The advisory board is tasked with overseeing the allocation of restitution funds from opioid settlements, aiming to address the overdose crisis and improve public health outcomes in Baltimore.
Shanda Brown, LMSW ’13, a University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) alumna and dedicated social worker with over two decades of experience serving vulnerable communities, has been appointed to Mayor Brandon Scott's first-ever Opioid Restitution Advisory Board in Baltimore. This appointment marks a significant milestone in her career and recognizes her commitment to addressing pressing social issues in the city.
As a licensed clinical social worker and the director of community life for the Mid-Atlantic region at The Community Builders, Inc. (TCB), Brown brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. Her experience in implementing trauma-sensitive services for seniors and residents with disabilities, as well as her work in developing strategic partnerships with local service providers, will be invaluable to the board's mission.
Brown's appointment to the Opioid Restitution Advisory Board comes at a critical time for Baltimore. The board will be responsible for guiding the use of the city's opioid restitution funds, identifying key priorities, and making funding recommendations to the mayor and his cabinet. With her background in permanent supportive housing, homeless youth services, foster care, and aging services, Brown is well-positioned to contribute to the board's efforts in addressing the complex issues surrounding the opioid crisis.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Brown's commitment to nurturing the next generation of social workers is evident in her role as a field instructor at UMSSW. Her dedication to education and mentorship was recognized when she received the Field Instructor of the Year award in 2022.
As Brown takes on this new responsibility, she joins a diverse group of experts and community leaders on the Opioid Restitution Advisory Board. Her appointment reflects Scott's commitment to bringing together individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences to tackle the overdose crisis in Baltimore.
Brown's journey from a graduate of UMSSW to her current leadership position at TCB and now as a member of this crucial advisory board showcases her dedication to making a positive impact in Baltimore. Her expertise in community development, housing, and social services will undoubtedly contribute to the board's efforts in effectively utilizing the opioid restitution funds to address the needs of all Baltimoreans affected by the opioid epidemic.
As the Opioid Restitution Advisory Board begins its important work, Brown's appointment stands as a testament to her expertise, dedication, and commitment to improving the lives of Baltimore's most vulnerable residents.