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Working Group to Prioritize Wellness and Mental Health Resources for Heritage Industries
Background
The 132nd Legislature established a Working Group to Prioritize Wellness and Mental Health Resources for Heritage Industries.
Duties & Deliverables
- Review existing mental health, primary care and wellness resources available to individuals in the State's heritage industries, including agriculture, fishing, forestry and logging;
- Consider the specific challenges for individuals with serious brain disorders and traumatic brain injuries working in heritage industries;
- Identify gaps in the provision of services and barriers to accessing existing resources;
- Identify issues facing migrant workers;
- Examine successful models from other states and jurisdictions;
- Develop recommendations for establishing sustainable funding mechanisms and service delivery models; and
- Explore opportunities for public education to reduce stigma around mental health issues and increase awareness of mental health services.
The resolve requires the working group to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the joint standing committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over agriculture, conservation and forestry matters, marine resources matters and health and human services matters by December 1, 2026 and authorizes the joint standing committees to each submit legislation to the 133rd Legislature in 2027.
Working Group Members
| Member | Organization |
|---|---|
| Emily Horton | Director of Policy & Community Engagement, Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry |
| Meredith Mendelson | Deputy Commissioner, Department of Marine Resources |
| Brie Masselli | Associate Director of Mental Health, Department of Health and Human Services |
| Leslie Forstadt | University of Maine Cooperative Extension |
| Nichole Sargent | Southpaw Packing |
| Monique Coombs | Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association |
| Dana Doran | Executive Director, Professional Logging Contractors of Maine |
| Jennifer Thompson | Executive Director, NAMI Maine |
| Bella Russo | Maine Agribility |
| Becca Boulas | Executive Director, Maine Public Health Association |
| Shelia Tibodeau | AVP, Wellbeing for Me/Healthy EAP, Northern Light Health |
| Tom Gordon | Support Staff, Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry |
Meeting Dates, Materials and Links
| Date & Time | Title | Location | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 29, 2026 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM | Working Group to Prioritize Wellness and Mental Health Resources for Heritage Industries | In-person & Zoom | Register for Zoom Meeting |
| June 12, 2026 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM | Working Group to Prioritize Wellness and Mental Health Resources for Heritage Industries | Zoom | |
| July 17, 2026 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM | Working Group to Prioritize Wellness and Mental Health Resources for Heritage Industries | Zoom | |
| September 11, 2026 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM | Working Group to Prioritize Wellness and Mental Health Resources for Heritage Industries | In-person |
If you require an accommodation or service to participate, please contact us at dacf@maine.gov or (207) 287-3200 at least 5 days prior to the event.