3 months ago
PORTLAND (NEWS CENTER) -- Portland is not the only community these days that's been having more run-ins between those with mental illness and the police. Tuesday, Portland Police Chief James Craig held a news conference to urge the community to help him do something about the problem. He's getting praise from Carol Carothers, the executive director for Maine's chapter of NAMI, the National Alliance On Mental Illness. She said a lot of Maine police departments have noticed a similar problem. The reasons are unclear. Cuts to mental health services could be a factor, as well as an increase in people not being able to afford care because insurance doesn't cover it. And there are some studies that are showing an increase in people exhibiting signs of mental illness. Carothers said some communities, like Bangor, have had success by making sure service providers and police are aware of the ways they can help each other. Bangor has had a system in place for a few years. Police keep in constant contact with mental health service providers, letting them know what kind of situations they're encountering so that service providers are able to help those who seem to be falling through the cracks. Police have found the system has reduced injuries to both police and to those with mental illness. The city of Brunswick and York County are also both in the process of putting together plans to improve their systems without spending any extra money. The holidays can be a difficult time for those suffering from depression or other mental illnesses. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-TALK. You can also find support groups through the NAMI website by clicking here.
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