Mental health intervention plan underused in Maine, advocates say [Video]

AUGUSTA, Maine — Members of the Maine chapter of the National Shattering Silence Coalition argue Progressive Treatment Programs are underused in Maine. They sent a letter to the Lewiston commission asking to why one wasn’t used in the case of Lewison shooter Robert Card. 

“Maine needs to wake up, big time,” coalition member Joe Pickering said. 

Coalition members argue PTP can help people going through a mental health crisis by preventing them from hurting themselves or others, especially those with anosognosia or a similar mental health illness. 

PTP in Maine can currently set conditions for anyone who has been hospitalized for their mental health. If the person does not follow those conditions, they can be mandated to get psychiatric care. 

“Every one of these crimes, before and after Lewiston, …