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WGME 13: Maine lawmakers discuss funding for mental health, substance abuse programs

By February 27, 2024March 4th, 2024News

This story was published by WGME 13. View the story online through the link below or read a snippet copied from the article, below.

https://wgme.com/news/local/maine-lawmakers-discuss-funding-mental-health-substance-abuse-programs-spurwink-governor-janet-mills-supplemental-budget

AUGUSTA (WGME) — Funding for mental health and substance use programs was top of mind for Maine lawmakers Tuesday.

The governor has a number of proposals in her supplemental budget, which leaders discussed in a hearing Tuesday.

Governor Janet Mills announced last month she wants sites around the state for people to go when they’re in crisis, but some say that alone isn’t enough.

“We have found this model to be incredibly effective,” Spurwink President and CEO Eric Meyer said.

Spurwink runs the state’s only open crisis receiving center.

The Portland site is available 24/7 for people to go during a mental health crisis.

“There are people there, both peers as well as trained professionals, to be able to provide assistance and support,” Meyer said.

“I want to expand behavioral health services,” Mills said.