the mentally ill and the mentally retarded initiated by Dr. Tuerk, are
now familiar features of Maryland's community mental health land-
scape.

The budget which I have submitted to the General Assembly pro-
poses a number of new features. Among them are a comprehensive
mental health center, the first of several, to be associated with the
University of Maryland. Also, there are provisions for expanded
treatment resources for the mentally ill in the general hospitals. And,
there is a low-cost therapy project to utilize the interest and the skill
of professional personnel in private practice.

In no area has Dr. Tuerk's vision been clearer than in the area of
alcoholism. Throughout his career of public service, he has emphasized
the need for the treatment of alcoholics as sick people. I am told that
the alcoholic rehabilitation units of our four State hospitals are out-
standing, treating both the acute and chronic stages of the disease,
engaging in a variety of research and training the personnel of many
disciplines. The budget for the Department of Mental Hygiene pro-
vides matching funds not only for the expansion of the full-time
alcoholism clinic of the Baltimore City Health Department, but also
for a director of alcoholism programs in that Department. And for
alcoholism consultants to serve the city's courts, general hospitals and
social agencies. Much, of course, must be done to reach the State's
80, 000 to 100, 000 alcoholics, but I am confident that we are moving
forward steadily toward that goal.

To conclude, let me express my deep appreciation to the Maryland
Association for Mental Health for inviting me to attend this dinner.
On behalf of the people of my State, let me thank Dr. Blain, Mrs. Mann
and the others who have come here to take part in this program of the
Association. The State of Maryland is aware of the magnitude of the
problems we face in the mental health of its citizens. We need and
we solicit the advice and the help of conscientious, responsible people
such as are gathered together here this evening at this dinner.

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