counsel to obtain legal advice"; (8). "To consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation"; (9). "To conduct collective bargaining negotiations or consider matters that relate to the negotiations"; (10). "To discuss public security, if the public body determines that public discussion would constitute a risk to the public or to public security, including: (i) the deployment of fire and police services and staff; and (ii) the development and implementation of emergency plans"; (11). "To prepare, administer, or grade a scholastic, licensing, or qualifying examination"; (12). "To conduct or discuss an investigative proceeding on actual or possible criminal conduct"; (13)x "To comply with a specific constitutional, statutory, or judicially imposed requirement that prevents public disclosures about a particular proceeding or matter"; (14). "Before a contract is awarded or bids are opened, to discuss a matter directly related to a negotiating strategy or the contents of a bid or proposal, if public discussion or disclosure would adversely impact the ability of the public body to participate in the competitive bidding or proposal process." (15). "To discuss cybersecurity, if the public body determines that public discussion would constitute a risk to: (i) security assessments or deployments relating to information resources technology; (ii) network security information . or (ii) deployments or implementation of security personnel, critical infrastructure, or security devices." Continued * 3. For each provision checked above, disclosure of the topic to be discussed and the public body's reason for discussing that topic in closed session. Citation Topic Reason for closed-session (insert # discussion of topic from above) $3-305(b)(1) To discuss the following, Public Discussion of applicant's Personnel changes within the names and job info could County discourage people from applying Personnel matters relating to for County jobs specific employees and positions 53-305(b)(13) Same topic as above Public Information Act, GP Section 4-310 and 311 requires us to shield recommendation letters and job applications $3-305(b)(7) To receive legal advice from the Council does not want to waive the County Attorney regarding the attorney-client privilege. See page following, 101, August 17, 2021, OMCB ruling A specific County own property; (15 OMCB 99) Requirements of a specific funding source; An memorandum of understanding between the County and a specific municipality; An agreement between the County and a specific organization; A: specific incident within a County department; A constituent matter related to municipal services; a Appointment of a board member to a specific board; and, a Notification received from a specific state agency. $3-305(b)(4) To discuss proposals of specific The General Assembly added this organizations to retain existing exception on the basis of its facilities. understanding that some businesses might be deterred from making proposals about relocation, expansion or retention of an existing facility if all such discussions were open to public view 7 OMCB Opinions 148, 159-63 (2011) 4. This statement is V a made by Officer. Presiding WORKSHEET FOR OPTIONAL USE IN CLOSED SESSION: INFORMATION FOR SUMMARY TO BE DISCLOSED IN THE MINUTES OF THE NEXT OPEN MEETING. (See also template for summary.) For a meeting closed under the statutory authority cited above: Time of closed session: Place: Purpose(s): Members who voted to meet in closed session: Persons attending closed session: Authority under 5 3-305 for the closed session: Topics actually discussed: Actions taken: Each recorded vote: - For a meeting recessed to perform an administrative function (S 3-104): Time: Place: Persons present: Subjects discussed: (Form Rev.10/1/2018) CLOSED SESSION SUMMARY JUNE 17, 2025 The Council convened into a Closed Session at 5:03p.m. on June 17, 2025 to discuss the following items pursuant to Title 3 of the General Provisions Article ofthe Maryland Annotated Code $3-305(b)(1), (13), (7) & (4): 1. Notifications of recent personnel changes within the County were provided. 2. Personnel matters relating to specific individuals and positions; 3. Received legal advice from the County Attorney regarding the following: a. A specific County own property; b. Requirements of a specific funding source; C. An memorandum of understanding between the County and a specific municipality; d. An agreement between the County and a specific organization; e. A specific incident within a County department; f. A constituent matter related to municipal services; g. Appointment of a board member to a specific board; and, h. Notification received from a specific state agency. 4. Proposals of specific organizations to retain existing facilities. / B 6 € AE 8 E 5 n E 8 : - - DAA I € - S E - P E S 1 d 6 - R a K s - 2 % o F 5 , 6 K > % - 10 - & & % & & 52 00 s 0 , MID SHORE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ISOUIIS JISASE rets FY25/26 Dorchester County Council Annual Presentation Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. June 17, 2025 Mission MSBH's mission is to continually improve the provision of behavioral health services for residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne' 's and Talbot Counties through effective coordination of care in collaboration with consumers, their natural support systems, providers and the community at large. Vision The vision of MSBH is a rural behavioral healthcare delivery system that is clinically and culturally competent. This system will ensure access, have a community, focus, be cost-effective, and be integrated to serve the community as a whole. 5BmpacetSlatement The Mid-Shore Planning Collaborative acknowledges that behavioral health systems have historically been used as a tool to perpetuate racism. Racism causes trauma. Racial bias within these systems cultivates health disparities and inequities, which can reinforce racial oppression. Through our participation in training, conferences, and events, we have intentionally incorporated the principles of anti-racism into our. strategy, to directly address racism in our communities. Programs and Services Serving the Mid-Shore: 9-8-8 Maryland Reçovery Network (MDRN) Adolescent Clubhouses (S.O.R.) Mental Health Crisis Beds Behavioral Health Assisted Living Initiative Mobile Crisis and Stabilization Services Behavioral Health Coordinator PASRR and Aging Mobile Crisis Team/ Crisis Response Child and Adolescent Consumer Support Mobile Treatment Unit Mobile Response and Stabilization Services PATH Case Management for Homeless (MRSS) Peer Support Consumer Support Funding Problem Solving Court Continuum of Care Housing Subsidy Recovery Housing (S.O.R.) Crisis Beds (S.O.R.) Recovery Housing Extended Stay (MOOR) Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Residential Rehabilitation Program Deaf/Hard of Hearing Mental Health Access Safe Stations (S.O.R.) Detention Center Mental Health Services School-Based Mental Health (Caroline) Eastern Shore Operation Center Hotline SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access & Recovery (SOAR) Emergency Housing Program Grant State Hospital Discharge Initiative- Statewide Forensic Mental Health Program Assisted Living Specialist Harm Reduction Coordinator Suicide Prevention Initiatives- Gun Lock/Suicide Good Sam/Harm Reduction Training (ORF) Coalition Homeless ID Targeted Case ManagementAdut/oum Homeless Management Information System Transitional Age Youth Homeless Point in Time Count Trauma, Addictions, Mental Health and Homelessness Solutions Program Recovery (TAMAR) Housing Development Urgent Care HUD/COC Housing Programs Wellness and Recovery Youth Respite Services Hub Pilot Latino Population Therapists 1 MID SHORE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH evars cagasc N FY25 Highlights in Review Since FY21, MSBH has worked collaboratively with the mid-shore counties Local Addictions Authorities to plan and implement a regional integrated Community Behavioral Health Plan. MSBH will continue to work collaboratively with the mid-shore Health Departments in planning as MSBH moves towards a regionall Local Systems Managementintegration and Local Behavioral Health Authority structure. Behavioral Health Service Network and Workgroups: Child, Adolescent, and Young Adult Workgroup, Forensic and Crisis Intervention Team, Adult Services Workgroup, Behavioral Health Services Network, Eastern Shore Safe Station Coalition, Residential Services Committee, Roundtable on Homelessness, Diversity and Inclusion Workgroup, and the People's Roundtable, Mid Shore Peer Workgroup, Autism Workgroup and Experiential Therapy Workgroup. MSBH has supported the Eastern Shore Crisis Response Mobile Crisis Teams (MCT) in providing a 24/7 service for the eight counties of the Eastern Shore. The Eastern Shore Operations Center (ESOC), 888-407-8018, is also operating 24/7 locally. ESOC is also serving as the regional back up line for National Suicide Prevention Hotline 9-8-8 calls. Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) is currently providing more intense services in six Eastern Shore counties for children, adolescents, and their support networks. The State of Maryland continues to move towards a fee-for-service reimbursement structure for mobile crisis teams and has new COMAR regulations. The regulations provide reimbursement rates and staffing requirements for each team. The challenge for the ESCRS is that the Medicaid reimbursement rates are insufficient for rural teams, and there is a genuine concern for the sustainability of mobile crisis teams. To meet the current funding level using the fee-for-service structure, the mobile crisis teams would need to respond four times more than the current annual number of responses. In addition, due to workforce shortages on the shore, the teams do not have the needed staffing, and the new regulations require a licensed clinician and a peer to respond to each dispatch. The overnight team currently consists of a peer who only responds with a police officer. ESCRS would notreceive reimbursement for this structure. MSBH continues to advocate fori the preservation and continuation of grant funding to supplement this service. MSBH hosted the 11h Annual Sequential Intercept Model meeting with providers and community partners on November 1, 2024, with the theme: Aging and Advocacy: Navigating Justice Reform for Older Populations. MSBH has promoted the Mid-Shore Out of the Darkness Suicide Awareness Walk since its inception. MSBH manages the Mid-Shore State Opioid Response Grant (S.O.R.) which currently funds: Twelve Crisis Beds at A.F. Whitsitt Center. Safe Stations in four Counties: Caroline, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester. Recovery Housing (6)- Gratitude House in Cambridge, MD (1) receives funding to cover the individual's cost of recovery housing for up to 90 days. Foundations Recovery Houses in Easton, MD (3), Foundations Recovery House in Chestertown, MD (1), and Awaken Recovery in Cambridge, MD (1) all receive funding 2 MID SHORE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH "ESOUECIS. SAN MOLESESS to employee Peer Recovery Specialists to provide peer support services to all residents in each recovery house. Adolescent Clubhouse Sites: Minary's Dream Alliance, Inc. Club F.E.A.R (Face Everything and Rise). North location serves Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne's, and Talbot counties. South location in Cambridge, MD supporting Dorchester County. MDA has plans to begin services within Mace's Lane Middle School in 2025. In FY23, MDA opened a satellite location in Denton, MD. Harm Reduction Coordinator MID SNORE SUICIDE COAUTION In FY 24, MSBH received an award for developing a suicide coalition. Through a partnership with Channel Marker, a local mental health and wellness provider, the Mid Shore Suicide Coalition was created. The Coalition officially began meeting in February 2024. There are 25 members actively attending monthly meetings and staffing tabling events. On May 9th, 2024, the coalition hosted a presentation by Matt Runnels on Reaching and Understanding Our Youth. MSBH is hosting the coalition webpage via their website, to share centralized information on events, support groups, community resources, and toolkits. The Mid Shore Suicide Coalition has created Suicide Prevention branded education and awareness materials to disseminate within the community. During FY24, Suicide Prevention topics such as Veterans Crisis Information Line, 988, Suicide Prevention Month, Black & Suicidal Peer Support Group, Gun Lock distribution, training events, and the Governor's Commission on Suicide Prevention live stream meeting announcement, were all highlighted across social media platforms. On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the coalition will be hosting an event featuring international speaker Kevin Hines and "Stay Alive,' a documentary film about suicide prevention and mental health. The event, hosted at Cambridge South Dorchester High School auditorium, will include a discussion panel led by Hines, as well as a showing of the documentary. MSBH initiated a firearms safety and awareness campaign in collaboration with the regional crisis provider to do leave behinds of gun locks, information on Extreme Risk Protective Orders, and specific outreach to first responders and law enforcement for gun safety initiatives and CIT trainings. This grant, titled "Suicide Prevention: Gun Safety First Responders and Individuals in Crisis" enabled MSBH to hand out over 2,000-gun locks to the mid-shore area. MSBH in collaboration with State and local partners has engaged in Crisis Intercept Mapping to support the mid-shore's veteran population. During FY25, local partners and stakeholders met with support from the Behavioral Health Administration to explore what resources are available to our veteran population to support them in their behavioral health needs including suicide prevention. This group has met monthly since the initial training with State leadership and has continued to outline existing services, gaps and potential resources that might help to fill the gaps between VA services and community services. We continue to work as a collaborative to identify solutions. MSBH, in collaboration with all five mid-shore county Health Departments' Leadership, hosted the fourth regional Mid-Shore "Going Purple Together" event. This collective event 3 MID SHORE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH GIOURCIS 04 IISS was hosted in Caroline County on September 14, 2024. "Going Purple Together" will be held in Queen Anne's County this year, on September 27, 2025. MSBH hosted the 14th Annual Across the Lifespan with a theme of "Wellness Promotion and Preventative Measures: A Proactive Approach to Fostering Open Dialogue and Harm Reduction Model", held at the Miles River Yacht Club in St. Michaels, MD, on April 25th, 2025. MSBH is supporting Maryland's first Behavioral Health Assisted Living Initiative. This project was launched in FY21 and has thrived with serving individuals and supporting this model expansion throughout the state of Maryland. The primary site for this project is located in Cecil County, MD at Heron's Creek Assisted Living. Currently, the Behavioral Health Assisted Living Initiative serves six individuals, and the program is at full capacity. Based on need, MSBH staff collaborated on a DEI Training Series specifically designed for the ALF staff who serve residents in the program. To date, all of the phases have been completed. In phase one, we laid the foundation by defining DEI and Ageism. Subsequent phases included discussion on topics such as bias, discrimination, stigma, behavioral health stigma, gender, and sexuality. MSBH was awarded the State Hospital Discharge Initiative contract in FY23. Funding became available in December with the goal of collaborating with State hospitals to transition consumers from State hospitals into Assisted Living placements throughout the State of Maryland. The initiative served twenty-one individuals in FY23, five oft the twenty-one being undocumented. In FY24, 29 individuals which included one more undocumented individual from the previous year successfully discharged from State Hospitals to Assisted Living placements around the state. A full-time Statewide Assisted Living Specialist was hired in FY23 as part of the care coordination team for the State Hospital Discharge Initiative. To date in FY25, 37 individuals have been discharged and placed in assisted living facilities across the state. A recent Statewide State Hospital Discharge Initiative and Behavioral Health Assisted Living Symposium training event occurred for participating ALF providers at Baltimore Washington Mediçal Center. Behavioral Health Advocacy/Eastern Shore Behavioral Health Coalition: Responsible for the organization and facilitation of the Coalition. The Coalition provided a presentation to the Eastern Shore Delegation, March 18, 2025. Special advocacy efforts for MDRN Funding, licensure and credentialing, crisis response services/988 funding, and ongoing advocacy for the A.F. Whitsitt Center/Upper Shore facility sustainability planning. Bay Bridge Partnership: In response to increased incidents of suicide attempts and visibility of the incidents on the Bay Bridge, MSBH initiated a partnership with multiple state partners in August of 2020. This partnership has grown to have statewide representation and acknowledgement for the impact of, response to, and the development of the crisis system in Maryland. The partnership is also addressing cross jurisdictional responses and suicide prevention initiatives. The partnership's recent focus has been on signage for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 9-8-8 as well as working with Baltimore County partners following the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and tragedy. MSBH prioritizes work internally and with the community provider network to address racism, systematic racism, health equity and inclusion work. The following initiatives demonstrate MSBH's dedication to inclusion work and celebrates the collaborative spirit in the approach to healing, restoring, and building the mid-shore community: Talbot Equity Coalition, DEI Workgroup, Conversations on Race, Affinity Groups, Anti-Racist Strategy Workgroup and 4 MID SHORE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ISOURCIS GJDANTE MSit -T 55 American Sign Language (ASL), CLC Strategic Planning, Diversity and Inclusion Workgroup, Technical Assistance Office Hours with Rollins Consulting, and Rural Health Initiative planning for service and partner community impact. The Talbot Equity Coalition serves as a networking and collaborative space for team members from local agencies, organizations, and companies, supporting them as equity advocates within their spheres of influence. The coalition is a conduit to creating the collective momentum needed to move beyond individual inertia and institutional barriers to deliberately and strategically normalize and operationalize equity practices across community agencies, organizations, and companies for long-term systemic change. MSBH has five participants in the coalition. MSBH regularly attends, facilitates, and participates in the Local Drug and Alcohol Abuse Councils for all five counties, Shore Regional Health's Opioid Task Force, and the Opioid Misuse Prevention Program meetings. MSBH is represented in the Mid Shore Health Improvement Coalition (LHIC). MSBH developed and supports the leadership of the Mid Shore Peer Support Workgroup. MSBH community initiatives included providing education and resources at twenty-six events such as National Night Out, Talbot County Multicultural Festival, Summerfest, Family Fun Fest, Pride Festivals, as well as school, career, and resource fairs throughout the mid-shore. MSBH staff presented at the 20th Maryland Problem-Solving CourtSymposium November 20- 21, 2024. The presentation was: Trauma Amongst Diverse Populations. In Fall of 2023, MSBH was awarded six additional residential rehabilitation program (RRP) beds as part of a state initiative to open more placements for clients with chronic mental health disorders being discharged successfully from the state psychiatric hospitals. The project was an extensive process that included the provider, Channel Marker Inc, purchasing and renovating an additional home to meet licensing requirements. In December 2024 placement began for those six additional beds and currently all six expansion beds are filled. There is a total of 94 RRP beds located in three of the five mid-shore counties. Beyond Inclusion Conference: MSBH hosted the second annual Beyond Inclusion Conference, "Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers" February 28, 2025, at the Oxford Community Center, Oxford, Maryland. This conference is an opportunity for MSBH to extend its work as an organization to engage the community with training and addressing inclusion and equity in the region. MSBH currently serves as the Hub Pilot through the Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports to serve Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's, and Talbot Counties; new funding for expanded behavioral health services for the public schools and communities in the state. Starting in FY26 MSBH will be a full Coordinated Community Support Partner for Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's, and Talbot Counties. MSBH will also serve as a Hub Pilot for Caroline County. Building Healing Systems Learning Collaborative (Healing Systems Learning Cohort). This is an ongoing process with the objective to expedite and improve the advancement of Trauma- Informed, Reslience-Oriented and Equitable Care and Culture in the state of Maryland's public behavioral health community. MSBH recognizes the need to mitigate the impact of trauma while building a trauma-informed workplace by holding biweekly internal meetings to identify goals while incentivizing staff as objectives are met. 5 MID SHORE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ISOURCES JIDASE WHOL Forensic Mental Health/CIT Workgroup Appreciation and Resource Day- June 2024 and June 2025. Self-care is highlighted as an important step in developing self-awareness and strong, preventative skills amongst our valued workgroup participants. Caroline Pride Collaboration and Pride Month Event; MSBH will be supporting a Pride Month event this June. Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. integrated at the inception of FY25 to represent the Local Behavioral Health Authority structure for Kent County. As a part of this newly formed integrated structure, MSBH has employed two peer support specialists to report primarily to Kent County Health Department as an initial workforce initiative pilot for the integrated model. Continuum of Care Highlights: Reçeived Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month proclamation for the month of November. Social media Account for CoC to broaden outreach and community impact with information pertaining to homelessness and resources. The Defeat the Heat initiative began implementing cooling centers and hydration stations throughout the five counties. CoC New Member Roundtable Annual Meeting held May 13, 2025. In FY24, MSBH secured permanent CAYAS Consumer Support funding beginning in FY25 for $20,000. These funds can be utilized to access or retain community placement for children and youth with Medical Assistance. Examples of uses for these funds are security deposit and first month's rent, utility turn on, deposit or past due bills, basic household needs, camps, equine therapy, etc. Funding was spent down to $0 by November 2024. Due to an increasing need for support services and resources for individuals with an autism diagnosis, the CAYA team created an Autism Workgroup in partnership with Talbot County Public Schools. The workgroup's mission is to be an electronic resource for all community partners on the Eastern Shore of MD, 6r those in need (events, education, medical, advocates, agency supports and mental health), for Autism. MSBH team participated in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge. Mid-shore's five-year Adult Targeted Case Management procurement cycle ended in FY24, resulting in a Request for Proposals to be released to the public. Proposals were reviewed and scored by the MSBH Board of Directors Program Services Committee. From the proposals Community Behavioral Health was awarded the next five-year contract FY25 through FY30. Community Behavioral Health has physical locations in all five mid-shore counties, increasing accessibility to TCM services. Adult Targeted Case Management (TCM) provides community-based advocacy and coordination of services to adults helping them access medical, mental health, housing, social, educational, and other supports and services as needed, in hopes of stabilization without requiring higher levels of care. 6 MID SHORE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH IQURCIS G1218CI, WWOIINISS OFI Dorchester County Specific Highlights: MSBH has proudly served as the partial Local Addictions Authority (LAA) to the Dorchester County Health Department since FY2015-present. MSBH looks forward to the continued support as partial LAA in FY25. MSBH regularly attends and participates in the Criminal Justice Network (LDAAC), Dorchester County School-Based Wellness meetings, Child Advocacy Center Advisory Board, Going Purple Together, Dorchester County Public Schools Health Council, Dorchester Juvenile Coordinating Council and Shore Regional Health's Opioid Task Force. MSBH facilitates quarterly provider meetings to identify gaps and opportunities with behavioral health providers. This gathering has been revamped to boost participation and engagement. MSBH has been promoting the AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) Mid Shore Out of the Darkness Walk since its inception in 2004. This walk aims to raise awareness about mental health and support those affected by suicide. MSBH has supported the Dorchester County Addictions Program in opioid awareness efforts and continues to provide support in Recovery Prevention and Awareness programming through Dri-Dock Wellness and Recovery. The program location has changed to 103 Maryland Avenue, Cambridge. MSBH partners with Dorchester County Department of Social Services annually in collaborative efforts with faith-based and human services organizations as well as local businesses to provide resources to homeless individuals. MSBH continues to fund Minary's Dream Alliance the Adolescent Clubhouse Grant, Dorchester County Site. MSBH Hub Manager currently participates on the advisory board for the Community of Hope Coalition, ENOUGH initiative. As a joint venture with the Dorchester County Health Department DCHD), MSBH's Harm Reduction program purchased four Narcan vending machines to be placed in throughout Dorchester County. Each machine holds 200 doses of Narcan and will be refilled as needed by DCHD. MSBH conducted three Naloxone trainings in Dorchester County. Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) worked with 26 family units in the first 3 quarters of FY25; the second most of any county served by MRSS. In FY24, 39 family units were served. As part of the mid-shore "Suicide Prevention: Gun Safety First Responders and Individuals in Crisis" program and in collaboration with Dorchester County Library and other community entities, MSBH's Harm Reduction team has been able to distribute 75 gun locks throughout Dorchester County. Through the Consortium of Coordinated Community Supports Grant, MSBH has acted as al Hub Pilot in FY25 fort five providers in Dorchester County that have successfully provided 7 MID SHORE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ISOURCIS Jo MOLEW15S. "OFI services to over 900 students in ten Dorchester County Public Schools as of March 1, 2025. MSBH will be a full Coordinated Community Support Partner in Dorchester County. On April 29th, 2025, Mid Shore Behavioral Health in collaboration with Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency, conducted a training for Channel Marker, Crossroads Community, and HealthPort that occurred at the Eastern Shore Health Education Center in Cambridge, MD. Attendees from all three RRP's were present to learn about topics addressing Older Adult Needs Within an RRP Setting. The Traumatic Brain Injury Project Coordinator from the Behavioral Health Administration was also in attendance and presented on Traumatic Brain Injury and Behavioral Health regarding older adults. The MHA of MD has been working in two Dorchester County high schools, teaching Teen Mental Health First Aid. The students have been having great experiences in the class, and the positive feedback has sparked interest in other students. Several MSBH staff members have taken the ASIST Suicide Intervention Training, to provide suicide first-aid intervention when interacting with someone who has thoughts of suicide. MSBH was a partner in the planning for the Dorchester County Extreme Cold Plan, which was created by the Dorchester County Health Department, in coordination with Cold Weather Collaboration Group Partnership. MSBH Continuum of Care Housing and Outreach Specialist is the lead for the Defeat the Heat Initiative which will support outreach to unhoused individuals or those at risk for loss of shelter by identifying cooling centers, bed placement, and rapid rehousing programs throughout Dorchester County and the mid-shore region. MSBHteam members Mary Becraft and Katie Dilleyjoined the Dorchester County SIM planning with county leadership during the Statewide Summitt on Behavioral Health (5/21-5/22/25). Initiatives for diversion from the criminal justice system were planned out fori implementation in FY26. 8 MID SHORE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH OVICIS GAPABCI MOLINIIS. OPI Awards over Five-Year Period Mid-Shore Counties $25,000,000 $21,767,641 $20,000,000 $16,304,910 $14,595,607 $15,000,000 $10,874,480 $9,793,084 $10,000,000 - - $5,000,000 $0 FY21 Actual FY22 Actual FY23 Actual FY24 Actual FY25 Budget Dorchester County Utilization by Service Area Mental Health Substance Use Highest Service Areas: Highest Service Areas: Outpatient 94% Labs 68% Psychiatric Rehabilitation 20% Outpatient 54% Inpatient 5% SUD Residential All Levels 16% Case Management 4% Residential Room and Board 16% Mobile Treatment 4% Intensive Outpatient 15% Residential Rehabilitation Program 1% Opioid Maintenance Treatment 11% Decrease YOY Increase YOY 9 MID SHORE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ISOURCIS MOLE NESS OPI Consumers Served Mid-Shore Region Mental Health FY22 = FY24 Source: Optn LSA) (claims paid llarougl g 34 24) FY22 FY23 FY24 3500 3071 3118 3000 2776 FY24 2500 2300 2369 Maryland 275,492 2107 2000 85 4 1904 1643 1655 1733 Mid-Shore 10,186 1500 1523 1096 140 Dorchester Co. 3,118 1000 984 (9% of population) 500 Caroline Dorchester Kent Queen Anne's Talbot 10 MID SHORE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CiOuIcis GIDANCE wwOLNiSS "OPI Consuners Served Mid-Shore Region Substance Use FY22 - FY24 Source: Oplun. MSOiclains paid thronghg: jou 3) FY22 FY23 FY24 2000 FY24 1500 1414, 1487 1262 Maryland - 114,396 1000 941 1004 1050 Mid-Shore 4,607 m 784 789 738 777 589 67 Dorchester Co. 1,467 531 544 500 (4% of Population) Caroline Dorchester Kent Queen Anne's Talbot 11