Brook Lane

07/29/2025

We are incredibly grateful to the Washington County Government - Maryland Gaming Commission for awarding us $35,000 from the Fiscal Year 2025 Gaming Fund. Thank you for your support!

The Washington County Gaming Commission is pleased to announce the distribution of its Fiscal Year 2025 Gaming Fund, benefiting the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association and 51 local charitable organizations.

The total amount distributed for FY2025, which ended June 30, was $2,347,408.90, representing a decrease of $66,876.99 compared to FY2024 revenues.

In accordance with state law, Gaming Fund revenues are split equally between the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association and eligible charitable organizations. In January 2025, the Fire and Rescue Association received an initial disbursement of $525,693.91. An additional $648,010.54 was distributed this month, bringing the Association’s total FY2025 allocation to $1,173,704.45.

In May, the Commission received 86 eligible applications from 75 charitable organizations, requesting a total of $3,232,196.09 in funding. Following a public hearing in June and a one-day allocation workshop in July, the Commission was able to fully or partially fund 55 of the 86 requests. Of the 86 applications:

21 organizations received full funding
34 organizations received partial funding
31 applications were not funded

In total, $1,173,704.45 in gaming funds was allocated to 51 of the 75 qualifying charitable organizations.

The Community Free Clinic received the largest award, totaling $200,000, followed by Washington County Community Action Council at $100,000, and R.E.A.C.H. of Washington County at $75,000.

For additional information, please contact Washington County's Public Relations and Marketing Department at 240-313-2380 or pr@washco-md.net.

07/24/2025

Happy International Self-Care Day! 🪷

Self-care is an intentional and mindful process of choosing to do something that is specifically designed for yourself that allows you to generate a sense of satisfaction.

Don't know where to begin? Here are 15 easy ways you can prioritize your mental health!

👟 Go for a walk
📖 Read a book
🐶 Cuddle with your pet
📓 Write in a journal
🧘 Meditate
🎶 Listen to music
🎨 Do something creative
🛁 Take a relaxing bath or shower
🥗 Make a healthy meal
🪩 Have a solo dance party
📱 Take a social media break
🧼 Clean and organize a space
🚲 Go for a bike ride
📞 Call a friend
🌳 Spend some time in nature

07/14/2025

July is recognized as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

Racial/ethnic, gender, and sexual minorities often experience poor mental health outcomes, underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis, and/or lack of treatment.

Increased knowledge about mental health concerns can help empower diversity groups to learn more, seek support, and decrease the stigma that continues to surround mental health.

Read more at

July is recognized as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell. Bebe Moore Campbell co-founded the National Alliance on Mental Illness Urban Los Angeles, advocating for […]

07/03/2025

Fireworks on Independence Day has been a tradition since the founding of our nation. While they bring entertainment and joy for many, let's not forget about those with PTSD. 🩵

It is not uncommon for the sounds, light or smells to cause distress for those who served in combat or went through a fire, explosion or gun violence.

How to support loved ones with PTSD during the holiday:
- Offer words of support
- Remind the person that they are safe in the present moment
- Offer to do a breathing technique or mindfulness activity

If you're hosting a party:
- Notify guests ahead of time if fireworks are a part of the celebration and what time they will begin.
- Consider using sparklers or light shows as an alternative
- Create space so that guests can be in small groups rather than a large crowd

❤️🤍💙

06/25/2025

Please join us in welcoming the Meritus Psychiatry residents! 💙

These individuals matched with Meritus’ highly selective program and will be working in both Meritus Medical Center and Brook Lane!

🚨 Big news in mental health care! 🚨

The first Meritus Psychiatry residents are arriving this July — and they'll be treating patients right here in our community at Brook Lane and Meritus Medical Center.

This marks a major step forward in expanding access to expert behavioral health services in Western Maryland.

👉 Read more about what this program means for patients, providers, and the future of mental health care: https://www.meritushealth.com/about/news/meritus-psychiatry-residency-program-set-to-launch

06/23/2025

Today is a new day! 🌅

Start your week off right with some morning affirmations.

06/20/2025

Here comes the sun! Happy first day of summer! ☀️

There are many ways to ensure you make the most of the longer days and brighter weather. Here are five tips for boosting your summer mental health.

- Spend Time Outside: Build in time to separate yourself from electronics and spend some much-needed time outside.

- Get Active: Exercise is a needed part of life and at least 30 minutes, five times per week. It goes by quickly when you pass the time with a friend or family member!

- Redefine Your Expectations: Focus on some key events that are best done in the summer, but don’t overload the summer with a list of “to-dos” that become overwhelming and unattainable.

- Create a Summer Routine: Families function better when they follow a routine and stick to it. Regular mealtimes, compliance with medication, and set bedtimes will all lead to a happier, calmer family.

- Lose the Guilt of Saying "No": You don’t have to attend every event, party, or family trip that others expect you to attend.

Read more about nurturing your mental health this summer on our blog: https://www.brooklane.org/five-tips-for-nurturing-your-mental-health-this-summer/

06/09/2025

Men's Mental Health Month is a time to raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Men suffering from mental illnesses are less likely to receive help due to the pressure men face to "man up" or "tough it out."

But here are the facts:

- Nearly 1 in 10 men experience some form of depression or anxiety. Less than half seek treatment.
- Men are nearly 4x more likely to die by su***de than women.
- More than 3 million men in the US have panic disorder, agoraphobia, or any other phobia.

Together, let's support men and encourage them speak up about their mental health. 💙

If you, or someone you care about, are in need of help to regain mental wellness, visit our website, www.brooklane.org, or call 301-733-0330 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced therapists. We're here to help.

06/01/2025

PTSD Awareness Month reminds us that not all wounds are visible. 🩵🩹

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition that affects about 12 million people in the United States, develops after a life-threatening event such as military combat, violence, abuse, or a disaster.

If you are experiencing nightmares or unwanted memories of trauma, heightened reactions, anxiety, or depression that impacts your daily life, Brook Lane can help you explore effective treatment approaches that make sense for your specific needs. For more information, visit our website at https://www.brooklane.org/.

05/29/2025

🎙️ Tune in to hear Jeff O'Neal, the CEO of Brook Lane, on Let's Talk Tristate on 92.1! He discusses the Meritus Mental Health Urgent Care, Brook Lane's services, the Meritus Health partnership, and more!

Don't miss it! Click the link to listen now:

🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omSLAl89kBw

05/27/2025

Last week, Brook Lane visited Moore RMG for their mental health fair! We love to see our community breaking the stigma around emotional wellness. 💚

Employees enjoyed treats, plants, coloring sheets, and learning about our programs including the free mental health first aid courses! 🐨🧡

05/21/2025

Today is World Meditation Day! 🧘🪷

Meditation is a mental exercise that trains attention and awareness.

Studies have shown that there are numerous benefits to meditation, including the lowering of stress and blood pressure, improving sleep, increasing self-awareness and helping manage anxiety and depression.

Be kind to your mind and give meditation a try! 🧠