TV Segment: Understanding Firearm Access & Suicide Risk

In Maine, 92% of gun deaths are suicides—and most involve men. In this WMTW Mental Health Moment, Connor Clement sits down with Sweetser’s Medical Director, Dr. Marc Kaplan, to discuss why creating distance from firearms during times of crisis can save lives.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

TV Segment: Supporting Youth in Crisis

When a child is struggling with their mental health, knowing where to turn can feel overwhelming. WMTW’s Scott McDonnell sits down with Sweetser’s Clinical Director of Youth Services, Becca Task, and breaks down crisis support, residential options, school-based treatment, and long-term care for Maine families. From immediate crisis help to ongoing outpatient and community-based services, this conversation helps parents understand what support can look like—and how to access it.

If you or your child needs immediate help, call or text 988. Learn more: sweetser.org | 1‑800‑434‑3000

In The News: WGME Segment on Children’s Crisis Residential Units

When a youth mental health crisis goes beyond what home can handle, Sweetser’s crisis stabilization units help children reset and move toward long-term support. On this Spotlight on ME segment, Sweetser’s Chief Program Officer Kristie Worster explains how youth mental health crises are identified, stabilized, and supported through short-term residential care.

Spring Into Hope Maine Fashion Show

Thursday, May 7th
6:00pm – 10:00pm
Doors Open: 5:30pm

Dunegrass Country Club – Old Orchard Beach, ME

Tickets are on sale at SpringIntoHope.org.

Step into style for a cause at Channel 8 Spring Into Hope, a high-energy benefit fashion show supporting Sweetser and mental health awareness in Maine. Enjoy bold runway looks, inspiring stories, chef-curated hors d’oeuvres, sweet treat takeaways, and photo-worthy moments – all while helping expand access to critical mental health services and eliminating the stigma.

Hosted by Channel 8, Meghan Torjussen and Jon Chrisos for a glamorous night of Fashion, Purpose, and Impact, supported by our friends at PeoplesChoice Credit Union and Mercedes Benz of Scarborough.

Check out the fun we had last year:

Oxford Casino Gives Back to Sweetser

We appreciate Oxford Casino for helping us to raise over $5,000 to support our programs here at Sweetser!

Pictured left to right: Brooke Poulin Promotions Supervisor, Sara Towle Sweetser Development Office Manager, Jodie Hansen Sweetser Director of Development, and Sara Fordham Casino Host.

TV Segment: Maine’s Mental Health Funding Cliff

Maine’s mental health safety net is at a critical crossroads as federal funding for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics begins to expire. In this WMTW Mental Health Moment, Sweetser CFO John McAnuff explains how the CCBHC model—through Sweetser’s Hope & Healing Centers in Sanford, Brunswick, and Lewiston—has expanded same-day, walk‑in access to mental health and substance use care for adults and children across Maine.

He also discusses why proposed legislation, LD 721, is essential to sustaining these services, protecting access for uninsured and underinsured Mainers, and strengthening the state’s behavioral health system. Learn what’s at stake and how you can help urge lawmakers to fund this vital investment in mental health care.

You can learn more about our Hope & Healing Centers here.

Serving Hope: Pizza By Alex Biddeford

Join us Wednesday, April 15th for our Serving Hope fundraiser at Pizza By Alex at 92 Alfred Street in Biddeford.

For every pizza sold from 11:00am-9:00pm, $1 goes to supporting youth mental health in our communities.

Grab some pizza from Pizza By Alex to support our critical mission.

In The News: Push for PRTF Funding

Our efforts to construct Maine’s only youth psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) on our Saco campus made the headlines across multiple TV stations and newspapers last week. We are in the final weeks of the legislative session in Augusta and are pushing for the state to fund the remaining gap to cover capital construction costs. We highlighted the need to pass the Governor’s supplemental budget, which does include $3.4 million specifically for our project.

Check out the videos and links to articles below…

WGME Channel 13

NEWS CENTER Maine Channel 6

Press Herald

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