The Work of the Brett M. Staples Brain Disorder Awareness Coalition
Over the past 12 months, the Brett M. Staples Brain Disorder Awareness Coalition has emerged as a powerful voice for individuals and families affected by serious brain disorders. Founded in memory of Brett Staples, the coalition has transformed personal loss into purposeful action—working across advocacy, education, and public engagement to drive meaningful systemic change.
Advocacy at the Statehouse
One of the coalition’s most impactful efforts this year has been its consistent presence at the Maine State House. Coalition leadership and supporters have worked directly with lawmakers to push for better implementation and funding of programs designed to help individuals with severe brain disorders—particularly Maine’s Progressive Treatment Program (PTP).
In early 2026, coalition members stood alongside policymakers calling for full implementation of PTP, emphasizing that early, structured treatment can prevent cycles of hospitalization, incarceration, and homelessness. Their advocacy has also highlighted barriers families face—especially legal costs and limited provider participation—and has pushed for legislative solutions to address these gaps.
From its founding announcement at the State House to ongoing testimony and collaboration with legislators, the coalition has made policy advocacy a cornerstone of its mission.
Op-Eds and Public Voice
Equally important has been the coalition’s growing presence in public discourse through opinion pieces and written advocacy. Over the past year, the organization has published articles addressing critical issues such as:
The connection between brain disorders and homelessness
The role of the criminal justice system
Early signs of psychosis and the importance of intervention
The impact of anosognosia on treatment engagement
These writings consistently reinforce a central message: brain disorders are medical conditions—not personal choices—and must be treated as such. Through clear, compassionate language, the coalition has worked to challenge stigma and reframe how society understands these conditions.
Website as a Resource Hub
The coalition’s website has become a key tool in its outreach and education efforts. Designed as both an informational hub and a call to action, the site provides:
Educational articles and blog posts
Guidance on legal tools like PTP
Resources for families and caregivers
Information on brain disorders and their real-world impacts
The website reflects the coalition’s broader mission: to educate the public, support families, and promote systemic change through awareness and accessible information.
Social Media and Public Engagement
Over the past year, social media has allowed the coalition to expand its reach beyond Maine, connecting with a broader audience and building a growing community of advocates.
Through consistent posting, the coalition has:
Shared educational content on brain disorders
Promoted awareness campaigns
Highlighted personal stories and systemic gaps
Reinforced key messages about treatment, stigma, and accountability
This digital presence has helped humanize complex issues while mobilizing supporters and keeping brain disorders in the public conversation.
Community Events and Partnerships
The coalition has also brought people together through public events and collaborations. A notable example was a July 2025 event that convened lawmakers, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement leaders to discuss solutions and raise awareness.
These gatherings have helped build critical partnerships—bridging gaps between families, policymakers, and frontline professionals who all play a role in responding to brain disorders.
Education and Training
Another major focus has been education—particularly for law enforcement and first responders. The coalition has worked to improve understanding of brain disorders and increase awareness of available legal and treatment options.
By equipping those on the front lines with better knowledge, the coalition aims to ensure that individuals are met with appropriate care rather than unnecessary criminalization.
Moving Forward
In just one year, the Brett M. Staples Brain Disorder Awareness Coalition has laid a strong foundation for long-term change. Through advocacy, education, writing, and community engagement, it has elevated the conversation around brain disorders and pushed for more compassionate, effective systems of care.
Yet the work is far from finished.
The coalition continues to call for expanded treatment access, better implementation of existing laws, increased public understanding, and stronger support for families. At its core, the message remains clear and unwavering:
Serious brain disorders are not a choice—they are medical conditions that deserve recognition, treatment, and compassion.
