The editorial of Feb. 7 stated: “State must consider the costs of cuts.”

Proposals contained in the current supplemental budget, with more to come, will, if approved, prevent access for citizens to behavioral health services throughout the state of Maine, including our own communities of Lewiston and Auburn and the greater Androscoggin Valley.

This reality has already been felt by consumers as a result of recent curtailments. People who do not have insurance, but who are otherwise clinically eligible and in need of services will experience a reduction in necessary and appropriate services. Common Ties and other community mental health agencies will simply not have the resources to provide the range of services that consumers currently need to remain productive members of our community. The need does not disappear simply because budget woes are upon us. As the editorial aptly stated, if community agencies can’t provide services, they will likely end up being addressed by higher cost service facilities.

For me, the following quote from a consumer sums up why we as a community must understand the importance of access to mental health services, “My mother has her son back, and my son has his father back.”

I am confident that Common Ties Mental Health Services will continue to work with our community, colleagues around the state, and Maine’s legislators to find ways to maintain quality behavioral services within a very challenging fiscal environment.

Diane Whiting, Auburn

President of the Board of Directors,

Common Ties Mental Health Services