§ 9-943. Director to develop and implement outreach plan.

   (a) In general. --

   (1) For the purposes of reaching any veteran, veteran's dependent, or veteran's survivor in need of assistance in obtaining services or benefits granted by the law, the director shall develop and implement an outreach plan.

   (2) In order to carry out the director's responsibilities under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the director may:

      (i) enter into contracts; and

      (ii) work with governmental units and community-based organizations, including the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Department of Aging, faith-based groups, veterans groups, senior centers, adult day care centers, institutions of higher education, and other entities the director considers appropriate.

(b) Development of mechanisms for outreach. --

   (1) The director shall develop mechanisms for outreach to be disseminated by direct mail and through community-based veterans organizations, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Human Resources, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and any other State agency or unit the director considers appropriate.

   (2) The mechanisms for outreach shall include:

      (i) the development of a pamphlet describing the services provided by the Outreach and Advocacy Program;

      (ii) a regular newsletter;

      (iii) brochures describing various benefits or any other issue or benefit of interest to veterans or their dependents; and

      (iv) other measures the director considers appropriate.

(c) Veterans database. -- The Department shall develop and maintain a database of veterans in the State.

(d) Surveys. -- The Department, in conjunction with the types of community-based organizations listed in subsection (a)(2) of this section, shall develop a survey to assist in identifying veterans and dependents who may be eligible for pension programs.

(e) Objectives of Program. -- The Program shall:

   (1) in conjunction with other governmental units and community-based groups, seek out veterans and their dependents who may be eligible for pension program benefits; and

   (2) provide wounded or disabled veterans with information on available services and benefits and support in obtaining these services and benefits.

HISTORY: 2006, ch. 290, § 1.