PORTLAND, ME – Spurwink has launched the Access to Mental Health Care Fund in response to the need for critical mental health treatment during the COVID-19 crisis and due to the increased need for outpatient counseling. This fund will provide treatment for its 8,100 current clients and for anyone that needs support.
In a matter of two weeks, the agency has pivoted to 99% of outpatient services being delivered by telehealth, including the use of video and telephonic platforms, expanded options for electronic signing of documents, and has rapidly developed clinical resources and strategies to best meet client needs.
Recently, a parent shared the immediate impact a Spurwink telehealth session had with their child, which created a noticeable uplifted disposition for their child and, ultimately, their family.
“In the current, extraordinary situation of a pandemic, the rapid expansion of telehealth services has allowed us to maintain continuity of services to individuals at a time that their need is very high while maintaining the physical distance needed to reduce transmission of illness,” said Amy Cohan, Vice President of Outpatient and Community Services, Spurwink. “It has also allowed us to meet a new need that has been generated as a result of the myriad of stressors clients and families are experiencing in an unprecedented time of uncertainty, anxiety, and hardship.”
During this crisis, Spurwink continues to develop guidelines that comply with all government (CDC, HDS) agencies to move rapidly on solutions to meet evolving needs. Telehealth is used across all programs, staff has transitioned to remote working at many locations where possible, and strict hygiene, health, and visitor protocols have been adopted at the child and adult residential programs, nursing home, and other sites.
To provide support to the Access to Mental Health Care Fund, text SPURWINK to 44-321 to give or visit spurwink.org/covid-19-support. For treatment, contact 207-871-1200, email info@spurwink.org, or find a provider near you at providers.spurwink.org.
###
Press Contact:
Kristen Farnham, Vice President of Development | kfarnham@spurwink.org | 207-449-7344