Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller Joins SMF Faith & Mental Health Workshop

SMF

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Panel of speakers seated at a long table during a community workshop at Idara e Jaferia — Panelists at the Faith & Mental Health Community Workshop at Idara e Jaferia in Burtonsville, Maryland, on Oct. 17, 2026. Photo: Shia Muslim Foundation

BURTONSVILLE, MD — Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller joined members of the Shia Muslim community on Saturday, October 17, for the Faith & Mental Health Community Workshop at Idara e Jaferia in Burtonsville, a morning conversation about coping with tragedy, discrimination and stress through faith and community support.

The Shia Muslim Foundation (SMF) and Idara e Jaferia hosted the workshop with participation from the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and the Governor's Office of Community Initiatives (GOCI). Rahat Husain, Executive Director of SMF, served as master of ceremonies.

Maryland State Sen. Clarence Lam, who represents District 12 in Anne Arundel and Howard counties, also attended.

The Lt. Governor's visit was a milestone for the community: a statewide leader coming in person to a local Shia Muslim center to take part in a conversation about mental health, grief and the pressures families carry.

A statewide leader in the room

Miller is the 10th Lieutenant Governor of Maryland and the first immigrant elected to statewide office in the state. According to her official biography, her policy portfolio includes mental health, and she chairs Maryland's first Council on Interfaith Outreach, which brings together faith leaders from across the state.

Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, wearing a dark floral dress and headscarf, at Idara e Jaferia — Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller at the Faith & Mental Health Community Workshop at Idara e Jaferia. Photo: Shia Muslim Foundation

Rahat Husain, Executive Director of the Shia Muslim Foundation, said: “Having Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, the Maryland Department of Health and the Governor's Office of Community Initiatives in the room meant a great deal to our families. It shows that Maryland sees Muslim communities as partners in caring for one another.”

Guests and community members standing together in a hall at Idara e Jaferia — Guests and community members gather during the workshop at Idara e Jaferia. Photo: Shia Muslim Foundation

Shared themes: mental health touches everyone, and stigma has to go

Across the morning's presentation and community mental health panel, the speakers returned to two shared themes. The first was that mental health affects every community, whatever its faith or background, and the Shia Muslim community is no exception.

The second was the need to remove the stigma around seeking mental health treatment, so that people who are struggling feel able to ask for help.

Dr. Lora Hargrove of the Governor's Office of Community Initiatives observed that while a strong stigma around mental health remains, people tend to be very open to the idea of holistic wellness.

Husain added: “Our community has carried a great deal of grief and fear, and too often people suffer in silence. Mental health affects every family, and today we said clearly that there is no shame in seeking treatment. Our faith and our community can walk alongside good mental health care.”

Three panelists seated at a table during the community mental health panel — Panelists listen during the community mental health panel. Photo: Shia Muslim Foundation

The program

Built around a presentation, a community mental health panel, and resources and support, the program featured:

• Dr. Rachel Talley, MD, Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health at the Maryland Department of Health, who previously served as the Behavioral Health Administration's Chief Medical Officer.

• Dr. Lora Hargrove, PhD, DMin, MDiv, Director of Faith Outreach in the Governor's Office of Community Initiatives, who builds partnerships between the Governor's office and Maryland's faith communities.

• Dr. Syed Akhtar Naqvi, MD, a psychiatrist in Laurel, Maryland, who treats depression, anxiety and substance use disorders.

• Dr. Mahvash Sheikh, MD, a board-certified adult psychiatrist and the founder of Progressive Psychiatric Services in Olney, Maryland.

• Dr. Fezan Rizvi, MD, psychiatrist.

A speaker at a podium marked Idara-e-Jaferia Maryland, with panelists seated at a table — A speaker addresses attendees from the podium at Idara e Jaferia. Photo: Shia Muslim Foundation

Recognition from state leaders

Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller presented the Shia Muslim Foundation with a Governor's Citation “in appreciation of your outstanding services to the citizens of this State.”

State Sen. Clarence Lam presented SMF and Idara e Jaferia with a Maryland General Assembly proclamation “in recognition of your 2026 Faith and Mental Health Community Workshop in supporting the well-being of the residents of Montgomery County and throughout the State of Maryland.”

The State of Maryland Governor's Citation to the Shia Muslim Foundation beside a Maryland General Assembly proclamation to the Shia Muslim Foundation and Idara e Jaferia — The Governor's Citation presented to the Shia Muslim Foundation, left, and the Maryland General Assembly proclamation presented to SMF and Idara e Jaferia. Photo: Shia Muslim Foundation

A space for the whole community

The workshop was open to adults, students and young people in the Shia Muslim community, with time to discuss these pressures, ask questions and learn about available support and services. SMF first announced the workshop ahead of the event.

Community members seated in rows listening during the workshop — Community members listen during the workshop. Photo: Shia Muslim Foundation

Where to find help

Anyone experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, to reach a trained counselor at any hour.