Explore

Spurwink Opens 24/7 Crisis Center in Lewiston for Behavioral Health Support

Spurwink Opens 24/7 Crisis Center in Lewiston for Behavioral Health Support

The Lewiston Crisis Center, operated by the nonprofit Spurwink, has recently opened in Lewiston, Maine, offering 24/7 support for individuals experiencing mental health emergencies or substance use issues. This facility aims to provide a low-stress alternative to traditional emergency interventions, such as emergency rooms. The center is equipped with private rooms, lockers, a laundry room, and access to showers, designed to offer a comfortable and home-like environment. Patients can stay for up to 23 hours and can be referred by law enforcement or hospitals. Rebecca Patkus, Vice President of Regional Outpatient and Community Services at Spurwink, highlighted that the center addresses a gap in care, serving teens and adults who may not require an emergency room but need immediate support. The center accepts MaineCare and other insurance, and no one will be turned away due to inability to pay.

Problematic Smartphone Use Linked to Negative Health and Academic Outcomes

Problematic Smartphone Use Linked to Negative Health and Academic Outcomes

Problematic smartphone use, often referred to as phone addiction, is characterized by difficulty controlling usage and interference with daily life. While a high screen-time total alone does not define addiction, the pattern of use, its motivations, and its consequences are critical factors. Research indicates associations between problematic smartphone use and poorer sleep, mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, and lower academic achievement. For instance, a 2019 systematic review of studies involving children and young people found that problematic use was linked to adverse mental health and sleep outcomes. Additionally, a 2024 review of 29 studies showed a small association between problematic smartphone use and reduced academic performance. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) highlights that digital features like autoplay and endless scrolling are designed to maximize engagement, potentially competing with other activities and making it harder to disengage. The AAP also advises that...

Shantam Pragya Mission Launches Mental Health Awareness Campaign 'Man Mahotsav'

Shantam Pragya Mission Launches Mental Health Awareness Campaign 'Man Mahotsav'

Shantam Pragya Mission is initiating a comprehensive mental health awareness campaign named 'Man Mahotsav' in anticipation of World Mental Health Day on October 10. The campaign aims to educate citizens across various societal sectors about mental health, mental illnesses, stress, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide prevention, as well as available mental health services. Initially, the campaign will focus on the Jabalpur district, with plans to reach schools, colleges, universities, educational institutions, hospitals, healthcare institutions, companies, workplaces, and both rural and urban communities. The mission is inviting mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, social workers, teachers, and yog gurus, to contribute their expertise and time to this initiative.

Delaware County Establishes Mental Health Liaison Position at George W. Hill Correctional Facility

Delaware County Establishes Mental Health Liaison Position at George W. Hill Correctional Facility

Delaware County, Pennsylvania, has created a Mental Health Liaison position at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility. This role, reporting to the Director of Community & Justice Support, is responsible for identifying inmates with mental health needs, coordinating their release to appropriate services, and actively participating in an interdisciplinary approach to their care. The liaison's duties include identifying individuals with significant mental health needs early through referrals or assessments, maintaining a compassionate and client-centered approach, and completing COMPASS applications for Medicaid enrollment for inmates with anticipated discharge dates. The liaison also works with the Department of Homeless Services to secure housing upon discharge and advocates for admission to eligible services. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between incarceration and community-based mental health support.

Orthorexia, an Obsession with Healthy Eating, Becomes More Prevalent

Orthorexia, an Obsession with Healthy Eating, Becomes More Prevalent

Orthorexia, an Obsession with Healthy Eating, Becomes More Prevalent

Senator Maggie Hassan and Senator Tim Scott Introduce Addiction Grants Modernization Act to Streamline Federal Funding

Senator Maggie Hassan and Senator Tim Scott Introduce Addiction Grants Modernization Act to Streamline Federal Funding

U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) have introduced the Addiction Grants Modernization Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to simplify the process for substance abuse recovery organizations to apply for federal grants. The proposed act seeks to establish a centralized website and application system, replacing the current fragmented approach where various federal programs and funding sources are scattered across different government departments. The goal is to reduce administrative 'red tape,' allowing these organizations to dedicate more time and resources to their primary mission of combating drug addiction and saving lives. Senator Hassan emphasized that local leaders and advocates in New Hampshire are actively working to support recovery efforts, and this bill will facilitate their access to necessary funding.

FEMA Allocates $1.4 Million to New Hampshire for Disaster Infrastructure Projects

FEMA Allocates $1.4 Million to New Hampshire for Disaster Infrastructure Projects

New Hampshire is set to receive over $1.4 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to bolster its disaster infrastructure. This funding is part of a larger allocation of approximately $18 million distributed among New England states. Specifically, $1.2 million will be directed to the town of Hampton for the New Hampshire Coast Resilience Storm Water Infiltration Reduction Project. These funds are provided through FEMA's Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program, which aims to reduce risks to communities and properties from natural hazards. Additionally, about $212,000 will be allocated to support floodplain management practices, facilitated by FEMA's Community Assistance Program. These initiatives are designed to enhance the state's resilience against future disaster events and improve its capacity to manage and mitigate flood risks.

New Hampshire Insurance Department Approves 2.9% Workers’ Compensation Rate Cut for 2027

New Hampshire Insurance Department Approves 2.9% Workers’ Compensation Rate Cut for 2027

New Hampshire Insurance Department Approves 2.9% Workers’ Compensation Rate Cut for 2027

Trend of 'Going Analog' Emerges as Individuals Seek Disconnection from Digital Media

Trend of 'Going Analog' Emerges as Individuals Seek Disconnection from Digital Media

Trend of 'Going Analog' Emerges as Individuals Seek Disconnection from Digital Media

ACS CAN Launches Nationwide Ad Campaign to Prioritize Cancer in 2026 Midterm Elections

ACS CAN Launches Nationwide Ad Campaign to Prioritize Cancer in 2026 Midterm Elections

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) has initiated a nationwide digital and print advertising campaign to ensure cancer remains a national priority in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. This campaign, part of ACS CAN's Cancer Votes program, aims to encourage voters in 17 states to understand candidates' stances on critical cancer issues before casting their ballots. The states targeted include Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin. With over 2 million Americans projected to be diagnosed with cancer this year, ACS CAN emphasizes the urgency of this initiative. The organization is also hosting candidate coffee chats and other events to facilitate direct engagement between candidates and voters on cancer policy priorities. Candidates are being asked to sign the 'Cancer Promise,' a pledge to prioritize cancer issues such as access to care, preven...

SAMHSA Awards Over $42 Million to States for 'Treatment First' Model in Support of President Trump's Executive Order

SAMHSA Awards Over $42 Million to States for 'Treatment First' Model in Support of President Trump's Executive Order

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has allocated $42.3 million in new supplemental funding to states and territories. This funding aims to advance President Trump’s Executive Order on Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets and promote the 'Treatment First' model, which addresses homelessness and addiction. An additional $2 million has been awarded to the Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) Network to support implementation. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. stated that these investments are designed to move individuals from crisis into treatment and then into lasting recovery, stable housing, and employment, breaking the cycle of homelessness and addiction.

New England Offers Prime Fall Foliage Road Trip Opportunities in October

New England Offers Prime Fall Foliage Road Trip Opportunities in October

New England Offers Prime Fall Foliage Road Trip Opportunities in October