AUGUSTA, Maine — Members of the Maine chapter of the National Shattering Silence Coalition argue Progressive Treatment Programs are underused in Maine. They sent a letter to the Lewiston commission asking to why one wasn't used in the case of Lewison shooter Robert Card.
In a press conference Friday, members shared personal stories and argued the Progressive Treatment Plan, or PTP, has been underutilized since becoming state law in 2010.
"Maine needs to wake up, big time," coalition member Joe Pickering said.
Coalition members argue PTP can help people going through a mental health crisis by preventing them from hurting themselves or others, especially those with anosognosia or a similar mental health illness.
PTP in Maine can currently set conditions for anyone who has been hospitalized for their mental health. If the person does not follow those conditions, they can be mandated to get psychiatric care.
"Every one of these crimes, before and after Lewiston, involved people who have no awareness of their illness (anosognosia), and that's the group that we're trying to get more help for," former legislator John Nutting said, referring to examples given during the press conference when a person hurt themselves or others during a mental health crisis.
Nutting and others also argued not enough training is being given in Maine to stakeholders who can initiate the PTP such as law enforcement, members of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, or other mental health liaisons.
"Comprehensive training is necessary, and it's fully within our grasp," Laura Snyder, a coalition member and retired occupational therapist, said.
Coalition members also shared a timeline of events leading up to the tragic October mass shooting and what they believe could have happened if a PTP was implemented, as well as their recommendations to the commission.
A spokesperson for the commission said members have received the letter from the coalition and are reviewing recommendations.
NEWS CENTER Maine reached out to Maine DHHS, and a spokesperson directed us to a statement the agency sent out a few months ago regarding PTP:
"The Department is always open to good ideas about how to help protect the health and safety of Maine people in conjunction with our partners. The Department has implemented the Progressive Treatment Program in accordance with the law. DHHS is deeply committed to working with law enforcement and the broader medical and behavioral health community to support individuals with complex mental health needs and to protect the safety and wellbeing of Maine people."
We also reached out to the Maine Criminal Justice Academy and Maine State Police to learn more about how officers are trained in PTP and are awaiting a response.