Portland, Maine-based Northern Light Mercy Hospital has received $1.2 million from Jerry and Pam Bruni toward a new behavioral health program, Mainebiz reported Nov. 11.
The program aims to provide early intervention for children and guardians in need of behavioral healthcare. A pediatric psychiatric provider, clinical social workers and specialized case managers will team up with the hospital's emergency department and outpatient sites.
"The Bruni's gift has come at a time when children suffering from behavioral health challenges are ending up in hospital emergency rooms at an alarming rate," Charlie Therrien, president of Northern Light Mercy, told the publication. "The program that will be established through this gift represents an important step forward in addressing this heartbreaking issue facing too many children and families in our community."
The hospital's vice president of mission, Melissa Skahan, also told Mainebiz that access to these services is scarce in the region, with long wait times for care.