Mental Health Advisory Council

The purpose of the Mental Health Advisory Council is to serve as an advocate for a comprehensive mental health system for persons of all ages. The Council is comprised of a broadly representative membership of consumers, family members, providers, mental health professionals, clergy, and representatives from related public agencies, appointed by the County Executive. The Council serves as an advisory group to the Baltimore County Bureau of Mental Health, which serves as the Core Service Agency for the County. Meetings are open to the public.

If you have any questions regarding the Mental Health Advisory Council or wish to attend a meeting, contact Robert Blankfeld, Bureau Chief at rblankfeld@baltimorecountymd.gov. 

Council Membership for FY 2008

Reverend Frederick Weimert, Chairman, Calvary Baptist Church, Towson
Tony Wright, Vice Chairman, On Our Own
Blanche Coady, Secretary, Baltimore County Department of Social Services

Mary Hauf, On Our Own, Inc. 
Sendy Rommel, Prologue, Inc.
Mary Beth Tierney
Lynne E. Muller, PhD, Baltimore County Public Schools
Mary C. Ayd
Ann R. Steinberg

Ex-Officio Members
Pierre N. Vigilance, MD, MPH, Director and Health Officer, Baltimore County
William Gregory Branch, MD, Deputy Health Officer, Baltimore County
Robert Blankfeld, Director, Baltimore County Bureau of Mental Health
Carol Bocchini
Erin Leatherwood, Mental Health Association of Maryland
Roe Davis, Executive Director, Local Management Board
Kate Farinholt, Family Member, NAMI-Metropolitan Baltimore
Denise Goldberg, LCSW-C, Spring Grove Hospital Center
Sgt. Todd Rassa, Baltimore County Police Department
Timothy Griffith, Director, Baltimore County Department of Social Services
Beth Gunter, Baltimore County Department of Juvenile Services
Barbara Korenblit, LCSW, Baltimore County Department of Aging

Liaison from the Board of Health 
Gracemarie Sommerhof, RN

Baltimore County Mental Health Fair and Town Meeting

A major activity of the Mental Health Advisory Council is the annual Mental Health Fair and Town Meeting. Traditionally held each October, the Town Hall Meeting brings together governmental agencies and non-profit providers in the County serving mental health consumers and their families.

A panel of representatives from agencies such as the Department of Social Services, Baltimore County Public Schools, Bureau of Substance Abuse, Bureau of Mental Health/Core Service Agency, Baltimore County Police Department, Maryland Disability Law Center and the Mental Hygiene Administration answer questions from the public.

Individuals from these agencies are also available to meet one to one with the public for specific issues and concerns. Public officials such as the County Executive are invited to attend the meeting. The Bureau of Mental Health in developing their annual needs assessment uses concerns and recommendations from the Mental Health Fair and Town Meeting.  

The next Mental Health Fair and Town Meeting will be scheduled and posted over the next few months. 

Mental Health Advisory Council Committees

There are several ad-hoc committees within the Advisory Council for specific tasks. They include:        

• Mental Health Fair and Town Meeting Planning Committee
• Membership/Nominating Committee
• Website Committee 

Advisory Council Meeting Dates

All meetings are held:

The 2007 meetings are scheduled for: 

* July and August meetings are pending 

Revised August 14, 2007