Midcoast mental health provider to appeal state’s awarding of contract
A longtime provider of mental health services to the midcoast area plans to appeal a state decision to award the next contract to a different company.
The Bangor Daily News reported that the Maine Department of Health and Human Services announced earlier this month it would awarding the regional state-funded crisis mental health services contract to Sweetser over Maine Behavioral Healthcare. The region covers Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc and Waldo counties.
More than a year ago, Maine Behavioral Healthcare assumed control of Midcoast Mental Health Center, which has provided services to the region for more than 30 years, according to the BDN.
Maine Behavioral Healthcare has 100 to 150 employees in its Rockland and Belfast offices and 27 mobile crisis workers.
Dennis King, CEO of Maine Behavioral Healthcare, told the BDN he was surprised by the decision of the state’s DHHS and that the appeal would be filed by Friday. He said it was too early to discuss potential layoffs if his organization’s appeal is unsuccessful.
Stephanie Hanner, communications manager for Saco-based Sweetser, told the BDN that Sweetser has a growing presence in the midcoast. It has a clinic in Rockland and residential units and a school in Belfast that serves young people with behavioral problems.
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