Hoyer Advocates for More Than $1.6 Million for Mental Health Services and Restorative Justice Programs in Prince George's County

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) applauded the inclusion of $1,675,000 million in funding for mental health services and restorative justice training in Prince George's County. The funding was included in the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies and the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies funding bills for Fiscal Year 2022.

"This important funding will take steps to improve mental health services in the Fifth District and ensure our criminal justice system is more fair and just," said Congressman Hoyer. "I was pleased to advocate for this important funding, which will make our communities safer places to live. I will continue to put the needs of Fifth District families first, and advocate for funding that boosts mental health services and supports restorative justice programs."

The funding requests include the following:

• $925,000 in Health and Human Services Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) funding for Medstar Southern Maryland Hospital, a non-profit, to upgrade their behavioral health unit that provides mental health services.
• $750,000 in Department of Justice, Office of Justice Assistance funding for Bowie State University for their Institute for Restorative Justice that will focus on training staff, faculty, and community members on restorative justice and practices.

The legislation now goes to the House Floor for final consideration. Funding for these projects was requested by Congressman Hoyer through the House Committee on Appropriations' Community Project Funding process. Each Member is limited to no more than 10 Community Project Funding requests. Combined earmarks are capped at 1% of all discretionary spending.