Advocacy Websites

American Psychiatric Association Division of Advocacy
This website has information about the APA Department of Government Relations, the APACAN which allows for direct communication to both federal and state elected officials through the APA website, and APAPAC which is the APA version (at the federal level) of the MPPAC.

Maryland Parity Project
The Maryland Parity Project (MPP) is an initiative of the Mental Health Association of Maryland that aims to educate insured Marylanders and help them use their new rights to access mental health and addiction treatment under the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, which requires equity in mental health/addiction and medical/surgical benefits.  Currently only individuals insured through large employers (50 or more employees) or government are covered. Medicare is also specifically exempted in the law.  With different state and federal rules governing mental health coverage, understanding the system is complex for both individuals and providers. The MPP offers case assistance to those who may not be receiving the benefits they should.

Maryland General Assembly
This site serves as the official site for the Maryland General Assembly. It contains information regarding the current session, past sessions, schedules of events, publications, proposed legislation, Delegate and Senator biographies and committee information.

MedChi – The Maryland State Medical Society Law & Advocacy Center
MedChi, The Maryland State Medical Society, is a non-profit organization whose goal is to serve as Maryland’s foremost advocate and resource for physicians, patients & the public health. The Law and Advocacy Division serves as an information and advocacy conduit to and from members on matters of legal, legislative, and regulatory concern to Maryland physicians and analyzes public policy issues affecting physicians and health care. The Division ensures that members are kept informed of legal and regulatory changes affecting the practice of medicine and spearheads advocacy efforts directed at government agencies and business entities regarding developments in these areas.

Contact Your Elected Officials In Maryland
The state is divided into 47 legislative districts, with each district represented by one senator and 3 delegates. Some districts are wholly contained in one county and some districts contain multiple counties. The General Assembly is divided into two houses: the 47 member Senate and the 141 member House of Delegates. Each member is elected to serve a four year term.

Maryland Mental Health Association Of Maryland
Focused on promoting mental health, preventing mental disorders and achieving victory over mental illness through advocacy, education, research and service.