The PAIMI Program

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.

Mission

The PAIMI Council advises DRM’s Staff and Board and provides recommendations on the goals and work DRM does in protecting the rights of people with psychiatric illness. Through the PAIMI program, 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.

DRM’s mandated PAIMI Advisory Council is comprised of community members who assist us in developing our PAIMI program priorities and providing oversight.

PAIMI Advisory Council

Officers:

Sheryl Eni, Chair
Vanessa Brooks, Vice Chair

Members:

Adrienne Baez
Lydia X. Z. Brown
Jessica Cowing
Albert Davydov
Keith Gethers
Andrew Petrie
Dorothy Lemon-Thompson
Tony Wright
Doris Washington
Audralina Sherman

2023 Meeting Dates

Next Meeting: TBD
Tuesday, March 21, 2023

 

Resources

Waiting on getting a COVID-19 vaccine? There are two websites/apps where you can register to be notified when there are left-over vaccines for you to get one!

Interested in Joining the PAIMI Council?

The PAIMI Council is always looking to increase its membership and affiliates. Read the PAIMI Council Description and learn how to become a member!

When you’re ready to apply, complete, and submit the application below, or download a paper copy of the PAIMI Council Application.

For more information, contact Luciene Parsley at LucieneP@DisabilityRightsMD.org or 410-727-6352 ext. 2494.