UNE’s Franklin Brooks advocates for Maine’s most vulnerable in ‘Portland Press Herald’ piece

Franklin Brooks

In a recent “Maine Voices” piece for the Portland Press Herald, Franklin Brooks, M.S.W., Ph.D., LCSW, assistant clinical professor for the University of 51СƳ School of Social Work, calls attention to plight of those in Maine suffering from mental illness and the hardships they will face if services are cut.

The piece, titled, “Maine Voices: We need to support the most vulnerable people in our state – those with mental illness,” refers to the assistance provided through MaineCare community integration programs. Brooks explains that for those suffering from mental illness, the program provides much-needed support that otherwise would not be available.

“The program assists in establishing social communities for clients by connecting them to their neighbors and friends. Case managers are directed to develop a caring, professional relationship with their clients, assist them in meeting basic human needs, and become a steady, calming presence in a client’s life.”

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