https://www.bangordailynews.com/2024/04/11/opinion/opinion-contributor/human-cost-neglected-mental-health-services-joam40zk0w/ ... Read More ›
News
Malory Shaughnessy and Betsy Sweet: Maine must fund mental health care: An urgent call for action
"The need for investment in Maine's mental health care system is clear and urgent. We urge the governor and the Legislature to act now by funding the Maine Resiliency package of bills and prioritizing the mental health and well-being of all Mainers." Malory Shaughnessy and Elizabeth Sweet Maine is facing a crisis in mental health care. The evidence is overwhelming, and the voices calling for change are growing louder.The message is clear: we must prioritize funding ... Read More ›
Rep. Colleen Madigan: The Legislature must do more to invest in Maine’s mental health infrastructure
Mental health investments should not be a partisan issue. I’ve worked for decades in the behavioral health field, both before and during my time serving the people of Waterville in the Legislature. I’ve been a case manager, worked in group homes and worked as a clinician on an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team. I’ve worked in partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient programs. I’ve also provided therapy in offices, our local schools and in the homes of our ... Read More ›
To protect public safety, address the critical shortage of Maine’s behavioral health workforce
The Maine State House is seen at sunrise, March 16, 2023, in Augusta, Maine. Credit: Robert F. Bukaty / AP The BDN Opinion section operates independently and does not set news policies or contribute to reporting or editing articles elsewhere in the newspaper or on bangordailynews.com Julie M. Schirmer is a licensed clinical social worker and president of the board of directors for the Maine Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. As a clinical social worker, one would ... Read More ›
Renewed energy to address Maine’s ‘broken’ mental health care system in upcoming session
Providers and advocates point to legislative solutions to address persistent underfunding and worker shortages BY: EVAN POPP - NOVEMBER 15, 2023 5:21 AM There are numerous bills passed by the legislature that have yet to receive funding that advocates say would shore up the state’s mental health system. (Getty Images) Maine’s mental health care system is fractured and scattered, with chronic underfunding and gaps in services that prevent many from accessing the care ... Read More ›
After mass shooting, problems with Maine’s mental healthcare system come into focus: Experts say waitlists for programs are long, many workers have left the state.
By Mary Kekatos November 10, 2023, 5:11 AM Click here for full article People gather at a vigil in Lisbon, Maine, for the victims of this week's mass shootings, Oct. 28, 2023. Matt Rourke/AP In the more than two weeks since a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, occurred at a bowling alley and local bar and restaurant, questions have swirled about mental health care in the state. The alleged gunman displayed glaring signals that his mental health was declining, ... Read More ›
President Biden’s visit prompts Mainers’ cries for mental health relief
https://wgme.com/news/local/president-bidens-visit-prompts-cries-for-mental-health-relief "LEWISTON (WGME) -- Many Mainers will be feeling anxiety, grief and paranoia for weeks and months to come, given the traumatic events that unfolded on October 25. If you seek help to cope, you could be waiting months to be seen by a mental health professional. Maine's behavioral health community, in the wake of the worst mass shooting in state history, is asking President Joe Biden to deploy ... Read More ›
Alliance Statement on the Lewiston Tragedy
Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the tragedy that occurred in Lewiston yesterday, and to all of those continuing to work to bring this situation to a close. As providers of behavioral health care services across the state of Maine, the members of the Alliance want to make sure that people understand that resources are available to all those in need of support, reassurance, guidance, and direct care. It is not uncommon for individuals and communities as a whole to experience grief ... Read More ›
Maine needs to devote more resources to mental health
A lone, socially-distanced figure stands at the end of a dock jutting out into Portland Harbor on Thursday Jan. 14, 2021. Credit: Troy R. Bennett / BDN The BDN Opinion section operates independently and does not set newsroom policies or contribute to reporting or editing articles elsewhere in the newspaper or on bangordailynews.com. Malory Shaughnessy is the executive director of the Alliance for Addiction and Mental Health Services. Betsy Sweet is senior policy advocate for the Behavioral ... Read More ›
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Malory Shaughnessy, Executive Director, Alliance for Addiction and Mental Health, Maine. 207-400-1540, mshaughnessy@masap.org Betsy Sweet, Senior Policy Advocate, Maine’s Behavioral Health Community Collaborative. 207-441-3060, betsysweet@aol.com Governor Mills Signs Proclamation Supporting the Movement to Prioritize Mental Health May is Mental Health Awareness Month Augusta, Maine - May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time when ... Read More ›