The Department of Health and Human Services and the Maine state Legislature are considering proposals which will continue to narrow access to mental health services for children, teens and adults.

In 2007, Healthy Androscoggin conducted a business leaders survey, reporting that mental health was a most important health problem in Androscoggin County and was included in a list of the biggest health problems, along with obesity, smoking and substance abuse.

For persons who have a more serious mental health illness, national research indicates that life expectancy is 25 years less than the general population due to having complex health conditions.

In a September 2009 report prepared by the Muskie School for DHHS of persons who have a serious mental health illness residing in the three-county area, mental health and health services ranked first and second in the category of unmet needs of current consumers of services.

State budget initiatives, if passed as proposed, will narrow access to, even curtail, crisis services, community support services, medication management services, outpatient services along with general health care.

With community partners, we continue to coordinate the integration of primary and behavioral health care, strengthen employment services, create stable housing, strengthen outcome measurements and coordinate access to and continuity of services across the health care and age spectrums.

We thank the Androscoggin County legislative delegation for its diligence and sensitivity in supporting healthy communities and healthy citizens. Mental health and behavioral health services are an important component of the health care system.

Craig Phillips, executive director

Common Ties Mental Health Services,

Lewiston