St. Mary’s Health System is deeply grateful to Senator Peggy Rotundo for helping to secure crucial support in the state budget for behavioral health. Her advocacy, especially after the Lewiston mass shooting tragedy, highlights the urgent need to improve access to mental healthcare.
St. Mary’s is the third-largest provider of acute behavioral health services in the state, serving patients from all counties of Maine. As more people need our services, we must take action to ensure everyone has access to the care they need.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of Senator Rotundo and her colleagues, the final budget included funding to help us expand our services. This includes starting a much-needed Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) for patients who can be diverted from inpatient care to an outpatient program like PHP that provides 20 hours a week of intense counseling and treatment. This program will improve accessibility to those who still need intense follow-up to psychiatric emergency care.
St. Mary’s and our partners are committed to building a strong and caring community. By working together and investing in behavioral healthcare, we promise to support those in need and ensure they get the care and kindness they deserve.