Sweetser

In Androscoggin County, St. Mary's Health System’s and MaineGeneral's Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care are collaborating on cancer care. For Kennebec and Somerset counties, Sweetser will run Kennebec Behavioral Health’s mobile crisis services.

The facility will provide 24/7 intensive care to Maine youth under 21 with acute behavioral health care needs. The center will have 16 beds and be staffed with psychiatrists, behavioral care and mental health providers and nursing staff.

The merger comes at a critical inflection point for behavioral health, as smaller organizations face rising operational complexities and funding uncertainties.

The facility, at 863 Main St., will provide services including 24/7 crisis response for up to 750 children and families.

Leaders should create a positive, open and respectful environment, writes guest columnist Jayne Van Bramer, president and CEO of Sweetser. That means offering public praise but private criticism, unplugging on your vacation, not sending emails on the weekend and taking care of yourself.

For many Mainers, a sense of trust and safety has been shattered by the tragedy in Lewiston. Resources are available for those struggling with mental health or trying to cope with loss. 

Jayne Van Bramer, president and CEO of Sweetser, has a lot on her to-do list this year at the Saco-based nonprofit.