PORTLAND — Martin’s Point Health Care and University of Southern Maine Foundation announced a new chapter in their longstanding partnership with a generous gift from Martin’s Point to support the creation of a Sensory Deprivation Room on USM’s Portland campus. The gift is part of a larger contribution that also includes support for the University’s Student Emergency Fund – established by Martin’s Point and the Foundation in 2019 – as well as ongoing funding for the USM Campus Food Pantry.
Designed with input from student veterans, the Sensory Deprivation Room is designed to help with the effects of PTSD — a condition more common among veterans. It will offer a quiet, technology-free space within USM’s Military-Affiliated Student Hub that provides a calming environment area to relax, regulate and re-calibrate. Soft lighting, soothing sounds and sensory tools will help students decompress and manage the pressures of academic and daily life. The dedicated room reflects USM and Martin’s Point’s deep commitment to supporting the success and well-being of Maine’s military-affiliated student population.
“USM was recently designated a Military Friendly® school because we are meeting the unique challenges student veterans face,” said USM President Jacqueline Edmondson. “This generous investment from Martin’s Point Health Care continues their tradition of meaningful partnership, and helps us fulfill our University service promise of ‘student focused every day.’ The sensory deprivation room at MASH will make an immediate difference in the lives of students who have given so much in service to others, helping them find balance and connection as they pursue their academic and personal goals.”
The gift builds on a rich history of collaboration between USM and Martin’s Point, including support for student emergency assistance, food security, and equity initiatives. Martin’s Point also supports USM students through internship and job shadow opportunities and sponsorship of the University’s Career & Employment Hub. Its team includes many USM alumni who remain actively engaged with their alma mater.
“As a long-time community partner of the University of Southern Maine, Martin’s Point is proud to support this initiative serving the student-veteran community,” said Dr. Paul F. Kasuba, president and CEO of Martin’s Point Health Care. “Our organization is deeply committed to the well-being of the military populations we serve through our US Family Health Plan insurance coverage, and we believe strongly in supporting the whole health of all veterans in our communities. While this gift represents part of a contribution allocated to several important services supporting the educational experience of our next generation of leaders, we are honored to contribute to this designated space that will provide an essential sanctuary for student veterans navigating the demands of college life.”
With the support of community-minded partners like Martin’s Point, USM continues to expand its capacity to meet the needs of its diverse student body, including those who bring experiences from military service. The Sensory Deprivation Room is expected to open during the 2025–26 academic year.
