MD Heroin Awareness Advocates, Inc. (MHAA), established in 2015, is a grassroots
nonprofit community-based organization (CBO) dedicated to advancing awareness,
prevention, treatment, and education for individuals and families impacted by substance
use and mental health challenges. Founded by family members with lived experience,
MHAA understands firsthand the complexities of addiction, recovery, and the
importance of preserving family unity.
MHAA provides a wide range of no-cost services designed to meet individuals where
they are in their journey. These services include treatment navigation, recovery
supports, peer support services, Narcan trainings, and assistance with essential needs
such as food, clothing, short-term housing, transportation, and access to affordable
dentures. As proud Good Samaritan Ambassadors, MHAA delivers community
presentations on the “Good Samaritan Law”, which protects individuals from
prosecution when seeking medical help during a medical emergency, drug overdose, or
underage drinking incident. The organization also actively supports and advocates for
legislation that strengthens these life-saving protections.
Education is central to MHAA’s mission. Many members of the Board of Directors are
certified instructors in Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid, The Brain and the
Disease of Addiction, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and Problem Gambling.
In addition, MHAA’s Education Coordinator is a certified grief educator who provides
specialized support to families experiencing loss. Through these trainings and services,
MHAA equips individuals, families, schools, and communities with practical tools and
knowledge to respond to substance use and mental health challenges.
MHAA facilitates family and grief peer support groups, offering safe and compassionate
spaces for connection, healing, and shared understanding. The organization works
across the full continuum of care—from prevention and early intervention to sobriety
and long-term recovery—ensuring families receive consistent and comprehensive
support throughout their journey.
Deeply rooted in the community, MHAA has sponsored multiple awareness billboards
across the state to promote substance use prevention and educate the public about the
Good Samaritan Law. The organization is invited annually to collaborate with several
school systems, further extending its educational outreach and impact among youth and
families.
Born from the founders’ own experiences navigating the trauma of addiction and the
gaps in available services, MHAA was created as a true “boots on the ground” CBO.
Operated entirely by dedicated volunteers, all services are provided free of charge.
Funding is generated through member-driven fundraisers and generous community
donations.
As addiction evolves, so do the needs of families. MHAA remains committed to adapting
alongside those it serves.