Maine’s suicide rate is higher than the national average, with 14.04 per 100,000 people (about the seating capacity of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum) nationally and 19.5 per 100,000 in Maine per year. Coupled with the growing mental health crisis, opioid epidemic, and rise in homelessness, the need for suicide prevention is crucial. Suicide rates are 10 times greater among those experiencing homelessness or with an opioid use disorder.
Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, in partnership with Northern Light Acadia Hospital, is hosting a panel with mental health experts at the State Street Campus on Thursday, Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Mason Auditorium. The conversation will explore the need to create safe, inclusive programs, and expand outreach and support for those facing emotional challenges and experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Panel members from Acadia Hospital include:
Greg Bridges-Music, LCPC, M Div, MSPC, MSCMHC, chaplain, Office of Spiritual Care;
Courtney Evans, M.Ed, LCPC, CCS, NCC, psychiatric clinician II/LCPC, Addiction Medicine Clinic; and Brent Scobie, PhD, LCSW, vice president, Quality & Community Service.
The panel will be moderated by Doug Cotta, spiritual care coordinator, Eastern Maine Medical Center. Community members are invited to attend in person or by Zoom – https://emhs.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LuOOemvJReWA_AOj4YfTJw.
