Last Friday, September 6th, DHHS released an RFP (request for proposal) for the warm line program. This peer staffed and managed program has been operating in Maine for 14 years. For many years, the warm line has been open 24/7. In the current RFP, the State is saying they are only going to pay for a program that is operated from 5 pm until midnight each day. This is a massive step backward for the peer community. Peers have said loudly that this would be detrimental to their mental health and support is needed when it is needed. The proposal, as written, would cut two-thirds of the hours the current program. The warm line program handles between 25,000-30,000 calls a year and that is with two peer specialists during the day and evening and only one peer specialist overnight.
We need your help to stop this potentially harmful RFP! Let’s send a clear message to the state that we need more robust peer support services in Maine, not LESS!
Here is what you can do:
- Call the Commissioner of DHHS (Commissioner Lambrew) at : 207-287-3707
- Call Governor Mill’s office at: 207-287-3531
- Call the Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHS) Director, Sheldon Wheeler at 207-287-2595
- Find and contact your State Legislators (CLICK ON BOX BELOW)
Please share how this program has supported you, your friends, and what it would mean if this service was decreased. Support Peer Support Services in Maine TODAY!!!!
If you have any questions, contact the CCSM office: 207-430-8300 or 1-877-207-5073.
