Maine Helps Addiction Treatment Centers
January 12, 2017 – Recently, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services awarded funds to addiction treatment centers, including Discovery House of Calais and Acadia Hospital of Bangor. This is a triumph for Maine addiction treatment centers. They spent many years defending their very existence.
The Role of Addiction Treatment Centers
Discovery House Program Director, Brent Miller, speaking out in a 2013 Bangor City Council meeting.
Discovery House Program Director, Brent Miller frequently met with community members and state officials. The goal was to increase funding, decrease overdoses, and to correct the stigma associated with addiction and forms of treatment. After countless media interviews, town hall meetings, and organization collaborations, he brought Discovery House to the forefront of the fight. Brent became a voice for patients, families, and even competitor clinics that were facing the challenge of being defunded. As he told The Bangor Daily News, “I think people are starting to understand that opiate addiction treatment is essential to solving the problem and getting a handle on the disease…”
Enough is Enough
Communities nationwide are reluctant when hearing of a methadone clinic opening in their town. The mantra, “not in my backyard,” has become a typical response. However, we know more about the nature of addiction now. Unfortunately, many have learned this through personal tragedy and loss. In 2012, the overdose count reached 163 people in the State of Maine. Enough was enough for Mainers when overdoses in 2016 exceeded 270. Treatment needed to be an effort supported by officials and members of the community alike.
Purpose of the Funds
DHHS funds awarded a total of $2.4 million. The sole purpose is to support medication-assisted treatment programs. This money will not increase the allowable patient count at these treatment programs. However, it will help to fund treatment for low-income and non-insured patients. This is excellent progress toward supporting those already in recovery, and an encouraging sign for those seeking recovery.
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As one participating Operation HOPE treatment center, Discovery House will work with officials to provide services for affected individuals in the region of Central Maine. After 28 years in operation, this CARF Accredited treatment center is poised to offer the range of services needed to combat the opioid epidemic. They offer counseling, medication maintenance, clinical and medical evaluations, as well as aftercare planning.
