Report

Research staff from the Muskie School Disability & Aging program area sponsored the "Minding Maine's Business (TM)" survey to include questions regrading the employment of people with disabilities in Maine businesses. Key Findings from the 2009 Survey: Two in 10 business decision-makers surveyed said they employ someone with a physical or mental disability; Of those companies employing a person with a disability, 74% do so because the employee was the best available person for the job; Just over one-third (35%) of respondents said they would find it helpful to be part of a business network that would share information regarding the employment of people with disabilities.

The number of Rural Health Clinics (RHCs)providing specialty mental health services remains limited. This study examined changes in the delivery of mental health services by RHCs, their operational characteristics, barriers to the development of services, and policy options to encourage more RHCs to deliver mental health services.
Key Findings:
Approximately 6% of independent and 2% of provider-based RHCs offer mental health services by doctoral-level psychologists and/or clinical social workers. Models used to provide mental health services include contracted and/or employed clinicians housed in the same facility as primary care providers. A key element in the development of mental health services is the presence of an internal champion (typically clinicians or senior administrators) who identify the need for and undertake implementation of services, help overcome internal barriers, and direct resources to the development of services.

Prepared for the Blaine House Conference on Aging.

Other reports from the Blaine House Conference on Aging can be accessed from the Office of Elder Services web site at:
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/beas/bhcoa_2006.htm

Released in June 2008, this study examines the distribution of substance abuse treatment services across the continuum of rural and urban counties, identifying the type and intensity of services provided. Using the 2004 National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services linked to the 2003 Rural-Urban Continuum Codes, we found few substance abuse treatment facilities operating outside of urban and rural adjacent areas and limited availability of intensive services across rural areas. This situation is particularly striking for opioid treatment programs, which are nearly absent in rural areas. The narrow range of services available in rural areas may preclude an individualized treatment approach and long-term follow-up recommended by professional organizations and other experts. The greater proportion of rural-based facilities accepting public payers and providing discounted care may reflect higher rates of uninsurance and underinsurance.