LEWISTON – Craig Phillips, executive director, and John Coffin, director of programs for Common Ties Mental Health of Lewiston, have announced that Common Ties Mental Health is embarking on an effort to enhance its competencies in serving citizens who have a mental health illness as well as a substance abuse disorder

At any given time, between 60 and 80 percent of consumers served by Common Ties are significantly impacted by a serious mental health illness and a substance abuse disorder.

Accordingly, and with the support of the Maine Office of Substance Abuse Co-occurring Systems Integration Initiative, Common Ties will continue to improve its skills, tools, systems, policies and practices in order to enhance its welcome to individuals who are experiencing the co-occurring disorders.

Diane Whiting, president of the board of directors of Common Ties Mental Health, said, “To date, we are quite pleased with some early results and changes. We clearly view the launch of this effort as being highly consistent with our strategic planning, thinking and doing, and most importantly, how Common Ties Mental Health supports the health and wellness of the people we serve. We strive for all to feel welcomed wherever they live, work or play, and have the beliefs and hopes to lead a fulfilled life.”

When launching the effort recently with the board and staff, Phillips said, “We understand that people who have a mental illness most often will also have a complex and varied array of physical, behavioral health and substance abuse issues and diseases, including diseases considered to be chronic. We are furthering our commitment to identifying, understanding and treating the complete health and wellness of all consumers we serve by engaging people in ways that convey respect and by welcoming all in a manner which supports their recovery from all illnesses, including mental health illnesses, substance abuse disorders and health disparities.”

Common Ties Mental Health, a United Way funded partner, provides community integration services throughout Androscoggin County for persons who have a serious mental illness. For more information and to request and access services, call 795-6710.