May 18, 2021
Supporting Mainers experiencing difficulties managing mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders is a core part of the Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) mission, and of Governor Mills’ administration.
In addition to the historic challenges in Maine’s behavioral health system, the stressors over the past year related to the COVID-19 pandemic have increased the need for mental health and substance use services, exacerbated workforce challenges, and shone a light on the need to incorporate behavioral health support as a key factor in disaster response.
DHHS is committed to meeting these challenges and working towards the goal of a behavioral health system that provides Mainers in need with timely access to a complete continuum of behavioral health services around the state. The Behavioral Health Plan for Maine outlines recently-implemented system improvements, measures of success to date, and new initiatives for investing (PDF) the unprecedented funding for mental health and substance use.