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.