Advocates say mental health intervention programs are underutilized in Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine — Members of the Maine chapter of the National Silence Breaker Coalition say progressive treatment programs are underutilized in Maine. They sent a letter to the Lewiston Commission asking why a progressive treatment program wasn’t utilized in the case of Lewiston shooter Robert Card.

At a press conference on Friday, members shared their personal experiences and argued that progressive treatment plans (PTPs) have been underutilized since becoming state law in 2010.

“Maine needs a major wake-up call,” said coalition member Joe Pickering.

Coalition members say PTPs can help people in mental health crises, particularly those with anosognosia and similar mental illnesses, by preventing them from harming themselves or others.

Maine’s PTP currently can set conditions for people admitted for mental illness and mandate that they receive psychiatric treatment if they do not comply with those conditions.

“All of these crimes, both before and after the Lewiston shooting, involved people who were unaware of their illness and it is exactly this group that we want to see more of,” former Councilman John Nutting said at a news conference, citing examples of people in mental health crises harming themselves or others.

Nutting and others also argued that Maine does not provide adequate training to those who can initiate PTPs, such as law enforcement, Maine Department of Health and Human Services employees and other mental health liaisons.

“Comprehensive training is necessary, but it’s entirely achievable,” said Laura Snyder, a coalition member and former occupational therapist.

Coalition members also shared a timeline of events leading up to October’s tragic mass shooting, what they believe could have happened if the PTP had been implemented, and their recommendations to the committee.

A spokesman for the commission said commissioners had received the letter from the coalition and were considering the recommendations.

NEWS CENTER Maine reached out to the Maine Department of Health, and a spokesperson pointed us to a statement the agency issued several months ago about PTP.

“The Department of Health is always open to good ideas on how we can work with our partners to protect the health and safety of Mainers. The Department of Health is implementing the Progressive Treatment Program in accordance with the law. The Department of Health is committed to working with law enforcement and the broader medical and behavioral health community to support individuals with complex mental health needs and protect the safety and well-being of Mainers.”

We have also reached out to the Maine Criminal Justice Academy and the Maine State Police to learn more about how officers are trained on PTP and are awaiting a response.

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