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Biweekly Newsletter - September 4, 2026
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Message from Secretary Rothstein
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As we recognize National Suicide Prevention Month, I want to speak directly to Maryland’s veterans, service members and military families: You matter, full stop! Your experiences matter and you do not have to face grief, isolation or life’s challenges alone.
Suicide prevention begins with each of us. I encourage you to check on the people in your life—not only when something seems wrong, but regularly. Create a safe, judgment-free space for an honest conversation. Make the phone call. Send the text. Sit beside someone and listen. These simple acts can remind a person that they are valued and that they do not have to carry their burdens alone.
I also ask Marylanders to become active members of this community of care. Support a veterans’ cause, attend a military-connected event or volunteer with an organization serving veterans and their families. Every act of compassion, no matter how small, strengthens the network surrounding those who have served and sacrificed.
If you or someone you know needs support, please visit veterans.maryland.gov/benefits-services/healthcare to explore mental health and wellness resources available to Maryland’s veterans, service members and military families. Help is available, and you are never alone.
If you or someone you know needs immediate support, call 988 and Press 1 or text 838255 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. Confidential support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Life is good!
Sincerely,
Ed Rothstein
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DVMF Highlights
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 The Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program and Fund is available for eligible organizations that provide service or support animals or equine-assisted therapy to Maryland veterans and their eligible family members.
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Required Technical Assistance Conference: Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 10:00–11:30 a.m. (virtual)
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Online application deadline: Friday, October 2, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
 September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, encourage meaningful conversations and connect people with lifesaving resources. DVMF continues to address the tragedy of suicide among Veterans and remains committed to helping find support before a crisis happens. Through the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and their Families. DVMF works with state and community partners to identify military-connected Marylanders, strengthen connections to care, promote suicide prevention training and expand awareness of behavioral health resources.
Learn more about DVMF’s suicide prevention and behavioral health resources by visiting DVMF's Governor’s Challenge & Behavioral Health Resources page.
Core Programs and Initiatives
Learn how our core programs and initiatives—work together to support veterans, service members, and military families across Maryland—from helping individuals access earned federal and state benefits through the Service and Benefits Program, to providing long-term care and memory support at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, honoring service through our state veterans Cemetery and Memorial Program, expanding our Communications, Outreach, & Advocacy Program efforts statewide, and offering critical financial assistance through the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund when families need it most.
Donate to the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund
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Maryland Joins Forces News & Events
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Maryland Joins Forces' mission is to unite public and private partners to foster innovative solutions to challenges facing our military connected community. Through intentional collaboration, we empower veterans, service members, and their families with the support they deserve, building a community where no one is left behind. Visit Maryland Joins Forces.
 Join the Maryland Department of Health’s Office of Integrated Wellness and Prevention for a World Suicide Prevention Day event on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Connect with prevention partners, explore wellness resources and stand together in support of suicide prevention. Attendees are encouraged to wear yellow as a symbol of hope, support and remembrance. Organizations may also participate as Prevention Partners by hosting a resource table.
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State and Federal Resources
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The Maryland Higher Education Commission is accepting applications for the Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit through September 15, 2026. Eligible Maryland residents who file a 2026 state income tax return, have incurred at least $20,000 in student loan debt, currently owe at least $5,000, and are actively making loan payments are encouraged to apply. |
State Agencies
Governor Moore Announces Employer Registration for Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Is Live-Office of Governor Wes Moore
State Park Day Use Area Admission Fee Waivers- Department of Natural Resources
How to Apply for Benefits- Department of Veterans and Military Families
Veteran Services - Workforce Development & Adult Learning- Department of Labor
Maryland’s Commitment to Veterans- Behavioral Health Administration
Expedited Processing for Veterans- Department of Education
Veterans Benefits Offices- Motor Vehicle Administration
Special Rates for Military-Connected Communities- Department of Natural Resources
Federal Agencies
NCA Cemetery Director Development Program- Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Veterans Business Development- Small Business Administration
U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization-Department of Veterans Affairs
 Opening up about what you’re going through can make it easier to find support and prevent a crisis before it happens. Whenever you need to talk, the Veterans Crisis Line is here to listen. Dial 988 then Press 1, chat at http://VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.
To stay informed about upcoming community events, resource fairs, and outreach activities, visit DVMF's events page. Information is updated regularly.
Is this your first edition of the DVMF newsletter? If so, welcome! You are receiving this newsletter because you signed up to receive it from our website or you gave permission to a DVMF program, the Motor Vehicle Administration or Department of Labor to receive information on VA benefits and resources. DVMF respects your privacy and does not share your email address. If you have questions about our Department, our Programs, or your VA benefits, please visit veterans.maryland.gov or call 410-260-3838.
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Newsletter Information Disclaimer
The Maryland Department of Veterans & Military Families does not endorse the organizations sponsoring these events, and we do not endorse the views they express or the products/services they offer. The views and opinions expressed in any referenced document do not necessarily state or reflect those of DVMF. The information provided is intended for your general knowledge only, and serves solely as a DVMF community outreach effort.
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