Our Voice of ME

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Our Voice of ME

Our Voice of ME, amplifying voices of individuals with lived experiences in mental health services in Maine.

Highlighting personal stories, fostering awareness, and inspiring systemic change, aligning with our mission to advocate for and empower peers.

08/21/2026

New episode of Healthy Maine Talks! Join Matt Wellington, MPHA's Associate Director, as he chats with stakeholders at the 8th annual Opioid Summit.

Speakers:
Gordon Smith: Director of Opioid Response
Lauren Hunt: MaineGeneral Health
Christina Leddy: Portland Public Health Division
Sarah & Kandie: Consumer Council System of Maine
Nikki Williams: 211 Maine, United Way of Southern Maine

This episode of Healthy Maine Talks is produced and narrated by MPHA's summer intern, Caris Welsh.

To listen, please visit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2214174/episodes/19647683-maine-s-opioid-response-let-s-keep-our-foot-on-the-gas

08/07/2026

🎙️ NEW SPECIAL EPISODE: Inside the Maine HOPE Conference! 💚

This year, Our Voice of ME attended the annual Maine HOPE Conference to capture some of the voices, stories, and connections that make this event so meaningful.

Hear from planning committee members Simonne Maline and Bobby-Jo Bechard, along with attendees and presenters sharing what HOPE means to them.

The conference brings together Maine’s mental health and substance use recovery communities for a day of learning, growth, celebration, and connection.

🎧 Listen now: https://tinyurl.com/mvzvfvja

04/03/2026

Our two part podcast series on the history and impact of institutionalization in Maine is now live on Our Voice of ME

In these episodes, we explore the history of institutions like AMHI, the lasting impact institutionalization has had on peers and families, and why these stories still matter in Maine today. We hear from guests with lived experience, advocacy experience, and firsthand knowledge of the mental health system to help paint a fuller picture of this difficult but important topic.

This is not just history. The effects of institutionalization still shape people’s lives, the mental health system, and the fight for dignity, accountability, and real community based support.

We hope you will listen, reflect, and share. Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with others who care about mental health, disability rights, peer voice, and the future of humane support in Maine.

This series includes the voices of Pat Deegan, Kelly Staples, Vickie McCarty, Simonne Maline, Dan Wathen and more.

🎧 Listen now
📢 Share with others
💬 Join the conversation

SPOTIFY LINK: https://open.spotify.com/show/63xfEMs0IXUBgTK5gKZln0
Website Link: https://maineccsm.org/ourvoiceofme/

04/02/2026

Tomorrow, Our Voice of ME is back 📣

A new season of Our Voice of ME begins with a special two part series exploring institutionalization in Maine and its lasting impact on mental health care, peer experiences, and our communities.

We hope you will tune in and join us for this powerful conversation 🎧

03/26/2026

Celebrating one year of voices!
What an incredible year it has been for Our Voice of ME!

As we look back on our first season, we are feeling especially grateful for the guests who joined us. Each person brought a unique perspective and a powerful story to the table. To everyone who shared their lived experience and their advocacy with us: thank you for letting us amplify your voice.

But we aren't slowing down! We are currently putting the finishing touches on Season 2, and we can't wait to share what’s next.

Stay tuned! a brand-new episode and our official season 2 kickoff are coming your way this April. We’re so glad to have you walking this path with us.

01/10/2026

Were you ever hospitalized for mental health treatment in Maine ~ or did you work in one of these institutions?

We’re creating a podcast series about the history and impact of institutionalization and are looking for both former patients/clients and staff/providers who are willing to share their experiences, anonymously.

Interested in learning more about being a guest?
📧 Email [email protected]
or send us a message.

Your story and your voice matter 🗣️
Please Share

12/08/2025

New Hopeful Horizons release🏛️ The Promise and Failure of State Care (1820-1890)

The Consumer Council System of Maine presents Part 1 of a new history series on our Hopeful Horizons blog. We are taking a deep dive into the early days of psychiatric care in Maine.

From the cruelty of "pauper auctions" to the rise and fall of the Moral Treatment era at the Maine Insane Hospital, discover the tragic history that set the stage for decades of institutional trauma.

👇 Click to read Part 1:
www.maineccsm.org/hopefulhorizons

10/07/2025

🎙️ New Episode Alert!

In our latest Our Voice of ME podcast episode, we explore what it’s like to vote in Maine with a disability. From navigating accessibility and understanding your rights, to finding the support and resources available to make your voice heard.

We sit down with advocates from Disability Rights Maine and Save Maine Absentee Voting to talk about accessible voting, upcoming election dates, and Referendum Question 1 on this year’s ballot. Plus, we hear from a young peer who shares their personal experience voting with a disability and hopes for the future of voting access in Maine.

🗳️ Tune in for lived experiences, expert insights, and practical resources to help you make your plan to vote.

🎧 Listen now: https://tinyurl.com/3cuzp9y5

09/29/2025

🚨 Last call for submissions! 🚨

Our 2026 Peer Artwork Calendar is accepting entries through TOMORROW (Tue, Sept 30, 2025) at 11:59 PM ET. Maine peers (18+) with lived experience, share original art that reflects the theme “Using Your Voice.”

Submit now: https://maineccsm.org/peerartworkcalendar/
Must complete BOTH parts of application to be considered. Reach out with any questions.

Please share to spread the word! 💚

Address

Augusta, ME

Telephone

+12074308300

Website

https://maineccsm.org/ourvoiceofme/

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