Our Voice of ME Fri, 07 Aug 2026 05:00:01 -0400 http://maineccsm.org/ourvoiceofme en-us © 2026 Our Voice of ME yes 1f4e93d1-b21f-5785-b9a0-df99a41307ef Consumer Council System of Maine episodic false 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.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) mental health, advocacy, Maine, stories, Peer, lived experience, your voice, voice Consumer Council System of Maine https://storage.buzzsprout.com/dq8gybnr7uq5x74khpztuvd1y2hu?.jpg Our Voice of ME http://maineccsm.org/ourvoiceofme 0012 SPECIAL EPISODE: Inside the Maine HOPE Conference 0012 SPECIAL EPISODE: Inside the Maine HOPE Conference In this SPECIAL EPISODE we will explore the annual Maine HOPE Conference. This year we were there to talk to attendees, presenters and committee members to explore this beloved annual conference that brings peers together to learn, connect, grow, and celebrate the journey.

Interviews Recorded: May and July 2026

LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED:


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.

]]> In this SPECIAL EPISODE we will explore the annual Maine HOPE Conference. This year we were there to talk to attendees, presenters and committee members to explore this beloved annual conference that brings peers together to learn, connect, grow, and celebrate the journey.

Interviews Recorded: May and July 2026

LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED:


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.

]]> Consumer Council System of Maine Buzzsprout-19612387 Fri, 07 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400 4120 2 12 full false 0011 Institutionalization in Maine PART TWO: Lived Experience, Reform, and the Future of Mental Health Care 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:

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.

]]> 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:

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.

]]> Consumer Council System of Maine Buzzsprout-18957128 Fri, 03 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400 9663 2 11 full false 0010 Institutionalization in Maine PART ONE: Mental Health History and State Psychiatric Care 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:

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.

]]> 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:

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.

]]> Consumer Council System of Maine Buzzsprout-18957095 Fri, 03 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400 7802 2 10 full false 009 Maine Votes: Disability, Voting, and Referendum Discussion & Resources 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

Protecting the Disability Vote

Voting Rights Hotline: 1-800-452-1948

Save Maine Absentee Voting 

Absentee Ballot Request
The 2025 Maine Referendum Election Questions

Find where to cast your ballot in Maine 

Noah Carver's Op Ed on Question One


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.

]]> 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

Protecting the Disability Vote

Voting Rights Hotline: 1-800-452-1948

Save Maine Absentee Voting 

Absentee Ballot Request
The 2025 Maine Referendum Election Questions

Find where to cast your ballot in Maine 

Noah Carver's Op Ed on Question One


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.

]]> Consumer Council System of Maine Buzzsprout-17969549 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400 5060 1 9 full false 008 Conversations with Peer Artists; Mental Health and Creativity 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
The Pirate Ship Facebook Page 

Maine Arts Academy

Artists’ Rapid Response Team


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.

]]> 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
The Pirate Ship Facebook Page 

Maine Arts Academy

Artists’ Rapid Response Team


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.

]]> Consumer Council System of Maine Buzzsprout-17896892 Wed, 24 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0400 6831 1 8 full false 007 Conversations with Peer Artists at The Shalom House Art Program 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

Shalom House Art Program Facebook

Shalom House Instagram 


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.

]]> 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

Shalom House Art Program Facebook

Shalom House Instagram 


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.

]]> Consumer Council System of Maine Buzzsprout-17787227 Thu, 04 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0400 4382 1 7 full false 006 A Conversation with Natasha Mayers: Peer, Artist, Activist 006 A Conversation with Natasha Mayers: Peer, Artist, Activist TW: Institutionalization

In this episode of Our Voice of Maine, we speak with Natasha Mayers of the Artists’ Rapid Response Team about the power of art in personal and collective recovery. Natasha shares her experiences as an artist-activist, the role of creativity in navigating mental health challenges, and how art can be a powerful tool for resilience, expression, and social change.

Interview Recorded: July 8, 2025 

YouTube/Video of Episode: https://youtu.be/O9d3BlHbh_E?si=z2c1XLamovzr_h9A

LINKS/RESOURCES

Maine Humanities Council

Maine Arts Commission

LINC Center

MOCO Maine

Augusta Mental Health Institute


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.

]]> TW: Institutionalization

In this episode of Our Voice of Maine, we speak with Natasha Mayers of the Artists’ Rapid Response Team about the power of art in personal and collective recovery. Natasha shares her experiences as an artist-activist, the role of creativity in navigating mental health challenges, and how art can be a powerful tool for resilience, expression, and social change.

Interview Recorded: July 8, 2025 

YouTube/Video of Episode: https://youtu.be/O9d3BlHbh_E?si=z2c1XLamovzr_h9A

LINKS/RESOURCES

Maine Humanities Council

Maine Arts Commission

LINC Center

MOCO Maine

Augusta Mental Health Institute


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.

]]> Consumer Council System of Maine Buzzsprout-17623089 Wed, 06 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0400 4110 6 full false 005 A Conversation with Nio Dipietrantonio; Mental Health and Hospitality 005 A Conversation with Nio Dipietrantonio; Mental Health and Hospitality TW: Substance use; suicide 

 In this special episode, we talk with Nio DiPietrantonio, founder of Serving Up Support Maine, about mental health and substance use struggles in the hospitality industry. Nio shares her personal journey and what led her to launch this grassroots support initiative that is fostering community care among hospitality workers in Maine. 

Interview Recorded: June 6, 2025 

🎧 Tune in to hear from Nio!


LINKS/RESOURCES

Home - Culinary Hospitality Outreach and Wellness

The Autism Society of Maine - individuals with Autism, their families, members of the community, and the professionals who work with them

Welcome - Maine Parent Federation

VA Maine Health Care | Veterans Affairs

Maine Invites You - Maine Tourism Association

MyFriendBen - Finding benefits and tax credits just got easier

Kitchen Confidential- Anthony Bourdain


SOURCES/CITATIONS

Maine Office of Tourism – 2023 Annual Report
Maine Office of Tourism 2023 Annual Report
https://motpartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/MOT-2023-Annual-Report_FINAL.pdf
→ Provides data on statewide visitation, spending, employment, wages, and visitor satisfaction

Maine Office of Tourism – Greater Portland & Casco Bay Region 2023 Profile
2023 Regional Tourism Impact Report – Greater Portland & Casco Bay
https://motpartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2023-Portland-Region.pdf
Details regional data: visitor spending, job support, and income impact in the Portland metro area

Visit Portland – Economic Impact Summary
Tourism’s Economic Impact on Greater Portland (2024 Overview)
https://www.visitportland.com/about-us/tourism-impact/
→ Breaks down broader tourism data for the Portland region, including trip counts, employment, and earnings

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Occupational Estimates
https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/report_1959/ShortReport-1959.html
→ Ranks food service occupations highest for illicit drug use and third-highest for heavy alcohol use

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Outlook & Mental Health Risks
Job Flexibility and Mental Health Challenges in Food Service Jobs
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/home.htm
→ General reference for job outlook and challenges in the food preparation and serving industry


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.

]]> TW: Substance use; suicide 

 In this special episode, we talk with Nio DiPietrantonio, founder of Serving Up Support Maine, about mental health and substance use struggles in the hospitality industry. Nio shares her personal journey and what led her to launch this grassroots support initiative that is fostering community care among hospitality workers in Maine. 

Interview Recorded: June 6, 2025 

🎧 Tune in to hear from Nio!


LINKS/RESOURCES

Home - Culinary Hospitality Outreach and Wellness

The Autism Society of Maine - individuals with Autism, their families, members of the community, and the professionals who work with them

Welcome - Maine Parent Federation

VA Maine Health Care | Veterans Affairs

Maine Invites You - Maine Tourism Association

MyFriendBen - Finding benefits and tax credits just got easier

Kitchen Confidential- Anthony Bourdain


SOURCES/CITATIONS

Maine Office of Tourism – 2023 Annual Report
Maine Office of Tourism 2023 Annual Report
https://motpartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/MOT-2023-Annual-Report_FINAL.pdf
→ Provides data on statewide visitation, spending, employment, wages, and visitor satisfaction

Maine Office of Tourism – Greater Portland & Casco Bay Region 2023 Profile
2023 Regional Tourism Impact Report – Greater Portland & Casco Bay
https://motpartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2023-Portland-Region.pdf
Details regional data: visitor spending, job support, and income impact in the Portland metro area

Visit Portland – Economic Impact Summary
Tourism’s Economic Impact on Greater Portland (2024 Overview)
https://www.visitportland.com/about-us/tourism-impact/
→ Breaks down broader tourism data for the Portland region, including trip counts, employment, and earnings

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Occupational Estimates
https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/report_1959/ShortReport-1959.html
→ Ranks food service occupations highest for illicit drug use and third-highest for heavy alcohol use

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Outlook & Mental Health Risks
Job Flexibility and Mental Health Challenges in Food Service Jobs
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/home.htm
→ General reference for job outlook and challenges in the food preparation and serving industry


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.

]]> Buzzsprout-17428116 Tue, 01 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0400 4898 5 full false 004 Voices of PRIDE 004 Voices of PRIDE TW: substance use; psychiatric hospitalization; suicidal ideation

In the continued celebration of Pride Month, we bring you a powerful and heartfelt episode highlighting the voices of LGBTQIA+ mental health peers sharing their lived experience.

Our guests share personal stories of resilience and discovery of identity. They speak candidly about the intersection of queerness and mental health, including the barriers they’ve faced and the unity they've found through community support.

This episode is a celebration of authenticity and the healing power of shared experience. It's also a call to action: to listen, support, and stand in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ Mainers every day not just in June.

Benji Interview Recorded: March 15, 2025

Serena Interview Recorded: April 11, 2025

Tranifer Interview Recorded: May 23, 2025

🎧 Tune in to hear from these peers 

LINKS

Maine Community Health Centers

Everywhere is Queer

The Weird Fair

Art by Tranifer Lovely

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.

]]> TW: substance use; psychiatric hospitalization; suicidal ideation

In the continued celebration of Pride Month, we bring you a powerful and heartfelt episode highlighting the voices of LGBTQIA+ mental health peers sharing their lived experience.

Our guests share personal stories of resilience and discovery of identity. They speak candidly about the intersection of queerness and mental health, including the barriers they’ve faced and the unity they've found through community support.

This episode is a celebration of authenticity and the healing power of shared experience. It's also a call to action: to listen, support, and stand in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ Mainers every day not just in June.

Benji Interview Recorded: March 15, 2025

Serena Interview Recorded: April 11, 2025

Tranifer Interview Recorded: May 23, 2025

🎧 Tune in to hear from these peers 

LINKS

Maine Community Health Centers

Everywhere is Queer

The Weird Fair

Art by Tranifer Lovely

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.

]]> Buzzsprout-17272273 Tue, 03 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400 4817 4 full false 003 A Conversation with Karin Heim from OUT Maine 003 A Conversation with Karin Heim from OUT Maine We are so excited to kick off Pride Month with an episode from a very important mental health community leader, Karin Heim! 

Karin shares her experiences as a queer mental health provider. She also discusses the vital work being done to support the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth across the state.

Whether you're a parent, educator, mental health advocate, or community member, this conversation offers powerful takeaways on how we can all play a role in supporting LGBTQ+ youth and beyond.

Interview Recorded: May 15, 2025

🎧 Tune in to hear how we can break down barriers and build more equitable supports for all. 

LINKS

OUT Maine

Equality Maine Maine 

TransNet

NAMI Maine

Maine Women’s Lobby

Mental Health First Aid

Trevor Project  

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.

]]> We are so excited to kick off Pride Month with an episode from a very important mental health community leader, Karin Heim! 

Karin shares her experiences as a queer mental health provider. She also discusses the vital work being done to support the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth across the state.

Whether you're a parent, educator, mental health advocate, or community member, this conversation offers powerful takeaways on how we can all play a role in supporting LGBTQ+ youth and beyond.

Interview Recorded: May 15, 2025

🎧 Tune in to hear how we can break down barriers and build more equitable supports for all. 

LINKS

OUT Maine

Equality Maine Maine 

TransNet

NAMI Maine

Maine Women’s Lobby

Mental Health First Aid

Trevor Project  

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.

]]> Consumer Council System of Maine Buzzsprout-17272209 Tue, 03 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400 4235 3 full false 002 A Conversation with Kim Moody from Disability Rights Maine 002 A Conversation with Kim Moody from Disability Rights Maine TW: involuntary hospitalization; physical restraints; Electroconvulsive therapy

In this episode, we’re joined by Kim Moody, Executive Director of Disability Rights Maine, for an insightful conversation about the intersection of physical disabilities and mental health. Kim shares her advocacy experience and discusses how inclusive systems, accessible services, and lived experience play a critical role in creating real change. We discuss the importance of advocating for autonomy in medical decisions and other aspects of daily life for those living with mental health challenges.
Interview Recorded: February 7, 2025

🎧 Tune in to hear how we can break down barriers and build more equitable supports for all. 

LINKS

Disability Rights Maine

PAIMI Advisory Council

LINC Center

commonspace (formerly Amistad)

On Our Own- Judi Chamberlin

NARPA (National Association for Rights Protection and Advocacy)

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.

]]> TW: involuntary hospitalization; physical restraints; Electroconvulsive therapy

In this episode, we’re joined by Kim Moody, Executive Director of Disability Rights Maine, for an insightful conversation about the intersection of physical disabilities and mental health. Kim shares her advocacy experience and discusses how inclusive systems, accessible services, and lived experience play a critical role in creating real change. We discuss the importance of advocating for autonomy in medical decisions and other aspects of daily life for those living with mental health challenges.
Interview Recorded: February 7, 2025

🎧 Tune in to hear how we can break down barriers and build more equitable supports for all. 

LINKS

Disability Rights Maine

PAIMI Advisory Council

LINC Center

commonspace (formerly Amistad)

On Our Own- Judi Chamberlin

NARPA (National Association for Rights Protection and Advocacy)

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.

]]> Consumer Council System of Maine Buzzsprout-16895644 Tue, 01 Apr 2025 01:00:00 -0400 2560 2 full false 001 Voices from the Consumer Council System of Maine 001 Voices from the Consumer Council System of Maine In this heartfelt introductory episode of Our Voices of ME, we sit down with four staff and board members from the Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) as they share their deeply personal lived experience stories with mental health challenges and services. These brave storytellers reflect on their journeys through struggle, healing, resilience, and advocacy — highlighting the importance of peer support, recovery-oriented care, and the value of being heard. From navigating complex systems to discovering strength in community, this episode offers raw honesty, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of what it means to live with mental health challenges in Maine. Join us as we amplify the voices of lived experience, break stigma, and celebrate the power of storytelling in shaping systems that truly support wellness and recovery.  Whether you’re someone with lived experience, a supporter, an advocate, or just curious to learn more — this episode offers something meaningful for everyone.  

Mary Ellen Copeland, PHD

Maine Vocational Rehab 

Links

Website: 

https://maineccsm.org/ourvoiceofme/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OurVoiceofME

Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/ourvoiceofme/ 

]]> In this heartfelt introductory episode of Our Voices of ME, we sit down with four staff and board members from the Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) as they share their deeply personal lived experience stories with mental health challenges and services. These brave storytellers reflect on their journeys through struggle, healing, resilience, and advocacy — highlighting the importance of peer support, recovery-oriented care, and the value of being heard. From navigating complex systems to discovering strength in community, this episode offers raw honesty, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of what it means to live with mental health challenges in Maine. Join us as we amplify the voices of lived experience, break stigma, and celebrate the power of storytelling in shaping systems that truly support wellness and recovery.  Whether you’re someone with lived experience, a supporter, an advocate, or just curious to learn more — this episode offers something meaningful for everyone.  

Mary Ellen Copeland, PHD

Maine Vocational Rehab 

Links

Website: 

https://maineccsm.org/ourvoiceofme/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OurVoiceofME

Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/ourvoiceofme/ 

]]> Consumer Council System of Maine Buzzsprout-16895623 Tue, 01 Apr 2025 01:00:00 -0400 3498 1 full false Our Voice of ME Trailer Our Voice of ME Trailer 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. Check out this podcast trailer for more information!

]]> 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. Check out this podcast trailer for more information!

]]> Consumer Council System of Maine Buzzsprout-16891238 Mon, 31 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0400 175 trailer false