Denim & Diamonds Bash raises nearly $1 million for mental health services

The Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) Foundation held its biennial Denim & Diamonds Bash on Saturday, April 29, at AAMC’s South Campus. More than 1,100 people attended the event, raising nearly $1 million to support AAMC’s efforts to increase mental health services.

“You don’t often get to host something that can positively impact the lives of thousands of people,” said Jan Wood, Foundation president and chief development officer. “Thanks to strong community and corporate support, the funds generated through this event will help us provide critical funding for mental health care and programs in our region.”

Last year, AAMC opened its Psychiatric Day Hospital, an intensive daytime treatment program providing clinical, diagnostic and mental health treatment services for adults and adolescents. The program is designed for patients who are either transitioning from inpatient care or need help stabilizing a condition in order to prevent hospitalization.

AAMC also wants to help expand access to mental health services and filed a Certificate of Need (CON) with the Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC) last year to establish a 16-bed mental health hospital. That decision is pending.