LEWISTON, Maine — A new mental health and substance use clinic opens in Lewiston Tuesday afternoon.
Sweetser, a behavioral health nonprofit, opened the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic to increase access to wraparound mental health and substance use services in areas that lack accessibility, according to a press release.
Justin Chenette, senior director of public relations and advancement, said Sweetser serves more than 2,000 residents in Androscoggin County, and the new Lewiston Hope and Healing Center will allow the organization to help at least 700 more Mainers.
Chenette said Sweetser officials saw how successful this model was in at its Sanford and Biddeford locations and are excited for it to help those in the Lewiston area. Besides a number of services like 24/7 crisis care, peer support, and outpatient therapy, the center will have walk-in hours on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning in December.
"Anyone off the street can come into the center and again there will be a team of individuals to help support you every single step of the way," Chenette said. "And we don't turn anyone away, regardless of their ability to pay, regardless of their insurance status. Like if you know you need help, just come to the center and you will be helped".
The Hope and Healing Center is located next to Just-In-Time Recreation, one location of the Lewiston mass shootings last fall.
Chennette said Sweetser saw an increase in people from the Lewiston community calling its crisis line and reaching out for mental health services. That's why Sweetser chose to be near the bowling alley, Chenette added, to reflect the city's story of resilience in the face of tragedy.
"We are really writing a new chapter of hope and healing, not just for Lewiston, but for the state of Maine. And so we're seeing an opportunity for all of us to come together to support one another. This is what Mainers do," he explained.
Sweetser secured the funding for the center from a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and support from the Maine Department of Health & Human Services.
There will be a grand opening ceremony at the center at 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday. Members of the public are invited to attend.