Still Time to Register for MMA/MHMC Annual Symposium October 27th in Portland

The October 27th collaboration between MMA and the Maine Health Management Coalition offers 13 breakout sessions and plenary presentations from David Blumenthal, M.D., U.S. Senator Angus King, Maine Attorney General Janet Mills, and LeapFrog CEO Leah Binder.  Join us in Portland next week!

Register today on-line at www.mehmc.org/symposium.  At this year's symposium, we will continue to highlight and explore strategies that help improve health and lower costs.  Keynote speaker David Blumenthal, M.D., President of the Commonwealth Fund, will share his perspective on what direction health care may take nationally following this contentious presidential election.  Maine Attorney General Janet Mills will update attendees on the state's effort to address the opioid/heroin epidemic and U.S. Senator Angus King will close the day and offer comments on what to expect in the lame duck session of Congress following the election.  In addition, thirteen breakout sessions will provide the kind of information that health professionals and practice staff need to practice efficiently and in compliance with the law.  Particular topics to be addresses include MACRA, the new state law limiting prescribing for pain, other new laws and regulations including the new federal overtime rules, and new concepts and proposals for transparency in health care costs and quality.

MMA Joins Mainers Protecting our Youth and Communities in Opposing Question 1 Legalizing Marijuana

MMA joined NAMI Maine and Day One last Thursday, October 13th, at a press conference in Yarmouth with organizers of the campaign opposing Question One on the November ballot which would legalize the recreational use of marijuana for adults 21 years of age and older.  MMA EVP Gordon Smith expressed concern about the prospect of reducing the stigma of marijuana use to adolescents.  Also on Thursday, Maine Attorney General Janet Mills and Cumberland County District Attorney Stephanie Anderson both expressed concern with the provision in the proposed law which removes from the Juvenile Criminal Code the section prohibiting minors from possessing marijuana.  Attorneys for the Yes on One campaign disputed the allegation that passage of the ballot question would legalize minor's possession and use of marijuana.

SAVE THE DATE: MMA Legislative Committee to Hold Organizational Meeting for 128th Legislature on Monday, December 5th

The MMA Legislative Committee will hold its organizational meeting for the 128th Maine Legislature on Monday, December 5, 2016 from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. (dinner available at 5:30 p.m.) in the large conference room at the Frank O. Stred building in Manchester.  In addition to members of the Legislative Committee, any member who is interested in the MMA's advocacy work is welcome to attend.  We also encourage medical specialty organizations to send one or more representatives to present their group's legislative priorities. 

 Please RSVP to Sarah Lepoff at 622-3374, ext. 213 or slepoff@mainemed.com.

 The agenda for the meeting will include:

• Review of election results;
• Review of legislative leadership races;
• Discussion of Committee conference calls and other Committee administrative matters;
• Discussion of MMA's legislative agenda for the 128th Maine Legislature;
• Discussion of medical specialty societies' legislative agendas for the 128th Maine Legislature;
• Discussion of collaborating organizations' (such as Maine Osteopathic Association, Maine Hospital Association, and Maine Primary Care Association, among others) legislative agendas for the 128th Maine Legislature; and perhaps
• One or more guests on specific initiatives anticipated in the coming session.

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MMA Conducting "SurveyMonkey" on Health Care Reform

As previously noted in this newsletter, the MMA Board of Directors is updating the Association's policy on health care reform which consisted of a Resolution passed by the membership at the 2002 Annual Session and a White Paper dated in 2003 drafted in anticipation of the Maine legislature's debate of the Baldacci Administration's Dirigo Health Program legislation. 

The Board has been soliciting feedback on the draft Statement since the Annual Session in September.  The draft Statement has been posted on the MMA web site since that time and members have been providing comments - thanks very much!

 MMA also is giving you an opportunity to provide feedback through a SurveyMonkey survey tool:  

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QDJ39JT

You may have received this link directly by email and if you have already responded, we thank you!  If you have not yet responded, the survey will remain open until Wednesday, October 26th.  The MMA Board of Directors expects to review the survey results during its board retreat weekend in early November.

 
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MMA Senior Section Meeting on October 26th from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm

The 4th MMA Senior Section of 2016 will be held on Wednesday, October 26th at MMA Headquarters in the large conference room.  Lunch will be available at 11:30 am, and the meeting begins at 12:00 pm.

Eight Physicians Compete for Seats in the 128th Maine Legislature

Eight Maine physicians are candidates for the 128th Maine Legislature:

1. Senate District 9, Penobscot County:  Geoffrey Gratwick, M.D. (Incumbent D) v. N. Laurence Willey, Jr. (R)
2.  House District 4, Ogunquit, parts of York, Wells, & Sanford:  Patricia Hymanson, M.D. (Incumbent D) v. Bradley Moulton (former House R)
3. House District 61, part of Lewiston:  Heidi Brooks, M.D. (Incumbent D) v. Stephen Miller (R)
4. House District 89, Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Edgecomb, Southport, Westport Island, & part of South Bristol:  Wendy Wolf, M.D., M.P.H. v. Stephanie Hawke (Incumbent R)
5. House District 91, Waldoboro, Friendship, Washington, & part of Union:  Emily Trask-Eaton, D.O. (D) v. Abden S. Simmons (R)
6. House District 111, part of Madison, Solon, & Norridgewock:  Ann Dorney, M.D. (Former House D) v. Bradlee Farrin (Incumbent R);
7. House District 120, Dover-Foxcroft, Atkinson, Brownville, Medford, Milo, Lakeview Plantation, & the unorganized territory of Orneville Township:  Richard Evans, M.D. (D) v. Norman Higgins (Incumbent R)
8. House District 132, Ellsworth & Trenton: David Edsall, M.D. (R) v. Louis Luchini (Incumbent D)

These are eight of 186 Maine House and Senate seats on the Maine ballot on Election Day, November 8, 2016.  MMA thanks these physician candidates for stepping in to the public policy arena and encourages all physicians to get to know these physician candidates.
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Opioid Community Forums Next Week in Belfast, Rockland, Wells & Dover-Foxcroft

• Belfast: Tuesday, October 25, 5:30 - 7:30 pm at Troy Howard Middle School
• Rockland: Wednesday, October 26, 5:30 - 7:30 pm at City Hall Council Chambers
• Wells: Thursday, October 27, 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Village By the Sea, 1373 Post Rd
• Dover-Foxcroft: Friday, October 28, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm at Mayo Regional Hospital

Each forum will feature a community conversation about Maine’s heroin/opiate crisis and the roadmap for action on prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and law enforcement that has been developed by the Maine Opiate Collaborative Task Forces.  The Task Forces were convened by the U.S. Attorney for Maine, the Maine Attorney General, and the Maine Commissioner of Public Safety.

All members of the community, including young people, are invited to attend and participate in a facilitated discussion about local needs and efforts and action steps we can take in our communities.  MMA encourages physicians to attend the forums in their area.  Check the next MMA weekly update for information about additional community forums to be held in the coming weeks.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Carol Kelly at carolkelly12@msn.com. 

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MMA Welcomes New Legislative Committee Co-Chairs

With the election of Amy Madden, M.D. to the MMA Board of Directors and Executive Committee, the Legislative Committee members and staff thank her for four years of excellent service to the Committee.  Amy has been featured prominently speaking on behalf of MMA members on important health policy issues, such as the effort to persuade the legislative and executive branches of Maine government to accept the federal funds available under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to extend health insurance coverage to more than 70,000 Mainers as part of the Cover Maine Now! Coalition, www.covermainenow.org.

We welcome Stephen Meister, M.D. and Katherine Pope, M.D. as new Co-Chairs of the Committee.  Dr. Meister is a pediatrician with MaineGeneral Health and also serves as the President-elect of the Maine Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.  Dr. Pope is an anesthesiologist with Spectrum Medical Group who is a founder of Hospice of Southern Maine and also is a former Chair of the MMA Legislative Committee.

Reports Show 2017 Medicare Payment Adjustments

Medicare has made available two new reports with information on 2015 cost and quality data that indicate which physicians or practices will see related Medicare payment adjustments in 2017.

The 2015 Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) Feedback Reports and 2015 Annual Quality and Resource Use Reports (QRUR) were released on Sept. 26.  The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is mailing 2015 PQRS penalty letters to physicians beginning Sept. 26.

2015 PQRS penalty letters notify physicians and groups who are scheduled to receive a two percent penalty in 2017 based on 2015 PQRS reporting.  The PQRS feedback report allows physicians to look up whether they will receive the two percent 2017 PQRS penalty, and contains detailed information on program year 2015 PQRS reporting results. 

The 2015 Annual QRURs provide information on how practices performed on quality and cost measures used in the Value Modifier (VM) and whether their VM payment adjustment will be positive, negative or neutral and the specific amount.  VM penalties can range from -1 to -4 depending on practice size and performance.  Bonus payments depend on how much money is collected from penalties and to date the 2017 bonus size has not been publically announced by CMS.  Drill-down tables in the reports contain detailed information on care delivered to individual patients by other providers as well as the physicians in the practice.

The payment adjustments detailed in these reports are associated with current performance-based Medicare payment incentives that will be replaced in 2019 with a new system created under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA).  Practices that believe there are errors in the report or calculation of the payment adjustment should file for an informal review prior to midnight Eastern Time on Nov. 30.

How to access the reports:

• An Enterprise Identity Management (EIDM) account with the appropriate role is required for participants to obtain 2015 PQRS feedback reports and 2015 Annual QRURs.
   
• If you already have an EIDM account, visit the CMS website to sign up for the appropriate EIDM role or contact QualityNet Help Desk to determine if someone in the practice already has that role.
   
• To sign up for an EIDM account, visit the CMS Enterprise Portal and click “New User Registration” under “Login to CMS Secure Portal.”
   
• Both reports can be accessed on the portal using the same EIDM account.
   
• For more information on viewing the reports, view the PQRS Analysis and Payment webpage and How to Obtain a QRUR webpage.

Information on the informal review process:

• To request an informal review of a 2017 PQRS negative payment adjustment, view the “2015 Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS): 2017 Negative Payment Adjustment - Informal Review Made Simple” guide on the PQRS Analysis and Payment webpage.
   
• To request an informal review of the 2015 QRURs or the 2017 Value Modifier calculation, see the 2015 QRUR and 2017 Value Modifier webpage.

CMS Help Desk information:

• For additional assistance regarding EIDM or the content or data contained in the PQRS Feedback Reports, contact the QualityNet Help Desk at 866-288-8912 (TTY 877-715- 6222) from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central time, Monday through Friday, or via email.
   
• For additional assistance regarding the QRUR or the Value Modifier, or if you are having trouble accessing the PQRS Feedback Reports, email the Physician Value Help Desk or call (888) 734-6433 (select option 3).
  
  

ICD-10 update complicates PQRS reporting and value modifier adjustments

The yearly update to ICD-10 coding on Oct. 1 will affect Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) reporting for some measures. The update is larger than the traditional yearly ICD update due to a several year freeze on new codes as the healthcare system transitioned from ICD-9 to ICD-10.

Many of the codes involved were not finalized until August 2016 and PQRS measure specifications were not updated to include the coding changes.  As a consequence, some codes that are part of the PQRS measures and are necessary to report use of the measure will no longer be included, which may lead to confusion for correct reporting.

PQRS data is also used to calculate Value Modifier adjustments, which means these adjustments might also be affected. Since learning about the issue, the AMA has been working diligently with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) toward a resolution.  Although CMS is still in the process of developing a solution, the agency has assured the AMA that every effort will be made to prevent physicians from being penalized for issues resulting from the ICD-10 coding update.

We encourage physicians and specialty societies to review the list of affected measures to determine whether the update will affect your specialty area.  We will continue to work with CMS on this issue and will update the Federation as we have additional information.  

EHR contract guide and Health IT Playbook released

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) has released two tools to help physicians maximize their electronic health records (EHR).

The new EHR contract guide, “EHR Contracts Untangled: Selecting Wisely, Negotiating Terms, and Understanding the Fine Print,” explains important concepts in EHR contracts and includes example contract language to help physicians and health administrators in planning to acquire an EHR system and negotiating contract terms with vendors.

The AMA has provided specific feedback to the ONC on EHR vendor contracts related to interoperability limitations, costs and the need for further clarity on EHR capabilities and functionality.

The Health IT Playbook is a web-based tool intended to make it easy for physicians and their practice administrators to find practical information and guidance on specific topics as they research, buy, use or switch EHRs.  The Playbook features a collection of specific tools, resources and guides that can help physicians implement and use health information technology that best serves their practices—including supporting transitions toward alternative payment models.  The AMA continues to urge HHS to reduce the EHR reporting burden on physicians.

 
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MACRA Update from the AMA

As we await the release of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) final rule on the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA), we want to update you on our latest advocacy work and new physician resources. Through the MACRA Task Force and various work groups, the AMA and the Federation have been collaborating to develop strategic approaches to our advocacy, along with consistent messaging.

The AMA recently filed extensive comments on CMS’ proposed rule, emphasizing the need for greater flexibility and choice.

We saw further evidence that CMS has been listening to physician concerns, when CMS Acting Administrator Andy Slavitt announced that physicians can choose among four options to avoid payment penalties in 2019. Medicine welcomed CMS’ decision to allow physicians to pick their own pace for the initial MACRA reporting period in 2017 as a positive step toward giving all physicians a fair opportunity to succeed.

Although details on MACRA implementation will not be available until the final rule is released later this fall, we have developed a number of resources to help physician practices begin to prepare for the transition to the new payment system:

• MACRA website: Includes a checklist with steps practices can take now to prepare, an action kit and slideshow with information about what is in the proposed rule, an outline of advocacy efforts, a “Guide to physician-focused payment models,” and additional resources
   
• AMA STEPS Forward® module, “Preparing your practice for value-based care:” CME-accredited activity provides steps to take, answers to common questions and case vignettes
   
• New podcast series “Inside Medicare’s new payment system:” Produced by ReachMD, these downloadable audio stories feature interviews with industry experts and physician leaders including CMS’ Andy Slavitt, AMA President Andrew Gurman, MD, and the AMA’s Richard Deem and Michael Tutty
   
• AMA Wire®: Ongoing articles on the latest MACRA developments, how physicians are participating in new models of care, and more

There is much more to come this fall as we release our new web-based tool to help physicians understand which MACRA pathway is best for them and assess its impact on their practice, and we develop new resources after the final rule is released. We are also planning regional seminars on MACRA, as well as webinars for physicians and “train the trainer” webinars for medical society staff.

 
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Job Openings

Maine Medical Partners is seeking a PT BC/BE internal medicine physician for their Internal Medicine Outpatient Clinic at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine. 

The Clinic is the primary outpatient teaching site for Maine Medical Center’s Internal Medicine Residency Program and is the medical home for a culturally diverse population.  The ideal candidate will have an interest in residency education and international/immigrant patient care.  The clinical portion of the position involves a mix of direct patient care and the precepting of Internal Medicine Residents. 

Maine Medical Center has 637 licensed beds and is the state’s leading tertiary care hospital, with a full complement of residencies and fellowships and an integral part of Tufts University Medical School. 

For more information please contact Alison C. Nathanson, Director, MaineHealth Physician Recruitment Center at (207) 661-7383 or nathaa@mainehealth.org.

11/7/16

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Upcoming Events

12th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day 

Saturday, October 22, 2016

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled the Twelfth National Prescription Drug Take Back Day for October 22, 2016 for the disposal of unused, unneeded, or expired prescription controlled substances.  These take back days over the last five years were overwhelmingly successful and resulted in the collection and disposal of over 3,236 tons of pharmaceuticals.

Collection locations staffed by duly authorized law enforcement officials are planned from 10am to 2pm at community sites.  Destruction will be accomplished in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.  For more information go to www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/. 

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 MCMI Training Programs - Level 1 and Level 2

October 25, 2016

When and where held:  On October 25, 2016, the Maine Concussion Management Initiative will present Level 1 and Level 2 Training as the Youth Concussion Track at the Brain Injury Association of America-Maine Chapter's 7th Annual Conference on Defining Moments in Brain Injury in Portland at USM.

Training Programs:             

Level 1 – An Introduction to Concussions and Concussion Management

Speaker: Deb Nichols, CPNP or Peter Sedgwick, MD or Bill Heinz, MD

Level of Difficulty: beginner

Content:  The Diagnostic and Return to Play Dilemma, How Concussion Occurs and Pathophysiology, Concussion Signs and Symptoms, Concussion Evaluation Tools, Concussion Treatment, Recovery Epidemiology, Return to Function – Academics and Play, Risk Factors and Protective Equipment, Short and Long Term Sequelae, Neurocognitive Testing, Concussion Sideline Assessment, Key Points

Level 2 – Advanced Concussion Management (Level 1 is a prerequisite for taking Level 2)

Speaker: Paul Berkner, DO

Level of Difficulty: intermediate

Content: Updates from Zurich 2012, Using ImPACT Testing in Concussion Management, Interpreting   

ImPACT Test Results, Concussion Case Reviews

Schedule: Conference - 7:30pm to 4:30pm

MCMI Level 1: 9:30am to 1:00pm

MCMI Level 2: 1:30pm to 4:30pm                                                   

Registration:

Fee: $100 for all participants for the entire day

How to register: online atwww.biausa.org then click on BIAA-Maine (in the menu on the left)

CMEs will be provided. Exact contact hours not determined at this time

For more information contact:

Jan Salis, PT, ATC, MCMI - Membership and Education Committee - Chair

jsalis@aol.com or (207) 577-2018

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Personal Financial Planning & Understanding MACRA, MIPS, and APMs

Maine Health Management Coalition and Maine Medical Association's 2016 Symposium

Thursday, October 27 

Holiday Inn By The Bay, Portland

About the Symposium

For this year's symposium we will be continuing to highlight and explore actionable strategies that each of us can take to help improve health and lower costs.  Our keynote speaker, David Blumenthal, MD, President of The Commonwealth Fund, will share examples of how organizations around the country are getting more value from their health care dollars, and breakout sessions will dive into the details to highlight individual efforts that organizations in our state can emulate.  There will be presentations on tackling prescription drug abuse for providers and employers, alternative payment arrangements being tested through employer/provider partnerships, an overview of how MACRA will impact the payment landscape in our state, and more!

When: Thursday, October 27, 2016, 8am - 5pm

Where: Holiday Inn By The Bay, 88 Spring Street, Portland ME 04101

Register Here!

 

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Maine’s Top Integrative Physicians, Olympians and Professional Athletes Host the State’s First Complementary Health Symposium

How complementary and alternative therapies enhance athletic performance, reduce injuries and improve mental focus

 

WHAT:            The Center for Wellness Leadership (CWL), a Portland-based nonprofit will host its first signature event to explore how adding alternative modalities to a conventional medical approach can improve athletes’ overall health and performance. The symposium will explore topics including acupuncture, homeopathy, yoga and osteopathy.

                        Maine physicians and professional athletes will share first-hand accounts of how integrating complementary and alternative therapies have been successful when conventional methods alone have not.            

Attendees will hear from the head physician of Maine’s Red Claws, the director of Integrated Medicine at Maine Medical Center and professional athletes and Olympians.

Formed in 2014, the nonprofit hosting the event aims to increase mainstream awareness for the benefits of using Complementary, Alternative and Integrative Medicine. CWL plans to fund research, produce a regular television show, offer comprehensive resources and research – including a provider directory and event calendar. All accessible on wellnessleadership.org

Guests will be personally welcome by University of Southern Maine President Glenn Cummings. The symposium will be held USM’s Hannaford Hall from 8:15am to 2:30pm, Saturday, October 29, 2016.

Athletes, yogis, coaches, practitioners, physicians and the general public are encouraged to attend. For ticket information, register here. 

WHERE:           University of Southern Maine, Hannaford Hall

                        88 Bedford Street, Portland, Maine

WHEN:             Saturday, October 29, 2016

                        8:15am to 2:30pm

WHO:               Alban Maino, Executive Director, Center for Wellness Leadership

Dr. Craig Schneider, Maine Medical Partners

Dr. Heather Gillespie, Head Physician, Maine Red Claws, Maine Medical Partners

Dr Diane Hayden, Essential Living Maine

Dr. Nancy Frederick, CCH(NA)

Dr. Sarah Kotzur, ND

Dan Katz, PT LA.c, Wildwood Medicine

Dr Tom Gilson, D.O.

Julia Clukey, Olympic Ice Luger

Dave Cowens, NBA Hall of Famer, Boston Celtics (1970-1980)
Roberto Forleo (Intl Ballet Dancer)

Hosted by Dr Lisa Belisle, Love Maine Radio             

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Established in 2014, Center for Wellness Leadership is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit providing communities with educational resources and research to empower individuals to reach optimal wellbeing through the application of Complementary, Alternative and Integrative Medicine. CWL is home to an online, searchable database, media vault, event calendars and resources.

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Webinar on Electronic Prescribing of Opioids on November 1

The Maine Medical Association has selected DrFirst as its exclusive partner in providing electronic prescribing of controlled substances solutions to MMA members. 

DrFirst will provide an educational webinar on how to get started e-prescribing controlled substances, along with a demo of their EPCS Gold software, on November 1 from 12-1pm ET. Even if that time isn’t convenient, register anyway and receive a recording of the event.

In 2017 Maine will follow in New York’s footsteps and require e-prescribing of opioids. Legal compliance aside, making the switch to electronic prescriptions can save your practice time and improve patient safety.  

You may register for the webinar here.

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A Message from the Daniel Hanley Center for Health Leadership

We are pleased to invite you to attend our 2016 Hanley Forum, Community Innovations to Address Stress & Depression In Our Young Adults on November 2^nd at the Hilton Garden Inn.  Far too many of Maine’s adolescents and young adults are in need.  Far too many won’t ask for help.  Please join us and lend us your experience, perspective, time and hope.

WHO:  Primary Care, Emergency Medicine and Behavioral Health Providers

WHAT:  Hanley Forum 2016

Register Today at: www.hanleyforum.eventbrite.com

WHEN:  November 2, 2016, 9:30am-4:00pm

WHERE:  Hilton Garden Inn, Freeport

As with all Hanley initiatives, the spirit of collaboration in creating positive change will be key to the success of the day!  We hope you will join us as we bring together primary care & other providers, health leaders, educators, parents, consumers, law enforcement, behavioral health professionals, and community & business leaders for a day of learning, networking and innovating.

At the end of the day, we hope to have 3-5 concepts that either attempt something new or expand upon a current community collaboration to better support Maine’s high school and college age young adults challenged by anxiety and/or depression.

Keynoting the day will be Dr. Gene Beresin, MD, MA, Executive Director of The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds.  Dr. Beresin will ground us in this work and energize us to come together as a community to share perspective and generate new ideas to support Maine’s young adults.  We will also hear from a few consumers, parents and community collaborators.

We know that this challenge touches the lives of each and every one of us in some way through our work, our families, our friends and neighbors and our communities.  We also know that you can help.  Please join us and register today at: www.hanleyforum.eventbrite.com .  To learn more or support the Forum through corporate sponsorship, please call Judiann Smith at 207-553-9852.