LEWISTON, Maine – In the aftermath of the devastating mass shooting in Lewiston, where a tragic incident has claimed the lives of at least 18 individuals, state agencies and mental health service providers are rallying to offer support and urging Mainers to reach out for assistance during this challenging time.
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services is making a concerted effort to ensure that individuals in need of immediate support have access to essential resources. They have emphasized the importance of contacting or texting 988, the national crisis line dedicated to suicide and behavioral health issues.
In recognition of the unique needs of teens and young adults, the National Alliance on Mental Illness Teen Text Line is available for text messages at 207-515-8398. This text line is staffed daily from noon to 10 p.m. to offer assistance and guidance.
Gateway Community Services, a prominent counseling and behavioral health provider with an office located in Lewiston, is actively seeking licensed mental health professionals who are willing to volunteer their services on a temporary basis. These volunteers will play a vital role in providing support to those in need.
CEO Abdullahi Ali of Gateway Community Services expressed the importance of matching willing volunteers with individuals seeking help once their backgrounds have been verified. The organization has facilitated the volunteer signup process by posting a QR code with a registration link on their official Facebook page.
In light of the tragic events, the hope is that once the shelter-in-place order is lifted, the Lewiston community will come together to support one another in person, strengthening the bond of support during this challenging time. The collaboration among state agencies and mental health providers underscores the resilience of the community and its commitment to mental health and well-being.
