LEWISTON – Access to mental health services in the region will soon be improved as Tri-County Mental Health Services launches a single referral telephone number and streamlined intake processes.

The advancements are being helped in part by a contribution from Oxford Networks, a Maine telecommunications company. The company contributed $2,000 toward the upgrade in telephone and information systems necessary for the project.

“Access to services has been a priority for our agency for some time, and we have made great strides in reducing or eliminating waiting lists,” said Tri-County Executive Director Chris Copeland.

“This advancement will be the next step toward making it as easy as possible for people to get the help they need as quickly as possible – whether they live in Bridgton, Oxford, Farmington, Rumford or greater Lewiston/Auburn. We are very pleased to partner with Oxford Networks to connect people with needed services,” Copeland said.

The new telephone number and referral system is expected to be launched in early 2007. Tri-County Mental Health Services deals with the psychological and social well-being of children, adults and elders, serving more than 7,000 individuals each year with programs and services addressing mental health, substance abuse, mental retardation/developmental disabilities and autism. It helps individuals, families and communities in Androscoggin, northern Cumberland, Franklin and Oxford counties.

Oxford Networks has offices in Lewiston, Norway and Portland.