In recent years, Maine has faced significant challenges in providing access to mental health services for its residents. Despite the state’s efforts to address this issue, the federal Institute for Mental Diseases exclusion law, established in 1965, continues to deny federal funds for essential mental health services. This lack of funding has resulted in a failure to develop and expand progressive treatment programs and other services that could save lives.
The editorial published on April 21 titled “Maine lawmakers’ inaction on red flag law is a monumental failure” highlights the need for action on this issue. It is truly tragic that Mainers will pay the price for this in lives lost. Additionally, our state has once again chosen not to fund a bid for a waiver to outdated federal restrictions on the use of Medicaid funds for mental health services. If we were to secure this waiver, similar to what we did for substance abuse treatment, we would have access to federal funds to help save lives.
Last year, Sen. Joe Baldacci’s LD 445 passed both the House and Senate and was the top priority of the Health and Human Services Committee. However, despite its passage, it was never funded due to a lack of action by Maine lawmakers. By investing $1.3 million in state funds, Maine could have received millions in federal dollars to develop and expand progressive treatment programs and other services that could save lives before tragedy strikes again. It is crucial that we prioritize treatment before tragedy rather than waiting until it occurs before seeking help.
The lack of action by Maine lawmakers on this issue is shortsighted and discriminatory as it continues to cost lives across the country. The Truth Tear Down this Wall Committee in Bangor has raised awareness on this important issue and encourages Maine’s congressional delegation to collectively support a bill that ends discrimination nationwide so that all individuals can receive access to necessary mental health services without further delay or harm.
