FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
| Hello everyone, and welcome to the CCSM fall newsletter! As I look out my window there is a spectacular view of colored leaves everywhere and there are small piles of downed leaves as well. Do you have any seasonal decorations out yet? Fall is a very busy time at the CCSM. We are gearing up for a month of elections for our board and local council leadership. We are actively working on educating our communities on state/national election processes as the November elections near (or even sooner if you vote by absentee ballots). If you have not seen it yet, we have posted a series of videos from candidates for Governor as well as the US senate and congressional candidates along with our partners across the disability community. Our goal is to share messages focused on the issues that matter for people with all types of disabilities so they can be as informed as possible when voting. All the above information and a lot more can be found on our website www.maineccsm.org so please check it out as well as our social media pages. We are also gearing up for another busy legislative session so if you want to learn get involved….when we say we are here to support you….we mean it! Just the other day, I was talking to a retiring state senator who said we ( the Legislature) absolutely need to hear the stories from those of us living with challenges and successes. Nothing about us without us! There are so many other projects as well that we are working on including events for next year! As I close my section, I want to leave you with a quote: ‘Never forget that you matter. Your voice matters. Your story matters. You are important.” -unknown Be well and see you soon! |
OFFICE UPDATE
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Important Reminder
Our office location at 219 Capitol Street Suite 7 Augusta Maine is only open by appointment; Staff are working remotely.
We can be reached by phone or email during normal business hours 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
All contact information can be found on our website https://maineccsm.org/about-us/contact/
For any general information or question please contact our Operations Director.
Vickie Crocker-Hebert:
Office (207)430-8300
vhebert@maineccsm.org
ISSUE STATEMENT UPDATE
The Issues Subcommittee has continued to work through complex issues statements as we attempt to address community concerns throughout the state. We welcome input from members of various communities to better understand the realistic impact of these issues.
Inappropriate Emergency Room Discharge
Issue:
The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) has been made aware of an increase in stories being shared about unsafe discharges from emergency rooms to places unable to provide adequate care such as warming centers, shelters, or even the streets. This is posing a major safety concern. Many of these patients are not only experiencing mental health challenges, but also physical health problems that require sustained hospital care.
Co-occurring Capable Peer Workforce
Issue:
As Maine returns to being co-occurring capable, which is required for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), we would like to highlight the need for both Intentional Peer Support Specialists and Recovery Coaches to have opportunities for training to be co-occurring capable. All CCBHC team members are also required to be co-occurring capable, so we believe IPSS and Recovery Coaches should be as well.
Reminder that our Issues Subcommittee meets every 2nd Wednesday of each month from 10AM-12PM.
For any questions, feedback, or information needed regarding our Legislative and Issues Subcommittees, please contact our Policy Specialist.
Kerri Pitts:
Work Cell: (20)7-707-2435
kpitts@maineccsm.org
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LOCAL COUNCIL MEETINGS
Currently, the Bangor, Farmington, and Greater Lewiston and Auburn Area local council meetings can be attended both in person and virtually via Zoom. Augusta local council can be attended via Zoom only.
For a list of current local council meetings with detailed information, click the button below….
Upcoming Event
SAVE THE DATE!
Hall of Flags 2027
April 12th
8:00 am-4:00 pm
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Legislative and Issues Updates
The Legislative Subcommittee is currently focused on identifying our legislative priorities for the 133rd session.
We are also preparing additional educational materials on preparing legislative testimony and the broader legislative process suited to participants at every level of experience.
We look forward to sharing more information as we have it!
Reminder that our Legislative Subcommittee meets every 1st Wednesday of each month from 10AM-12PM.
OUTREACH UPDATE
As the vibrant colors of autumn settle over Maine, the CCSM Outreach team is filled with gratitude for the momentum we’ve built together. Our Local Councils continue to be the heartbeat of our organization and following our deep dives into AI and mental health and Self-directed care with advance directives, our members are channeling those vital insights into ongoing advocacy for more compassionate, peer-informed mental health care across the state.
Calling all artists! Peer artwork calendar submissions are open. As we move forward into the new year, we are thrilled to announce that submissions are now officially open for our annual peer art calendar! This year’s theme is “Through My Eyes.” We invite community members to share their unique perspectives, creativity, and artistic visions. Whether through painting, photography, mixed media, or digital design, your art helps shape a calendar that celebrates our community’s diverse voices all year round. Visit our website now for details on submitting your work.
As the fall election season takes center stage, our commitment to education and civic engagement remains stronger than ever. Please note that while our in-person Candidates Forum originally planned for September was cancelled, we are excited to share an alternative way to hear from those running for office.
We are proud to collaborate with our partners Disability Rights Maine, Speaking UP For Us, the University of Maine Center for Inclusion and Disability Studies, and the Maine Developmental Disabilities Council, together we released a series of video interviews with gubernatorial and senate candidates, You can find the series here at https://maineccsm.org/maine-candidates-share-their-thoughts-on-disability-priorities/
Our podcast, Our Voice of ME, continues to grow throughout Season Two, with new episodes being released and additional topics in development. Our next series, focused on Music and Mental Health, is scheduled for release during the first week of October. The podcast team is also currently working with guests for an Animals and Mental Health series that will help wrap up the year. As the podcast continues to develop, we are always exploring new topics and looking for guests who can bring meaningful perspectives to the conversation; whether they are peers with lived experience and a story to share or community experts working within the areas we are exploring.
Wear Your Advocacy! Our online store continues to grow. With cozy weather on the way, it’s the perfect time to explore our latest apparel and items. Every purchase is a wonderful way to wear your advocacy on your sleeve and show your support for peer-led change across Maine.
For more information about any of our meetings including how you can help start or attend a local council in your area, please contact our Outreach Coordinator team.
Brittany Lorance:
Work Cell: (207) 687-6035
blorance@maineccsm.org
Sarah Bellavance:
Work Cell: (207) 446-3249
ssavage-bellavance@maineccsm.org
