BRUNSWICK – MaineHealth showcased its newly renovated behavioral health center on the MaineHealth Parkview Health Center campus at an official ribbon cutting ceremony on June 3.
More than 250 members of the community, MaineHealth Behavioral Health providers, MaineHealth leaders and donors who helped support this project came to tour the new space and to learn about the importance of having behavioral health services in the same location.
“As an emergency medicine physician, I have seen how behavioral health challenges affect individuals and families, often in moments of crisis,’’ said Christopher Bowe, MD, FACHE, president of MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital. “The emergency department is frequently the entry point for care, but what truly makes a difference in people’s lives is ongoing, accessible and coordinated treatment. That is what this newly renovated center will help to provide.”
MaineHealth CEO Andrew Mueller, MD, welcomed those in attendance, and he spoke about the importance of behavioral health in achieving MaineHealth’s vision of “working together so our communities are the healthiest in America.
Kelly Barton, MPH, FACHE, president of MaineHealth Behavioral Health spoke of how locating multiple behavioral health services in the same building can have a profound and positive impact for those who receive services, as well as care providers.
“Bringing services together from three locations into one enhances patient access, coordination and continuity of care. It also increases the likelihood that patients will stay engaged in treatment,” said Barton. “This project represents a significant collaborative effort between Mid Coast and MHBH. By integrating various aspects of care delivery as a unified system, MaineHealth is ensuring comprehensive and seamless care for all patients.”
Barton congratulated Mandy Lewis, a patient who has utilized many MHBH services, during the event. Lewis has been sober for six years.
“I encourage people who are struggling with addiction to seek care and to stay hopeful,’’ Lewis said after the ceremony. “You have to keep trying to be sober. It took me several years and a lot of support from family and many different caregivers to succeed.”
“The programs offered at this location can start you on your journey to sobriety and keep you there,’’ Lewis said.
The event also paid tribute to former MHMCH President Lois Skillings, who was recognized for more than 43 years of service excellence in the community.
“Lois’ leadership was guided by compassion, caring and an unwavering commitment to viewing health care through the lens of the patient,’’ Bowe said. “Her vision and genuine kindness brought two separate health systems, Parkview and Mid Coast, together with one purpose, to serve this community.”
Bowe announced the new facility has been named the MaineHealth Lois N. Skillings Health Center in her honor. Skillings capped off the ceremony by cutting the ribbon.
