

(R) for his gesture in making the bill honoring his son’s legacy the first to be signed into law after the legislature adjourned. Raskin, standing in front of the State House where he used to serve as a Montgomery County senator, thanked Gov. Quinton Askew, president and CEO of 211 Maryland, said that anyone interested in the program for themselves or their loved ones can sign up early by texting “Health check” to 211631. The legislation will also connect callers with crisis services if needed. The Thomas Bloom Raskin Act, named after Raskin’s son who died by suicide on New Year’s Eve, will establish voluntary mental health check-ins from trained and accredited mental health professionals through the state’s 211 system. “And so, my family is just really happy that Tommy has been honored in this way.” “We live in a state that cares about each and every young person out there and we don’t want to lose anybody else,” Raskin said. Lawmakers crossed the aisle and shared emotional embraces Monday morning, as they commemorated the enactment of a mental health services expansion bill named in memory of U.S. Malcolm Augustine (D-Prince George’s), among other lawmakers. Raskin was joined by (L-R) Quinton Askew, president and CEO of 211 Maryland, Del. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) speaks at a Monday morning ceremony commemorating the enactment of a mental health bill named in honor of his late son.
