LEWISTON, Maine — Editor's note: The video above was originally published on Oct. 29, 2023.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills' administration has launched a website in response to the mass shooting that occurred in Lewiston on Oct. 25. The website includes several ways to donate and support victims and the organizations who are working around the clock to heal the Maine community.
Ways to donate to support victims and their families:
The Central Maine Medical Center Compassionate Care Fund for Trauma Response and Support is collecting donations to help fund both emotional and behavioral health services for medical workers and patients. Funds will also be used for trauma care patients who can’t afford their medical bills, and new technology and equipment for rapid diagnosis and treatment for trauma patients, according to CMMC’s website.
"The doctors, nurses, and hospital team members of Central Maine Medical Center extend our deepest condolences to everyone affected by the tragic events in Lewiston on October 25th. In light of this tragedy and our ongoing responsibility to continue serving as the regional trauma center for central Maine, we have established the CMMC Compassionate Care Fund for Trauma Response and Support," CMMC said in a statement.
The Lewiston-Auburn Area Response Fund created by the Maine Community Foundation is collecting donations for those impacted by the shooting and the organizations who are guiding the community during this time of healing.
The City of Lewiston Families and Victims Fund is accepting online donations for victims, and cash donations at Androscoggin Bank locations in Auburn, Brunswick, Gray, Jay, Lewiston, Lisbon Falls, Portland, South Paris, and Turner.
Funds raised by the United Way of Androscoggin County’s Community Fund (UWAC) will be used to support community partners that are providing mental health services and other critical needs to the Lewiston-Auburn community.
LA Metro Chamber Foundation is collecting donations to support EMS workers and organizations who have responded to the greatest need in the community during this tragic time.
People have also set up GoFundMe pages to raise money for specific people and the crowdfunding platform has verified the following accounts for the loved ones of victims:
Want to volunteer?
MaineResponds.org is asking those with public and/or behavioral health experience to register on their website if they wish to volunteer to support the healing process in Lewiston.
Where to go for help
The city of Lewiston has set up a Family Assistance Center at the Lewiston Armory located at 65 Central Ave. as a space for victims and their support persons to safely gather. The Armory will offer medical, spiritual, and financial assistance to those in need who were impacted by the shooting, including those present at the shooting, but not physically injured. This location will have a heavy police presence and the press will not be allowed inside, according to a news release.
CRISIS LINE: 1-888-568-1112
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the crisis line to speak with a trained crisis clinician 24/7. The Mobile Crisis Team operates 24/7 and can respond to meet the needs of wherever individuals or families are located.
INTENTIONAL WARM LINE: 1-866-771-9276
Sweetser’s 24/7 mental health peer-to-peer phone support line for adults aged 18 and older offers free mutual conversations with a trained peer specialist who has life experience with mental health recovery.
NON-EMERGENCY SWEETSER PROMISE LINE: 1-800-434-3000
For access to mental health services for non-emergencies you can reach a mental health specialist by calling the number above or emailing info@sweetser.org.
TEEN TEXT SUPPORT LINE: 207-515-8398
Available from NAMI Maine every day from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. for youth 13-24 years old.
For more details on donating or mental health services, click here.