Author: <span>AMHC</span>

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and Aroostook Mental Health Services, Inc. (AMHC) encourages everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms of suicidal thoughts and what to do and not do in response to helping a loved one.

“According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, on average, one person died by suicide every 32 hours in the State of Maine in 2020,” explains Sarah Wright, Director of Crisis Services. “Maine is ranked 15^th in the nation for its suicide rate; it is the second leading cause of death for ages 10-34 and ages 35-54.”

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) says the following warning signs could signal that someone is experiencing suicidal ideation (thoughts about suicide):

• Comments like “I wish I weren’t here” or “Nothing matters”
• Increased alcohol and drug use
• Aggressive behavior
• Withdrawal from friends, family, and community
• Dramatic mood swings
• Impulsive or reckless behavior

NAMI offers this advice: If your friend or family member struggles with suicidal ideation daily, let them know they can talk with you about what they are going through. Make sure that you adopt an open and compassionate mindset when they are talking. Instead of “arguing” or trying to disprove any negative statements they make, try active listening techniques such as reflecting on their feelings and summarizing their thoughts. This approach can help your loved one feel heard and validated.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, AMHC is available to anyone in Aroostook, Washington, and Hancock counties. To access AMHC’s Mobile Crisis Services team, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or the Maine Crisis Line at 1-888-568-1112.

Celebrating nearly 60 years, AMHC is a nonprofit organization supporting up to 5,500 clients annually. The agency has 26 service sites and 350 employees across Aroostook, Washington, and Hancock counties, providing mental health, substance use, crisis, sexual assault services, and traumatic brain injury (Aroostook). For more information, connect with AMHC at www.amhc.org. 

ACAC recognized for its delivery of high quality and effective services to victims of child abuse

Aroostook Children’s Advocacy Center (ACAC), a program of Aroostook Mental Health Services, Inc. (AMHC), is pleased to share that it has been awarded accreditation by National Children’s Alliance following an extensive application and site review process. As the accrediting agency for Children’s Advocacy Centers (CAC) across the country, accreditation is the highest level of membership with the National Children’s Alliance and denotes excellence in service provision.

“It seems fitting that we should announce ACAC’s accreditation in April, which is designated Child Abuse Awareness Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month,” explained Julia Miller, Program Director of Prevention and Sexual Assault Services. “We’re extremely proud of our ACAC team and our community partners who made this possible.

As an accredited member, ACAC has demonstrated its ability to provide comprehensive, coordinated, and compassionate services to victims of child abuse. AMHC Sexual Assault Services opened ACAC in 2018 and has assisted nearly 400 children and their families since that time. “The closest Children’s Advocacy Center used to be in Bangor,” explained Miller. “A local program reduces barriers to services and connects a child and family with resources and supports in their community.”

National Children’s Alliance awards accredited membership based on a CAC’s compliance with ten national accreditation standards to ensure effective, efficient, and consistent delivery of services to child abuse victims. According to these standards, which reflect the most recent evidence-based practices in the field of child abuse intervention and prevention, accredited members must utilize a functioning and effective multidisciplinary team approach to work collaboratively in child abuse investigation, prosecution, and treatment. National Children’s Alliance also considers standards regarding a center’s cultural competency and diversity, forensic interviews, victim support and advocacy, medical evaluation, therapeutic intervention, and a child-focused setting.

“Aroostook Children’s Advocacy Center is to be commended for its excellent work serving victims of child abuse. As the national association and accrediting body for Children’s Advocacy Centers across the country, our goal is to ensure that every victim of child abuse has access to high-quality services that result from professional collaboration,” remarked Teresa Huizar, executive director of National Children’s Alliance.

National Children’s Alliance is a nonprofit association and accrediting body providing comprehensive care through hundreds of Children’s Advocacy Centers nationwide with a forward-thinking approach that stays at the forefront of every child’s future. For more information, visit nationalchildrensalliance.org.

Learn more about Aroostook Children’s Advocacy Center at www.amhcsas.org.

Aroostook Mental Health Services, Inc. (AMHC) is pleased to provide an update regarding the expansion of adult crisis stabilization unit (ACSU) services at 127 Palmer Street in Calais. An ACSU is for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis that would benefit from a short-term stay in a safe, residential-type environment; it offers trained crisis staff to offer support, intervention, safety planning, and connection to other services that may be needed.

“The ACSU in Washington County opened in July 2021 and is currently accepting new referrals,” explained Shannon Gove, LSW, AMHC Program Director. “Since opening, the staff has served 50 clients, equating to more than 1,200 bed days. Despite workforce shortages, they continue to serve the most vulnerable in our county and beyond.”

Referrals to the ACSU in Calais can be made 24/7 by calling the unit directly at 207-454-1910, through the AMHC 24/7 Call Center at 1-800-244-6431, or by fax at 207-454-0441. Anyone is welcome to make a referral, including the individual in crisis, a family member, behavioral health and medical providers, law enforcement, etc.

“Prior to the opening of this facility, individuals in Washington County in need of a crisis stabilization unit would be referred to Bangor or Presque Isle, up to 120 miles away,” said Gove. “This resulted in individuals having to wait in emergency departments or in the community while their crisis worsened. A local resource is having a positive impact on both the individuals in need of services as well as their family members.”

The space offers five private rooms and two bathrooms, and the facility is handicap accessible. In addition, clients will have a personal space to visit with family, friends, or other supports. The open floor plan provides a kitchen, dining, and living room area.

The opening of the ACSU was made possible thanks to the grant funds provided through Davis Family Foundation, C.F. Adams Charitable Trust, and the Maine Community Foundation.

Aroostook Mental Health Services, Inc. (AMHC) has received funding through the Maine State Housing Authority to open temporary overnight warming centers in Calais and Houlton. “AMHC is pleased to receive this funding through the Maine State Housing Authority to support individuals who are experiencing homelessness during the cold winter months,” explained Michelle Ferris, AMHC Chief Operations Officer. “The overnight warming centers will open on Fridays and Saturdays beginning March 17; additional days and hours will be added as staffing increases.”

The warming centers are located at Downeast Recovery Support Center, 311 Main Street, Calais and at Aroostook Recovery Center of Hope, 106 Main Street, Houlton. Staff will offer a safe, nurturing environment with places for individuals to rest and recline, have snacks, a hot drink, and bottled water. Individuals will be provided an opportunity to receive staff support to seek needed services such as clothing, food, and other community and behavioral health supports as needed.

“The centers will be open through April 30, 2023,” said Ferris. “We recognize this service may be an important lifeline to individuals in our community who are having difficulty accessing housing and other services and we look forward to offering our support.” For more information about the warming centers please contact Downeast Recovery Support Center at 207-952-9279 and Aroostook Recovery Center of Hope at 207-254-2213.

There are immediate openings for temporary staff to support the overnight warming centers. There is an overnight shift differential and a completion bonus for staff who stay through April 30, 2023. Shifts are available between 7:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m. Monday – Sunday; days and hours worked are flexible based on one’s availability. For more information and to apply, please contact Cory Tilley at ctilley@amhc.org.

St. John Valley Associates (SJVA) and Aroostook Mental Health Services, Inc. (AMHC) are pleased to announce that the two agencies will merge, which will take effect on July 1, 2023. SJVA will retain the same personnel and level of services in the community; AMHC will provide leadership and administrative services.

“The SJVA Board of Directors are focused on continuing the mission of SJVA as set forth by the founders, and in doing so recognized the business requirements to continue to meet the needs of our current and future clients,” explained Thomas Gerard, SJVA President. “Therefore, we sought a merger with a recognized leader in our geographic area that would provide the professional business and administrative background to allow SJVA not only to survive but to grow and prosper. We as an organization look forward to the future and the enhanced benefits that AMHC will provide to our staff, clients, and the community of the greater St. John Valley area.”

“We are very pleased to have SJVA join AMHC,” shared Ellen Bemis, CEO. “In our early discussions, it was clear that our organizational missions, which focus on community integration, align well. AMHC has been a provider of behavioral health services to SJVA clients for many years, and we’re looking forward to bringing our services together.”

About SJVA

Since 1978 St. John Valley Associates has provided a center-based facility offering services to adults with intellectual disabilities. During the past 45 years, the SJVA organization has successfully lived up to the founders’ desire to continue education beyond high school for adults with intellectual disabilities. For more information, visit https://stjohnvalleyassociates.org/.

About AMHC

Celebrating nearly 60 years, AMHC is a nonprofit organization supporting up to 5,000 individuals annually. The agency has 26 service sites and 350 employees across Aroostook, Washington, and Hancock counties providing mental health, substance use, crisis, and sexual assault services. For more information, please visit AMHC at www.amhc.org.

Center for Integrated Neuro Rehab Highlights Brain Injury Services in Aroostook County

Center for Integrated Neuro-Rehab (CINR), a program of Aroostook Mental Health Services, Inc. (AMHC) is pleased to highlight Brain Injury Awareness Month during the month of March.

“We hope this month is a great opportunity for the community to learn more about brain injury services available here in Aroostook County,” shared Pamela Searles, OTR/L,CBIS, Neuro-Rehabilitation Services Manager. “Last year, CINR celebrated its 15^th anniversary of supporting individuals with traumatic brain injury.”

Since opening in 2007, CINR has supported hundreds of individuals and their loved ones. Fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), CINR is currently accepting new clients. Services are available in Caribou and Houlton.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are more common than many people think. Brain injuries are most often sustained through falls, as well as strokes, and motor vehicle accidents. In Maine alone, on average every week, there are nearly 200 TBI-related hospital emergency department visits.

CINR works with individuals to assist them with gaining more skills in the areas of physical function, language/cognition, social/emotional wellbeing, and more independence with life skills.  It is important that the community knows there is hope and help in overcoming the challenges associated with traumatic brain injury. For information, eligibility requirements, and to make referrals, CINR staff can be reached at 207-498-3820.

Ellen Bemis, CEO of Aroostook Mental Health Services, Inc. (AMHC), has announced that Julia Macek, LCSW, has joined the agency as Program Director of Behavioral Health and Integration in Aroostook County. The position was previously held by Lorraine Chamberlain, LCSW, CCS, who retired in November 2022.

“I am pleased to welcome Julia to the senior leadership team,” said Bemis. “As Program Director, she will oversee a variety of substance use and mental health programs and services for adults, children, and families and lead in new program development, enhancement, and implementation.”

Macek has more than 30 years of behavioral health experience in hospitals, residential treatment, outpatient mental health, and, most recently, in early care and education. She is a certified poverty coach, president of the board for Healthy Maine Families, and co-chair of the Aroostook Community Collaborative. Macek lives in Wade with her husband, David.

During Aroostook Recovery Center of Hope’s (ARCH) grand reopening on Saturday, October 22, 2022, Link for Hope presented ARCH with a check for $3,835. The funds have been set aside to support the needs of ARCH, including helping individuals that may need financial assistance to purchase resource materials for programs provided at the center.

“The Link for Hope Coalition is a community-based coalition whose vision and purpose is to promote the health, safety, and quality of life for all youth, families, and communities in Southern Aroostook,” said Trudy Rairdon, co-chair. “Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in Southern Aroostook by reducing problems related to alcohol and other drug use and teen suicide.”

After holding a public viewing of the documentary, The Anonymous People, the Link for Hope Coalition held focus groups to determine what the greater Houlton area community considered was a need to strengthen and empower people combating substance use disorder. It was a unanimous consensus that a recovery center would be extremely important for individuals. Shortly after that, Link for Hope was approached by AMHC to partner with the agency on a grant to open recovery centers in Aroostook County.

“Thanks to the tremendous support of the members of the coalition and the people in the greater Houlton area, Link for Hope raised money for ARCH,” explained Rairdon. “We are grateful for the generosity of our community members who have helped this center become a reality.”

Aroostook Recovery Center of Hope (ARCH) is located at 106 Main Street, Houlton. Located across the street from the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce/The Aroostook County Historical and Art Museum, ARCH is a place where individuals can come and receive support for their recovery journey, connecting people to resources and serving as a venue for various recovery meetings. ARCH is open to everyone, including people in recovery, people struggling with substance/alcohol/opioid use disorder(s), affected others, allies, and community members.

ARCH is open on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and on some weeknights and weekends. For more information about the center, recovery groups, and more, please contact Spelta by email at gspelta@amhc.org or by phone at 207-254-2213. ARCH is a program of AMHC. For more information about agency services, please visit www.amhc.org.

Aroostook Recovery Center of Hope (ARCH) is pleased to announce the center has moved to 106 Main Street in downtown Houlton. The Grand Re-Opening will be held Saturday, October 22, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. with coffee, refreshments, and door prizes. All visitors are welcome.

Located across the street from the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce/The Aroostook County Historical and Art Museum, ARCH is where individuals can come and receive support for their recovery journey, connecting people to resources and serving as a venue for various recovery meetings.

“We are excited about our move,” shared Gregg Spelta, Volunteer Coordinator and Peer Support Specialist. “The larger location is ideal for more individuals to seek our services. It’s also within walking distance of many other amenities that Houlton has to offer.” ARCH is open to everyone, including people in recovery, people struggling with substance/alcohol/opioid use disorder(s), affected others, allies, and community members. ARCH is a service of Aroostook Mental Health Services, Inc. (AMHC) in partnership with Link for Hope. The center is open on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and on some weeknights and weekends. For more information about ARCH services, recovery groups, and more, please contact Spelta by email at gspelta@amhc.org or by phone at 254-2213.

Celebrating more than 57 years, AMHC is a nonprofit organization supporting nearly 5,500 clients annually. The agency has 26 service sites and 325 employees across Aroostook, Hancock, and Washington counties providing mental health, substance use, crisis, and sexual assault services. For more information, connect with AMHC at www.amhc.org.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and Aroostook Mental Health Services, Inc. (AMHC) encourages everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms of suicidal thoughts and what to do and not do in response to helping a loved one.

“According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, on average, one person died by suicide every 32 hours in the State of Maine in 2020,” explains Sarah Wright, Director of Crisis Services. “Suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 10-34 and the fourth leading cause of death for ages 35-54.”

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) says the following warning signs could signal that someone is experiencing suicidal ideation (thoughts about suicide):

• Comments like “I wish I weren’t here” or “Nothing matters”
• Increased alcohol and drug use
• Aggressive behavior
• Withdrawal from friends, family, and community
• Dramatic mood swings
• Impulsive or reckless behavior

NAMI offers this advice: If your friend or family member struggles with suicidal ideation day-to-day, let them know that they can talk with you about what they are going through. Make sure that you adopt an open and compassionate mindset when they are talking. Instead of “arguing” or trying to disprove any negative statements they make (“Your life is not that bad!”), try active listening techniques such as reflecting on their feelings and summarizing their thoughts. This can help your loved one feel heard and validated.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, AMHC is available to anyone in Aroostook, Washington, and Hancock counties. To access AMHC’s Mobile Crisis Services team, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or the Maine Crisis Line at 1-888-568-1112.