FORUM INITIATIVE OPEN LETTER #1

Written By Richard Ferraro

Solve Maine’s Mental Health Workforce Emergency
Support LD 1084 and Revive the Principles of LD 1590

Authored by Richard Ferraro
Founding Member, Forum Initiative Bipartisan Civilian Lobby

To Maine’s elected officials, mental health providers, and community leaders:

We, constituents of the Forum Initiative, call for immediate legislative action to address Maine’s growing shortage of mental health counselors, social workers, and behavioral health professionals.

Two complementary proposals offer a dual-path solution:

  • LD 1084 – Currently in committee. Enables community-based training and certification to grow the in-state workforce.

  • LD 1590 – Recently tabled. Proposed easing licensure for out-of-state professionals to meet urgent demand.

These bills address the same crisis from different angles. Every delay increases wait times, deepens trauma, and burdens schools, hospitals, and families across Maine.

We respectfully urge:

  • That the Legislature advance LD 1084 and explore ways to revive or integrate LD 1590’s provisions into current or future legislation.

  • That behavioral health organizations and providers publicly endorse or support this bipartisan call to action.

We are gathering signatures through www.theforum.community to demonstrate public support for legislative movement on this issue.

If you are a provider, policymaker, or concerned citizen, we invite you to join us.

With urgency and gratitude,
Constituents of The Forum Initiative
📩 Admin@theforum.community


✅ Add Your Voice to Forum Letter #1 with an email or public comment here.

We’re gathering public input—supportive or critical—on legislative efforts to address Maine’s mental health workforce crisis.
Your email will show policymakers that Mainers are ready for meaningful action.

✍️ Subject Line:
I Support Forum Letter #1

📨 In your email, please include:

  • Your full name

  • Your Town/City, Zip Code, County, or State Representative

  • Whether you are a concerned citizen, provider, educator, advocate, or represent an organization

  • A brief comment stating whether you support the letter as written, have suggestions, or disagree with any part

You don’t need to be an expert—just speak from your experience. All respectful input is welcome, whether short or detailed.

AI ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS - WEAKNESSES - OPPORTUNTIES-THREATS

Richard Ferraro