Tri-County Mental Health Services - Referral Telephone System

News Release
November 30, 2006

Media Contact: Tina Clark, APR
Director of Development & Community Relations
207-784-4110 x 158
tclark@tcmhs.org

Oxford Networks and Tri-County Mental Health Services are working together to improve access to mental health services in western Maine through a single point of referral telephone system. Tri- County will launch the new system January 1. Oxford Networks has contributed $2,000 toward the technology upgrade for the telephone system, which will make it possible for individuals in Androscoggin, Franklin, Oxford, and Northern Cumberland Counties to get help by calling a single telephone number. Pictured are (left to right) Matt Jancovic, Director of Marketing & Customer Service for Oxford Networks, Craig Owens, Director of Operations for TCMHS, and Craig Gunderson, President of Oxford Networks.

AUBURN, LEWISTON, BRIDGTON, OXFORD, FARMINGTON, RUMFORD, ME: Access to mental health services in our region will soon be greatly improved as Tri-County Mental Health Services launches a single referral telephone number and streamlined intake processes. The advancements are being helped in part by a contribution from Oxford Networks, one of Maine's leading telecommunications companies. The company contributed $2,000 toward the upgrade in telephone and information systems necessary for the project.

"Access to services has been a priority for our agency for some time, and we have made great strides in reducing or eliminating waiting lists," says Tri-County's Executive Director, Chris Copeland. "This advancement will be the next step toward making it as easy as possible for people to get the help they need as quickly as possible - whether they live in Bridgton, Oxford, Farmington, Rumford, or greater Lewiston/Auburn. We are very pleased to partner with Oxford Networks to connect people with needed services."

The new telephone number and referral system is expected to be launched in early 2007. Tri-County Mental Health Services is Maine's most comprehensive agency dealing with the psychological and social well-being of children, adults, and elders. TCMHS serves over 7,000 individuals each year with innovative programs and services addressing mental health, substance abuse, mental retardation/developmental disabilities, autism, and more. Its philosophy of building toward recovery and sensitivity to traumatic experiences of consumers gives hope to individuals, families, and communities in Androscoggin, Northern Cumberland, Franklin and Oxford counties.

Oxford Networks is a 106 year-old company that offers a full line of telecommunications services to consumers and businesses in Maine. It has offices in Lewiston, Norway and Portland. FMI visit www.oxfordnetworks.com.