FARMINGTON – Evergreen Behavioral Services has received a $300,000 Maine Health Access Foundation award intended to help with early identification of developmental issues in children in the Farmington area.

April Guagenti, EBS executive director, said medical diagnostic and treatment services are needed for special needs children. An estimated 800 children in greater Franklin County are affected, she said.

EBS opened a child development center in August to help children and adolescents with developmental concerns such as autism, Asperger’s syndrome and other difficulties with learning and school performance. Dr. Iris Silverstein, a pediatrician with board certification in developmental-behavioral pediatrics, leads the program.

The Maine Health Access Foundation awarded nearly $3 million in grants to 17 nonprofits and collaboratives across Maine to improve the integration and delivery of mental and behavioral health services with primary health care services.

Locally, the $300,000 was awarded to EBS to address primary care needs of children with developmental disorders and their families through training and services.

“The funds will enable our staff to work with pediatricians and other primary care professionals to develop strategies for early identification of developmental issues in children so that treatment can begin early in life,” Guagenti said. “The grant will also assist Evergreen in reaching out to parents with affected children with educational programs and support.”

For more information, call Evergreen Behavioral Services at 778-0035.