Free Event: Sanford Elks Lodge Hosts Jam for Mental Health

Mark your calendars! On Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 2–7 PM, we’re coming together at the Sanford Elks Lodge for an afternoon filled with music, connection, and purpose.

This event raises awareness and funds for Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention — a cause that touches so many lives.

Live Bands Performing:
• Texas Pete
• Middleman
• Straight Up No Ice
• Hott Messs
• The Road Crew

💛 Donations accepted at the door
🎟️ Raffles • 50/50 • T-Shirt Sales

Proudly supported by:
Elks- Sanford • Sweetser • Wolves Club

Let’s come together, lift each other up, and ROCK for mental health.

Thank you to our incredible event sponsors!

S. Richer Concrete, Inc.
Plante Excavating & Paving 
Eagles Club
The American Legion

Halftime for Hope Radiothon raises critical funds

Tackle the Stigma: Halftime for Hope Radiothon

Thanks for teaming up with us for the Halftime for Hope Radiothon! Your favorite songs helped fuel Sweetser’s mission and make the day a huge success! Through February 4th, listeners requested tracks by making a donation of any amount to Sweetser–and together, you made a meaningful difference.

Thank you to everyone who tuned in, made a request, and supported this important cause. Because of you, more Maine families will have access to the mental health services they need.

Huge shout out to Allyssa & Matt from Q97.9 for hosting us and helping support mental health services for Maine families! We couldn’t do this important work without partners like you! 

TV Segment: Checking in on Our Mental Health

In this week’s Mental Health Moment, we focus on a powerful yet simple way to better understand how you’re feeling: a free, science‑based online mental health screening tool. Sweetser Chief Communications Officer Justin Chenette joins WMTW’s Meghan Torjussen to talk about why these tools can be such a helpful starting point—and what to do once you get your results.

Click here to take the mental health screening.

If the screening helps you recognize that you could use additional support, there are resources available:

  • Call or text 988 if you’re experiencing a mental health crisis. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7.
  • Peer support lines are also available if you need to talk through feelings that haven’t risen to a crisis level. Peer Support Line: 1-866-771-9276
  • If you’d like to schedule an appointment or connect with a mental health professional, you can reach Sweetser directly at info@sweetser.org.

Snow Closure Information – Jan 26th, 2026

Mental health doesn’t take a snow day, and neither do we.

While our admin offices, clinics, peer center, and school are closed today (1/26), remote services for certain programs are available through our PromiseLine 1-800-434-3000

Our free Peer Support Line 1-866-771-9276 and the Maine Crisis Line 988 are also available resources you can use today to stay connected to support.

Safety for both staff and clients is a top priority for us. Please take care of yourself today as Maine cleans up from the storm.

TV Segment: Beat the Winter Blues – Plus FREE Ice Skating Event

This week’s Mental Health Moment with WMTW explores how staying active—especially during Maine’s cold winter months—can boost your mood. Sweetser’s Chief Communications Officer Justin Chenette shares why winter activities like skating, skiing, or even a simple walk outdoors can lift your spirits, increase endorphins, reduce isolation, and help you stay present.

Plus, learn about an upcoming free community event: Ice Skate for Sweetser on Saturday, January 31, at the Waterhouse Center in Kennebunk. A perfect way to get outside, connect, and beat the winter blues!

Learn more about Ice Skate for Sweetser.

In the News: The Rising Popularity of Weight Loss Drugs

Weight‑loss medications like Wegovy and Ozempic continue to surge in popularity, with spending on GLP‑1 drugs increasing more than 500% between 2018 and 2023, according to the American Medical Association. The recent approval of Wegovy in pill form is expected to make these medications even more accessible.

While many patients have seen significant benefits, medical professionals are raising red flags. Dr. Marc Kaplan, Medical Director at Sweetser, notes that not all providers are adequately screening patients before prescribing these medications. His primary concern: individuals with undiagnosed eating disorders may be put at risk.

Watch Dr. Kaplan’s interview with WMTW’s Jacob Murphy:

Read the full article: Sweetser’s medical director weighs in on weight loss drugs

TV Segment: Coping With Anxiety

A new poll from the American Psychiatric Association shows that many Americans are entering 2026 with elevated anxiety. The top concerns include:

  • Personal finances (59%)
  • Uncertainty about the year ahead (53%)
  • Current events (49%)
  • Physical health (46%)
  • Mental health (42%)

In the latest Mental Health Moment with WMTW, Sweetser’s Chief Communications Officer Justin Chenette says this combination creates “a perfect storm.” With so much happening at once, people are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and emotionally stretched—not because of one single issue, but due to the compounding effects of stress. The good news: you’re far from alone, and there are ways to feel more grounded as the new year begins.

Watch the full segment below:

Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or want to support others, Sweetser offers free mental health tools:

Get Support
📞 Peer Support Line (24/7): 1‑866‑771‑9276
Talk with someone who understands and can help you process what you’re feeling.
Visit the SupportME Peer Support Center in Brunswick for in‑person connection. Learn more about the SupportME Peer Center.

Help Others
📘 Free Mental Health First Aid Training
Learn how to recognize signs of mental health challenges and connect people to help.
Details: Sweetser.org/FreeMentalHealthTraining

Ice Skate for Sweetser brings community together for mental health

What a day on the ice! We appreciate the Kennebunk community for embracing our Ice Skate for Sweetser event this year at their Waterhouse Center. The local businesses and partners that came out to support the event truly reflects the immense community love present in Kennebunk. ❤️

Thank you to the following sponsors for making this possible:

  • Kennebunk Savings
  • Martin’s Point Health Care
  • Canvasworks, Inc.
  • Norway Savings Bank
  • Cole Harrison Insurance

Your support helped make the day a wonderful success. Thank you for joining us. 

See you next year! 

Help Sweetser Meet Our Year-End Goal

As we prepare to celebrate the new year, many Maine families are still waiting to access mental health treatment. We have a goal to hit before 2026 arrives, and we need your help to unlock a $10,000 matching gift.
Hope takes action—and today, your action goes twice as far. Double your impact. Let’s start the new year by ensuring no child walks their path alone.