Senator Susan Collins Advocates for Mental Health Services in Maine: Securing Funding and Support for Mental Health Facilities

Senator Susan Collins recently visited Maine Medical Center and discussed the importance of mental health services in Maine. As part of her “Funding Maine’s Future” initiative, she obtained over $3 million for the Kita Commons Mental Health Facility in Acton, which aims to build a facility to assist youth impacted by suicide.

During her visit, Collins expressed concern about children being left in emergency rooms due to lack of available placements. She noted that emergency rooms are not the ideal place for those struggling with mental health issues. Instead, she emphasized the importance of providing safe and appropriate care in the right setting for children and individuals coping with mental illness to improve overall outcomes.

Collins commended Maine Medical Center for their efforts in creating specialized rooms to stabilize mental health patients, leading to a decrease in workplace violence against healthcare workers. Additionally, she mentioned her work in securing funding for Acadia Hospital in Bangor to construct a pediatric wing, further enhancing mental health resources in the state.

Overall, Senator Collins emphasized the need for continued investment in mental health services in Maine to ensure that all residents have access to the care they need.