Council Connection - May 19, 2025

BOARD OF HEALTH HOLDS MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TOWN HALL

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the County Council, sitting as the Board of Health, hosted a Mental and Behavioral Health Town Hall on Monday, May 12. Council Members were joined by industry experts – including Dr. Matthew Levy, Prince George’s County Health Department’s Health Officer; Erica Turner, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor; and State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy – to discuss the county’s progress in improving mental and behavioral health programs and services since 2023, when the Board of Health previously held a town hall on the topic. According to Dr. Levy, the county currently has 237 licensed public behavioral health providers and 615 licensed programs. The Dyer Care Center in Clinton opened in 2024, adding 16 treatment chairs, and Pyramid Healthcare’s residential and detox center in Bowie added 75 beds since 2023.

“We still have many gaps in care, but we have made some progress, and we will continue to work to make more progress,” Dr. Levy said. “The Health Department is committed to improving access to behavioral health and substance use disorder services.”

The Board of Health also heard directly from community members, who shared their own experiences with mental or behavioral health treatment in the county. Council Members know that addressing mental health challenges requires more than just recognition during Mental Health Awareness Month. It calls for year-round education, engagement, and action. The Council is committed to improving services in the county, especially for kids and teens.

“I don’t know all of the answers, but I am committed to working with everyone to bring about positive change as it relates to mental health in Prince George’s County,” said Council Chair Edward Burroughs III (District 8).

COUNCIL MEMBER FISHER INTRODUCES RESOLUTION TO PROTECT IMMIGRATION STATUS IN SCHOOLS

In an effort to protect undocumented immigrants in Prince George’s County, Council Member Wanika Fisher (District 2) introduced a new resolution on Tuesday, May 13. CR-55-2025 would officially encourage the Prince George’s House and Senate General Assembly Delegations to pass legislation barring all county employees, including teachers, principals, and other school leaders, from sharing any information with immigration officials regarding students, teachers, or staff members. The resolution would also encourage the General Assembly to expand the scope of the Office of Integrity and Compliance to include investigating any school official who violates the immigration laws of the Maryland Trust Act.

COUNCIL PRESENTS HALF DOZEN PROCLAMATIONS

The Council presented six proclamations on Tuesday, May 13. The honors were presented to the following:

Maryland Supreme Court Justice Peter Killough

Carlos Lopez, member of the Prince George’s County Latino Advisory Board

Kimberly Boddie, a lupus survivor and advocate, in recognition of World Lupus Day

Thai Nguyen, local business owner, in recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Mardokai Russom, in recognition of the 34^th Eritrean Independence Day

KLM Fierce, an 18U cheer team from the Kettering-Largo-Mitchellville Boys & Girls Club, in recognition of their historic bid to “The Summit” competition in Tampa, FL.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WHO WERE HONORED!

PHED COMMITTEE BRIEFED BY FARM BUREAU

To better understand the state of agriculture in Prince George’s County, the Planning, Housing, and Economic Development Committee met with Dan Donohue, the President of the Prince George’s County Farm Bureau, and other Farm Bureau members on Thursday, May 15. The Farm Bureau currently has around 300 members, with the mission to strengthen and grow Prince George’s County agriculture. Representatives and Council Members discussed challenges currently being faced by farmers and ranchers in the county, including a lack of agriculture processing facilities, and the importance of local farms to our food supply. They also discussed programs designed to introduce young Prince Georgians – and the next generation of farmers in our community – to the world of agriculture.

DATA CENTER TASK FORCE CONVENES FOR FIRST MEETING

The Qualified Data Center Task Force held its first meeting on Wednesday, May 14. The group was formed through legislation proposed by Council Chair Edward Burroughs (District 8), who is co-chair of the task force. Task force members, including Council Member Wala Blegay (District 6), will study potential risks, community benefits, and revenue potential of data centers, while ensuring residents are part of the decision making process. Recommendations of the task force will help shape the policies and priorities for responsible development in Prince George’s County.

May 19 - Task Forces-Workgroups - 3:30 PM - Cancelled

May 20 - County Council - 10:30 AM - No Council Session - DETAILS

May 20 - Task Forces-Workgroups - 10:00 AM - DETAILS

May 21 - Task Forces-Workgroups - 11:00 AM - DETAILS

May 21 - Task Forces-Workgroups - 1:30 PM - DETAILS

May 21 - Board of Appeals - 6:00 PM - DETAILS

May 22 - TIEE Committee - 10:00 AM - Cancelled

Archived Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page.

VICE CHAIR ORIADHA JOINS TEACHERS’ RALLY, INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL DAY, PLAYGROUND OPENING, AND COMMUNITY BABY SHOWER

Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha (District 7) joined the Prince George’s County teachers' union to rally for increased staffing and higher pay in Prince George's County Public Schools. She also attended International Festival Day at Maya Angelou French Immersion School along with Council Member Wala Blegay (District 6). Additionally, Vice Chair Oriadha was there for the grand opening of the Oxon Run Playground as well as the Community Baby Shower at Seat Pleasant Elementary School.

COUNCIL MEMBER FISHER ATTENDS RALLY FOR REPARATIONS COMMISSION, NONPROFIT HOME RENOVATION EVENT

On Friday, May 9, Council Member Wanika Fisher (District 2) joined the Rally for Reparations Commission in Annapolis, urging Gov. Moore to sign into law SB587, a bill establishing the Maryland Reparations Commission. The Council’s General Assembly Committee voted to officially support the bill, and last year, the Council adopted CR-005-2024, proposed by Fisher, urging the state to establish the commission. Council Member Fisher thanks the incredible speakers at the rally and all the state delegates and senators who stood in support of the bill. One week later on May 16, Gov. Moore vetoed the bill writing in part, “…while I appreciate the work that went into this legislation, I strongly believe now is not the time for another study. Now is the time for continued action that delivers results for the people we serve.”

Council Member Fisher also joined Washington Gas and nonprofit A Wider Circle for a tour of one of the 35 homes they’ve transformed. Through this incredible program, residents receive brand-new furniture of their choosing, a visit from a local interior decorator, and a full home redesign, completely free of charge.

COUNCIL MEMBER OLSON SUPPORTS BIKE TO WORK DAY AND 5K PTA RUN

Council Member Eric Olson (District 3) took part in Bike to Work Day 2025 on May 15. It was great to join College Park Mayor Fazlul Kabir, City Council Members Jacob Hernandez and Alan Hew, residents, and businesses who participated! Council Member Olson also ran in the Azalea Classic, University Park Elementary School PTA’s annual 5K, joining University Park Mayor Laurie Morrissey and Del. Ashanti Martinez.

COUNCIL MEMBER HAWKINS ATTENDS MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH

Council Member Calvin Hawkins (At-Large) was honored to attend a Mother’s Day brunch honoring women at Shepherd’s Cove Shelter. The event was sponsored by the Prince George’s County Commission on Fathers, Men and Boys and the Prince George’s County Department of Health and Human Services. Realtor Ashley Brooks was the guest speaker at the brunch and gave an inspirational message, celebrating the resilience, strength, and unconditional love of mothers, especially those facing hardship and transition.

COUNCIL MEMBER IVEY ATTENDS MOTHER’S DAY EVENT, CITY COUNCIL SWEARING-IN

Council Member Jolene Ivey (At-Large) and her husband Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Prince George’s) were proud to join the Association of Guatemalans Without Borders as they celebrated Prince George’s County mothers. Council Member Ivey also congratulated Cottage City Council Members Julia Salsich (Ward 1) and John Brooks (At-Large) at their swearing-in ceremony.

COUNCIL MEMBER BLEGAY IS RECOGNIZED BY FOUNDATION AND MEETS WITH SENIORS

Council Member Wala Blegay (District 6) was honored to be recognized by Legacy Premier Foundation for her work assessing and addressing needs of the county’s minority business community. She thanks Legacy Premier for their continued leadership and advocacy. Additionally, Council Member Blegay had the pleasure of meeting with senior residents at The Vistas and listening to their thoughts, concerns, and ideas.

COUNCIL MEMBER WATSON DELIVERS KEYNOTE SPEECH AT BSU MPA GRADUATION

Council Member Ingrid S. Watson (District 4) was honored and excited to serve as the keynote speaker at the Bowie State University Masters of Public Administration hooding ceremony. She is very proud of this phenomenal group of hardworking, accomplished graduates and their amazing professors. Congratulations!