Council Spotlight
Keeping Up With Kate - July 16, 2025 (English)
Dear Friends,
July is National Minority Mental Health Month, also known as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Mental Health Month, which aims to bring awareness to the specific and unique barriers to mental health faced by our BIPOC communities in the U.S.
BIPOC Mental Health Month honors the legacy of Bebe Moore Campbell, an author, journalist, and advocate of mental health. Bebe’s tireless work and activism shed light on the mental health needs of the Black community and other communities of color. For resources on BIPOC mental health, visit Mental Health America.
Structural and institutional racism, inequitable access to health care, and cultural stigma contribute to the disparities in mental health outcomes. Ensuring our behavioral health services are culturally-responsive, inclusive, equitable and accessible to residents of all backgrounds is imperative to the development of a cohesive mental health system of care in the County.
If you or someone you know is struggling, mental health resources are available locally.
As always, feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or need assistance.
Sincerely,
Kate Stewart
Council President
Community Choice Energy Plan
Changes to federal policy and funding of climate action work, compounded by increasing energy prices, make it vital to explore all available options to stabilize energy costs and advance the County’s climate work.
The county’s Climate Action Plan identifies Community Choice Aggregation (CCA), also known as community choice energy, as the number one, most impactful climate action we can take to reach our climate goals by 2035. That’s why I was proud to introduce legislation to create a CCA plan, which would allow our local government to purchase electricity on behalf of residents, businesses, and municipal accounts. This legislation would enable the County to offer more renewable energy options while delivering price stability and cost savings to residents. Learn more.
If you need help reducing your electrical bills through efficiency improvements, please check out these programs and resources:
EmPOWER Maryland program for free or discounted energy audits, weatherization, and efficient appliances and bulbs
National Park and Rec Month
Did you know July is National Park and Recreation Month? Explore all that our parks, trails and state-of-the-art recreational facilities have to offer this summer. From gardens and nature centers to indoor and outdoor pools and brand-new pickleball courts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Montgomery County. Check out the Montgomery Parks special events taking place this summer near you!
WSSC Water Bill Assistance Program
WSSC Water’s popular Get Current temporary water bill assistance program has been extended and enhanced. The extension and enhancement of Get Current 2.0 runs through Oct. 31. The assistance program helps eligible customers with a delinquent balance as of June 1, 2025, by offering forgiveness of a portion of their balance and waiving 100% of late payment charges and turn-on fees.
Kate in the Community:
Disability Pride Month and Main Street’s Neighborhood Safety Day
July is Disability Pride Month, which celebrates the achievements and experiences of people with disabilities and commemorates the 1990 signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. During this month and throughout the year, we must raise awareness of disability rights and continue to create inclusive spaces with access to education, gainful employment, quality housing and health care.
In Montgomery County, we are fortunate to have Main Street in Rockville which is not only about inclusive housing but about building dynamic, community-centered opportunities and experiences. I had a great time at the Main Street Neighborhood Safety Day, where we enjoyed music, food, safety demonstrations and more!
DHHS 30th Anniversary
I was honored to join county leaders and public health professionals for the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) 30th anniversary celebration.
This celebration recognizes the department’s successful integration to a comprehensive, one-stop services center for our residents. DHHS provides local public health services that address the basic and critical needs of our community’s children, adults and seniors, including support for those who are uninsured, unhoused or face other barriers to care. Thank you to DHHS Director Dr. James Bridgers and County Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis for their leadership in building a healthy, safe and resilient community.
48th Student Member of the Board of Education
Congratulations to our newest MCPS Student Member of the Board of Education, Ms. Anuva Maloo, who was sworn in on July 1 to serve a one-year term for the 2025-2026 school year. Ms. Maloo is a rising senior at Montgomery Blair High School and is the 48th Student Member of the Board. We look forward to working together and seeing all the great work she accomplishes on behalf of MCPS students in the year ahead. And thank you to outgoing member Praneel Suvarna for his service to the MCPS community. We wish him all the best success as he moves onto his next chapter.
Latin American Youth Center Graduation
I had the honor of joining the 2025 Montgomery County GED commencement ceremony for graduates from the Latin American Youth Center in Silver Spring. It was inspiring to celebrate 28 individuals who have overcome obstacles and turned struggles into strength. This organization doesn’t just open doors, it dismantles barriers, paving the way for youth to move from uncertainty to opportunity.
In Montgomery County we are profoundly grateful to have partners like the Latin American Youth Center, that provide educational and job-readiness opportunities to help our young people make a successful transition to adulthood.
Mental Health Corner:
480 Club Annual Athlete Wellness Summit
The 480 Club offers a four-day community-powered summit designed to elevate young athletes’ mental health and wellness through a series of professional-led workshops and sessions. The summit includes sessions focused on personal development, sports mental skills, recovery and nutrition, and leadership and teamwork. These topics are chosen to address the holistic needs of student-athletes—focusing not only on athletic performance but also on mental health, character and overall well-being. Learn more about the wellness summit and watch a video highlight.
