Title

Sixty percent of the 1,019 people who spent at least one night at Portland's Oxf

Authors

Christopher Barry

Source

Casco Bay Weekly

Date

5-16-1996

Pages

1, 8-11, 12

Abstract

Sixty percent of the 1,019 people who spent at least one night at Portland's Oxford Street Shelter last year were mentally ill, and half had a dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance abuse. City statistics show that 14,567 bed-nights were recorded, 4,448 more than in 1994. Some observers say that the Maine Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation dumped the mentally ill into shelters while downsizing the Augusta Mental Health Institute, and Portland officials say they are not equipped to deal with the problem. Bob Hayes, a Portland attorney and advocate for the mentally ill, said Gov. King has ignored the inadequacies of the mental health system, and the state is leaving 18,000 Mainers with mental illness without services. Details, related article and editorials.

Subjects

Homeless Health Care Program -- Portland, Mentally ill, Shelters -- Emergency

Recommended Citation

Barry, Christopher, "Sixty percent of the 1,019 people who spent at least one night at Portland's Oxf" (1996). Maine News Index – Casco Bay Weekly. 1281.
https://digitalcommons.portlandlibrary.com/news_cbw/1281

https://digitalcommons.portlandlibrary.com/cbw_1996/20/