What Maine Frontline Warmline has Learned from Supporting Frontline Operations During COVID-19 

Thursday, April 15, 2021 - 5:45 to 8:00 p.m.  

Featured Speaker:  Dr. Edward Pontius, MD, DLFAPA

Dr Pontius has been a part of the psychiatric community in Maine since 1998 but prior to that he had significant involvement in disaster response including aviation accidents, mass casualty events in wartime and response to natural disasters. In April 2020 Dr Pontius was asked to look into support Maine’s front line providers during COVID, and he helped found Maine FrontLine WarmLine, a free, confidential service providing Psychological First Aid across the state. Maine FrontLine WarmLine has trained more than 100 volunteers, provides service 8AM-8PM seven days a week, and MFLWL Volunteers have contributed more than 85% of volunteer hours in Maine during the pandemic.

Dr Pontius will present an outline of Psychological First Aid (PFA) and what’s been learned supporting the front line in Maine, including barriers to access and issues of moral injury and systemic betrayal in a pandemic.

Event Schedule

• 5:45 p.m.              Chat & Brief Gathering
• 6:00 p.m.              Dr. Edward Pontius’ Presentation
• 7:30 p.m.              Program Concludes

This program would not be possible without the generous support of Maine DHHS. This program is offered free-of-charge to primary care practices who participate in MAPP's Consultation Project.