As part of MaineHealth’s systemwide goal related to food insecurity, MaineHealth Behavioral Health (MHBH) has fully embraced the objective to screen more than 75% of patients and connect them to community resources. As one of the Social Drivers of Health, we know that access to nutritious food is the most basic of necessities. Leading this initiative for MHBH at Spring Harbor is Jessamy Cornell, a Registered Dietitian who is passionate about nutrition and behavioral health.

It begins from the moment a patient is admitted to MHBH at Spring Harbor where nursing and dietary professionals screen for food security. Patients who wish to answer are asked several questions about maintaining food supply. Their dietary needs are closely monitored throughout their stay. All patients receive a list of meal centers and food pantries, as well as an emergency bag of food upon discharge. Sourced by Good Shepherd Food Bank, the bag is comprised of ready-to-eat items, as well as those requiring some preparation. Patients are overwhelmingly grateful and care team members feel like they are making a difference.

“We have an amazing team who developed our program and care team members are fully invested in this effort. They see the value in the screening because we can provide a meaningful intervention,” says Jessamy.

Data from September 2023 to August 2024 shows that 92% of 1000 admitted patients were screened. Of those who chose to answer the questions, nearly half screened positively for insecurity. This is up from 54% of 1000 admitted patients screened and a third indicating food insecurity in the previous year. During this time, more than 300 food bags were distributed and the team made nearly 800 referrals to patient assistance centers, 10 times the number of referrals than the previous year.

Jessamy acknowledges that this work is not without challenges in the behavioral health arena. For example, the bags are heavy, and many patients are unhoused, making it difficult to manage the supplies. Although the program is not a permanent solution to food insecurity, the goal is to make patient transitions a little easier by providing support.

“If I had a magic wand, I would provide our patients with sustenance for a longer period of time after they are discharged through a mobile service, similar to other services provided this way in our health system,” says Jessamy.

A Little Goes a Long Way

MaineHealth Behavioral Health Outpatient Services in Biddeford maintains a personal care pantry where patients in need can access fundamental items such as shampoo, deodorant, oral care products, formula, diapers, and school supplies. These donated items are available at no cost to patients and their families.

“Personal care contributes to patients’ overall health and well-being. We see the relief and gratitude of our patients when we give them items that many consider necessities. The reality is for some of our patients, they don’t have the resources, or they must choose among these things. Even just a little goes a long way to easing their burden,” says Amanda Jordan, Case Manager II.