Sen. Hickman speaks at Mental Health press conference

Event was hosted by coalition of mental health advocacy groups

AUGUSTA – On Thursday, Sen. Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop, spoke at a press conference in the Hall of Flags at the State House on the importance of mental health resources for all Mainers. During the press conference, Sen. Hickman spent time reflecting on his role as the Senate Chair on the Government Oversight Committee and his work with parents and families dealing with the Office of Child and Family Services.

“I have come to see that there is a severe lack of resources available to families who have mental health and behavioral health challenges. This gap in services has led to devastating impacts, most especially for our children,” said Hickman. “We must come together to ensure that Mainers have the resources they require. We need to ensure medical providers are available, therapisets and counselors and psychiatrists are available, treatment facilities are available — and most importantly, we must ensure that our children are protected, safe, and free from neglect and abuse.”

The press conference was hosted by the Mental Health Care Association, a non-profit trade association representing Maine nursing homes and assisted living and residential care facilities, along with Behavioral Health Community Collaborative, Maine Association of Substance Abuse Program, and the Maine Peoples Alliance. The coalition is supporting a package of bills that would expand access for mental health services across Maine.