Melanie Yates

Melanie Yates is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with a Bachelor of Science from The American University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Currently working as a Dual-Diagnosis Therapist for a community mental health clinic in Baltimore, Maryland, Melanie specializes in working with individuals with a Substance Use Disorder and co-occurring mental health disorders.

In 2022, Melanie tragically lost her partner to a drug overdose, igniting her passion for effecting change in the field of substance use policy. In May 2023, Melanie successfully passed The Josh Siems Act; named in memory of her late partner, this pioneering legislation requires all hospitals in Maryland to include fentanyl in the standard urine drug screen. The passage of this law, the 2nd of its kind in the country, has been instrumental in saving lives and raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl.

Melanie continues to collaborate with legislators to provide guidance on both state and federal opioid policies. Her passion is ensuring that individuals struggling with substance use disorders receive the support and care they deserve.