Our Voice of ME

0011 Institutionalization in Maine PART TWO: Lived Experience, Reform, and the Future of Mental Health Care

In this second episode of a two-part series, our conversations continue to dive into the lived realities of a system that has shaped, and too often harmed, the people it was meant to serve. Simonne Maline, Judge Dan Wathen, and Vickie McCarty bring decades of experience working within the mental health system and the courts to share what they've seen, what's changed, and what still needs to. Interviews Recorded: January & March 2026 LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED: * Maine Legislative Website [https://legislature.maine.gov/] * Rights of Recipients [https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/obh/support-services/rights-and-legal-issues/rights-of-recipients] Disclaimer: The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) is an independent public instrumentality and provides a nonpartisan or nonbiased perspective on any topic we speak on. Our goal is to represent the voice of people with lived experience with mental health challenges in public policy and legislative matters.

0010 Institutionalization in Maine PART ONE: Mental Health History and State Psychiatric Care

Starting off Season Two we explore this important topic in a two part series. In this first episode of a two-part series, our hosts trace the troubling history of institutionalization and its lasting impact on people with lived experience of mental health challenges. Community leaders Pat Deegan and Kelly Staples join the conversation to share their experiences and expertise, bearing witness to a harmful system and providing peer-focused alternatives for recovery. Interviews Recorded: December 2025 & February 2026 LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED: * Hopeful Horizons Blog [https://maineccsm.org/hopefulhorizons/] * The Politics of Memory [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U09S7k4phYI&list=PL64A4F66BF4400AEB] * Out Of the Shadows – Film Series [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RENS5bif0M&list=PLvjPXrH91_QaVEZgOkX1GwBmaDfUdZPvx] * In Remembrance of the Magnitude of Human Warehousing [https://www.patdeegan.com/blog/in-remembrance-of-the-magnitude-of-human-warehousing#:~:text=As%20mental%20institutions%20are%20torn,being%20lost%20for%20future%20generations.] * Intentional Peer Support [https://intentionalpeersupport.org/] * Progressive Treatment Program [https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/obh/support-services/rights-and-legal-issues/progressive-treatment-program]     Disclaimer: The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) is an independent public instrumentality and provides a nonpartisan or nonbiased perspective on any topic we speak on. Our goal is to represent the voice of people with lived experience with mental health challenges in public policy and legislative matters.

009 Maine Votes: Disability, Voting, and Referendum Discussion & Resources

In this special episode, we cover question number one on the Maine referendum ballot. We sit down with two community leaders who share the importance of accessible voting and discuss ways we can advocate for voters living with disabilities. Our guests share insight into question one and how it would affect accessible voting if it were to pass. We also hear from a Mainer who speaks about his experiences with voting and the importance of absentee options as someone with a disability.   Important Voting Information:  Maine Referendum Election: Tuesday, November 4th, 2025  Absentee ballots can be requested NOW.   Deadline for absentee voting:  The deadline to request an absentee ballot or vote in the presence of the clerk is 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 30th Interviews Recorded: September 2025  LINKS/RESOURCES Disability Rights Maine [https://drme.org/] Protecting the Disability Vote [https://drme.org/resources/know-your-rights/voting/] Voting Rights Hotline: 1-800-452-1948 Save Maine Absentee Voting [https://saveabsentee.me/]  Absentee Ballot Request [https://apps.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/AbsenteeBallot/index.pl] The 2025 Maine Referendum Election Questions [https://www.maine.gov/sos/news/citizens-guide-2025-maine-referendum-election-available] Find where to cast your ballot in Maine [https://www.maine.gov/portal/government/edemocracy/voter_lookup.php]  Noah Carver's Op Ed on Question One [https://www.bangordailynews.com/2025/08/04/opinion/opinion-contributor/right-to-accessible-private-vote-ballot-november/] Disclaimer: The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) is an independent public instrumentality and provides a nonpartisan or nonbiased perspective on any topic we speak on. Our goal is to represent the voice of people with lived experience with mental health challenges in public policy and legislative matters.

008 Conversations with Peer Artists; Mental Health and Creativity

TW: self-harm; institutionalization; suicidal ideation; suicide attempt; abuse; substance use  In the third episode of our conversation on art and recovery, Our Voice of Maine welcomes peer artists Bob Bergeron, Ant, and Hope Becker. Each shares their unique mental health journey and how art has supported their healing and connection to others. These chats highlight the transformative role creativity plays in surviving, expressing, and thriving. Interview Recorded: July 2025  LINKS/RESOURCES The Pirate Ship- Bob Bergeron Comics [https://www.finchillos.com/work/the-pirate-ship-with-bob-bergeron] The Pirate Ship Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/KBComix]  Maine Arts Academy [https://www.maineartsacademy.org/] Artists’ Rapid Response Team [https://www.arrteam.org/] Disclaimer: The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) is an independent public instrumentality and provides a nonpartisan or nonbiased perspective on any topic we speak on. Our goal is to represent the voice of people with lived experience with mental health challenges in public policy and legislative matters.

007 Conversations with Peer Artists at The Shalom House Art Program

TW: suicide/self harm In our second of three episodes surrounding the world of art and mental health, we sit down with several peers at the Shalom House Art Program in Portland.  Tenney Swift, John Russell, Kristin, Daniell Moores, and Frank (order of story) each share their experiences with mental health and how art has been an impactful tool for recovery.  Each of the artists is involved with the community of the Shalom House Art Program in Portland, and they discuss the importance of community and collaboration. We hope you enjoy hearing their stories about the way that art and creativity have aided their ability to express themselves and guided their journeys.  Interview Recorded: July 25, 2025  LINKS/RESOURCES Shalom House [https://www.shalomhouseinc.org/] Shalom House Art Program Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ShalomArtProgram] Shalom House Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/shalomhousemaine/?hl=en]  Disclaimer: The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) is an independent public instrumentality and provides a nonpartisan or nonbiased perspective on any topic we speak on. Our goal is to represent the voice of people with lived experience with mental health challenges in public policy and legislative matters.