Help Us Help You

We help support those struggling with mental health issues and substance use disorder, and those who support them. Please support us by attending our monthly meetings, joining our Facebook Group and signing up to join our email list.

We host monthly meetings from 9am - noon the first Friday of each month year-round unless the first Friday falls on a holiday. Meetings are currently held on Zoom. Post-COVID-19, we meet at 41 Anthony Avenue in Augusta Maine. We also have a phone-in option available for those who are unable to attend in person. Meetings will most likely resume when it is one again safe to do so.

Our Mission Statement

Our mission is to improve the state system of mental health and sustance use disorder services by magnifying the voice of the Mainers with lived expeiences and their families by making specific recommendations for improvements.

The QIC wants every individual served by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to be provided with the highest standards of quality mental health and substance use services in an environment of respect and empowerment.

  • We are focused on improving the system as a whole (the mental health and substance use disorder system).
  • We believe in equal access to a fair system of high-quality services.
  • We respect all people regardless of mental health or substance use.
  • We are especially interested in hearing, amplifying and acting on the voices of those with lived experiences and their families.
  • We earn trust by demanding integrity, passion and our commitment to all of our work.

About Us

The Statewide QIC was started in Legislation in 1995 to serve as the mental health and substance use block grant planning and advisory council for Maine. Meetings are held monthly in Augusta, typically on the first Friday of each month. Our Membership is a combination of youth, family, young adults and adults with the experience of living with behavioral health issues, providers of services for children, youth, family, young adults, adults and State of Maine employees from mental health, substance use, housing, corrections, data, education, labor and Medicaid.

Federal law requires that, in order to receive Community Mental Health Block Grant and Substance Use Block Grant funds, states must conduct mental health and substance use planning. In order to assist the State of Maine in that planning, the Statewide QIC participates in the following:

  • Reviewing the Mental Health Block Grant and Substance Use Block Grant Plans and making recommendations.
  • Serving as an advocate for young adults and adults with a serious mental health issue, children and youth with serious emotional disturbance, or other individuals with mental illness or substance use experience.
  • Monitoring, reviewing and evaluating, not less than once each year, the allocation and adequacy of mental health and substance use services within the State.
  • Increasing our knowledge of mental health and substance use services to provide feedback and suggestions as appropriate.

Executive Committee

Malory Shaughnessy

Malory Shaughnessy

MPPM, Committee Treasurer

Malory Shaughnessy, MPPM, has over 35 years of advocacy and public policy experience. Shaughnessy is currently the Executive Director of the Alliance for Addiction and Mental Health Services, Maine. Representing over 35 provider organizations, the Alliance is the state’s largest provider organization focused on a comprehensive and coordinated approach to meeting the needs of individuals and families facing the challenge of living with substance use disorders and/or mental health diagnoses.

Diane Bouffard

Diane Bouffard

Certified Family Peer Specialist, Committee Chair

Diane Bouffard is a parent of two adults with mental health issues. She started navigating the system over 25 years ago. She also works for GEAR Parent Network as a Certified Family Peer Specialist. Diane has been a member of the council for over ten years and chair for about 8 years. She enjoys spending time with her family, animals, reading, and going on vacations.

Susan Parks

Susan J. Parks

Educational Consultant, Committee Vice Chair

Susan J. Parks is a retired educator and educational consultant. She served as an educational consultant at the Maine Department of Education for 28 years: English as a Second Language, Title IX, Title VI, homeless education, Section 504, and special education. Susan has been a member of the QIC for at least 10 years and is the Vice-Chair and Membership Chair. Susan is a person with lived experience and is a family member as well. She is the mother of two adult sons, the grandmother of two, and the “mom” of a dog and cat. She enjoys walking, reading, spending time with friends, advocacy, movies and writing.

Agenda & Minutes

We keep an agenda and take notes at each monthly committee meeting. Please find both below for your convenience should you wish to stay informed about our activities and continued service to the community.

January 2021 Agenda
February 2021 Agenda
March 2021 Agenda
April 2021 Agenda
May 2021 Agenda
June 2021 Agenda

 

January 2021 Minutes
February 2021 Minutes
March 2021 Minutes
April 2021 Minutes
May 2021 Minutes
June 2021 Minutes

Contact Us

You can reach us either by email or phone for any questions, inquiries or needs.

maineqicchair@gmail.com

207-612-8996