Honoring a Life, Sparking a Movement
The Brett M. Staples Brain Disorder Awareness Coalition (BMSBDAC) was established in memory of Brett M. Staples, who passed away in 2024. Born in Farmington, Maine, and raised in Jay, Brett faced schizoaffective disorder and encountered the challenges many with serious brain disorders do: homelessness, inconsistent treatment, stigma, and gaps in available resources. bmsbdac.org+1
His story moved his father, Bob Staples, to resign from his position on the local school board and found the Coalition to advocate for systemic change and better awareness. bmsbdac.org
Mission & Goals
BMSBDAC is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization. Its mission is to address the impact of brain disorders on individuals, families, the community, and law enforcement — especially how misunderstood these disorders often are until tragedy strikes. bmsbdac.org+2bmsbdac.org+2
The coalition has outlined four core goals:
- Educating families and the public about causes and impacts of brain disorders. bmsbdac.org+1
- Providing information to caregivers, law enforcement and public about ways to help people with brain disorders succeed in their communities. bmsbdac.org+1
- Educating law enforcement and crisis personnel about legal options under Maine and U.S. law for addressing behaviors related to brain disorders. bmsbdac.org+1
- Advocating for policies, laws, and programs to improve support, treatment, and prevention. bmsbdac.org+1
What the Coalition Has Been Doing
Since its inception, the Coalition has been active on several fronts. Here are some of the key programs, initiatives, and achievements:
- Public Education & Awareness Campaigns
The Coalition has regularly produced educational materials and articles that seek to demystify brain disorders, reduce stigma, and explain how serious mental illnesses differ from common assumptions. For example, they published content about the link between homelessness and brain disorders, stressing that many who are unhoused aren’t there by choice but because treatment and supports weren’t available. bmsbdac.org - Law Enforcement & First Responder Training
One of their focus areas is to train law enforcement and emergency responders so that they can better understand brain disorders and know what legal tools exist (such as Maine’s Progressive Treatment Program, more on PTP below) to help people. bmsbdac.org+2bmsbdac.org+2 - Policy Advocacy
The Coalition has been working to promote awareness of, and access to, legal mechanisms like Maine’s Progressive Treatment Program (PTP). They have put out guides and resources on how to obtain a PTP order, what criteria are involved, legal rights, how law enforcement, medical professionals, and families can work together. bmsbdac.org - Community Engagement Events
They have organized public events that bring together healthcare professionals, law enforcement, policy makers, and community members. For example, on July 23, 2025, they hosted an event with state Senator Rick Bennett and others to promote understanding of severe brain disorders and treatment/legal options. Lewiston Sun Journal - Resource Support
BMSBDAC offers information and tools to families and caregivers affected by brain disorders — helping them navigate treatment systems, legal rights, and available support options. They also provide content explaining what brain disorders are, what the legal definitions are, and how laws like PTP work. bmsbdac.org+2bmsbdac.org+2 - Fundraising & Sustaining the Work
They run donation campaigns. All funds go into education, advocacy, public programs; the board and advisory board serve on a volunteer basis. bmsbdac.org+1
Impact & Future Directions
Though relatively new, BMSBDAC is already making a difference:
- It has helped spotlight the gaps in mental health and brain disorder care in Maine, especially around understanding, law enforcement response, access to treatment, and housing stability.
- The awareness of legal tools like PTP has increased among medical professionals, law enforcement, and the broader public.
- By convening public leaders and legislators, the Coalition is building partnerships that may lead to more responsive policies and support structures. Lewiston Sun Journal
Looking forward, the Coalition is working on:
- Producing an educational video to train medical and law enforcement personnel in programs that exist but are under-publicized. bmsbdac.org
- Continuing legislative and law enforcement education to ensure legal tools are used properly and people with serious mental illness are identified early and supported rather than criminalized.
- Expanding community outreach and support for caregivers and people affected by brain disorders.
- Strengthening the advocacy of systemic change: better access to treatment, housing, crisis response services.
Challenges & What Remains To Be Done
The Coalition, like many advocacy organizations, faces some key challenges:
- Awareness vs. Action: Knowing about brain disorders is one thing; ensuring that mental health systems, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and policy makers follow through is another.
- Legal and Treatment Gaps: Even when laws like Maine’s PTP exist, navigating them can be difficult — barriers in implementation, lack of awareness, resource constraints, and sometimes resistance.
- Stigma & Misunderstanding: Deep-rooted social stigma remains a major barrier — influencing how people with brain disorders are treated, how they receive help, and how society views them.
- Underlying Resource Limitations: Funding, staffing, treatment infrastructure all need expansion. Supportive housing, therapy access, long-term care options are often limited or underfunded.
Conclusion
The Brett M. Staples Brain Disorder Awareness Coalition is turning grief into purpose. In its short existence, it has already been successful in raising awareness, advancing policy conversations, supporting families and caregivers, and training key stakeholders like law enforcement and medical responders. There’s still much work to do, but the foundation is being built — one that might change how Maine, and beyond, treats serious brain disorders.
