The PAIMI Program & Advisory Council
The Protection & Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI)
Disability Rights Maryland’s (DRM) federally-funded Protection & Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) program provides legal advocacy services benefiting Marylanders with psychiatric disabilities. The PAIMI program was created in 1986 after investigations revealed horrific conditions in mental health facilities throughout the nation. Our vital role under PAIMI is to be an advocate for children and adults who have a mental health diagnosis, among the most marginalized and stigmatized of our citizens. DRM provides a range of critical legal services to advocate for the rights of people with mental illness, from information and referral to individual and class representation. DRM monitors psychiatric facilities to keep people free from harm, investigates reports of abuse and neglect, and advocates for systemic reforms.
PAIMI Advisory Council (PAC)
The PAIMI Advisory Council (PAC) is comprised of community members who assist DRM Staff and Board in developing our PAIMI program priorities and providing oversight. Council members provide valued perspective and recommendations on DRM’s work protecting the rights of people with psychiatric illness.
PAC meetings are currently held four times per year on Tuesday evenings.
PAC Members:
Andrew Petrie, Chair
Susan Kadis, Vice Chair
Laura Anderson
Destiny DiMattei
Kayle Hill
Dora Jacobs
Paula Lafferty
Dorothy Lemon-Thompson
Michelle Livshin
Carol Rice
Gail Spence
Lauren Tenney
Tony Wright
Join the PAIMI Advisory Council!
To apply, submit the application online, or download a paper copy of the application and mail or fax your application to DRM.
For more information, please contact Leslie Seid Margolis at 443-692-2505.
Thank you!
