---

KBH COVID-19 Update, November 2020

KBH continues to monitor the data and science of the COVID-19 pandemic, as presented by the Maine CDC, especially the percent of positivity in testing in the counties we serve.  Our staff are viligent about wearing our masks, washing our hands, and maintaining distance.   Living here in Maine, we are fortunate for a lot of reasons, but now in particular with the low case rate.  And, we are in a much better place today than when this started in March.  For example,

We now have a large amount PPE ( masks, gowns, hand sanitizer, wipes, more hand sanitizer, gloves, face shields) on site at KBH.

We have initiated daily cleaning and sanitizing at the clinic locations in addition to the regular night cleaning.

We have good cleaning protocols in all locations including the Supported Housing  Programs and Clubhouses.

We have purchased and installed Ultra Violet light air sanitizing in the larger facilities with air handlers.

We have purchased additional in office Ultra Violet stand alone air sanitizers for individual offices as needed.

We have implemented masking protocols for all staff and locations including keeping our masks on during the day and in common areas.

We have good screening protocols, back work protocols, and quarantining protocols.

We have good availability of testing in Maine.

We have FMLA (family medical leave) for staff that must take time off to quarantine, take care of kids because school closes.  

We will continue to do our very best to assure that our clients are receiving the care they need in the safest manner possible.  We also want to recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for everyone.  We are currently accepting new clients in many of our programs. If you or someone you love is in need of mental health or substance use disorder services, please contact our Access Center at 1-888-322-2136. 

 

---

Kennebec Behavioral Health is here for you

KBH is considered an essential service, which means we are open and seeing clients via telehealth services. Although we are not able to see the majority of clients in person, we have been working hard to utilize technology to continue to provide services to our patients and clients while they are safely at home. Some of our programs are available for new referrals and staff members can complete intakes over the phone. If you or someone you love is in need of mental health or substance use disorder services, please contact our Access Center at 1-888-322-2136.  

---

To our Community Members

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kennebec Behavioral Health wants to be sure that families remain aware of the services provided by the Maine State Crisis Line. If you, or anyone you know, is experiencing a mental health or behavioral crisis, please call 1-888-568-1112.  As a reminder, in light of the potential strain on Emergency Departments due to COVID-19, we encourage families and individuals to seek crisis intervention by calling the crisis line from where they are rather than going to the Emergency Departments.  Mobile Crisis responders can meet individuals via telehealth and in person as needed in the location of the individual's or family's choosing.

211 Maine is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people of all ages across Maine to local services. Maine CDC worked closely with 211 Maine to incorporate answers to general questions about COVID-19 to the 211 resource. Calls, texts, and emails to 211 are answered 24/7 by a person here in the state.

211 Maine is equipped to answer general questions about the 2019 novel coronavirus, including how Maine people can best protect themselves, options for testing, and travel considerations. Anyone looking for specific medical advice regarding symptoms they may be experiencing is strongly urged to call their medical provider, an urgent care center, or 911, depending on the severity of their symptoms.