ISSUE:
We are opening a conversation on this severe and urgent statewide issue, impacting most communities and that this issue cannot be solved by one entity. Our goal is to bring awareness to this issue and work towards collaborative, trauma-informed efforts to address this.
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
RECOMMENDATIONS:
- All hospitals need to have a 24/7 dedicated patient advocate either on-site or on call for hospital team to utilize for safe discharge planning.
- We encourage all hospitals to integrate safety planning as needed with the individual’s treatment plan.
- Develop a mechanism for billing General Assistance in the patient’s town of origin for return transportation. Currently, patients are at the mercy of the hospital system for transportation vouchers that are often inconsistent.
To Submit feedback, ideas, or a personal story relating to this issue statement, please send it to the CCSM office either by mail at:
Kerri Pitts
CCSM, 219 Capitol St, Suite 7, Augusta, ME 04330
or email at: kpitts@maineccsm.org
DEADLINE TO RESPOND: August 10th, 2026
