December 12, 2023

We achieved our goal of 5,000 doors knocked to train people how to use Narcan!

We began canvassing in June, going home to home to ask if residents would like to be trained to use Naloxone and supplied those who requested a boxes to carry in their cars, backpacks and purses.

December 9th, Jon Reynolds knocked on our final 5,000th door. Why did we do this through summer heat, rain and icy streets? We know personally how Naloxone saves lives!

In June 2023, Mobilize Recovery embarked on a significant initiative in Kennebec County, Maine, aimed at reducing the incidence of preventable overdose deaths. This endeavor received funding through a grant from the Kennebec County Commissioners, backed by their enthusiastic support. On December 9th, our canvassing team achieved the milestone of reaching 5,000 doors.

Employing grassroots organizing strategies and a door-to-door approach, we successfully trained at least 1,423 individuals in the use of Naloxone nasal spray. Additionally, we distributed 3,204 boxes of Naloxone and provided education on Maine's Good Samaritan law.

Maine's Good Sam Law, recognized as the best in the nation, shields both the person experiencing an overdose and those rendering assistance from arrest or prosecution for non-violent crimes, probation violations, and bail condition violations. This law ensures that everyone feels secure in calling 911, thereby saving lives.

Our door-to-door approach facilitates crucial conversations that dispel misconceptions, eliminate stigma, and humanize those affected by the opioid crisis. The majority of individuals we engage with are familiar with Naloxone, actively participate in our training, and express genuine gratitude for our public service.

While some hold misconceptions and harbor negative attitudes towards providing Naloxone, sharing personal stories often proves instrumental in changing their perspectives. Jon Reynolds shares, "Because Naloxone gave me a second chance, I am now a family man, college student, fully employed, a leader in my community, and a proud new father of a baby boy named Theo."

Behind certain doors, we encounter family members who have suffered the loss of a loved one to overdose or are currently concerned about someone in active addiction. Jeanie Marquis, a canvasser and a family member of someone in recovery, notes, "When I ask some people 'Do you know the signs of an overdose?,' I see that look of recognition in their eyes—the fear that never quite goes away. That look is an instant bond, and they are relieved to see another family member training people with Naloxone. They know they are not alone."

This year's canvassing efforts have yielded numerous impactful stories, such as an individual we provided with Naloxone who later shared that he successfully revived someone in Mill Park in Augusta. We are confident that if one life was saved, there are likely more. The increased distribution of Naloxone ensures that help will be more readily available when needed the most.

Looking ahead, during the winter months, we plan to visit organizations and businesses in the area to train their staff on Naloxone usage and provide them with Naloxone to keep on hand. If your organization or business is interested in scheduling a training, please contact Jon Reynolds at Jon@MobilizeRecovery.org.

To continue this critical, life-saving work and further reduce the number of preventable overdoses in Kennebec County, we welcome more volunteers. If you're interested in joining us, please click on the button below.

We are also looking for organizational sponsors of the canvassing project!  If you are interested having your organizations materials included in our canvassing bags, email courtney@recoveryvoices.com.  This is a wonderful opportunity to reach thousands of people in Kennebec County.

Youth Caucuses attended MYAN Conference

The Youth Caucuses of Kennebec, Penobscot and Washington County attended the Maine Youth Action Network (MYAN) Youth Leadership Conference November 14-15 at the Augusta Civic Center. Our three caucuses joined other middle-school, high school and college-aged youth from around the state for two days of leadership building workshops. Our youth showed Recovery in Maine: Youth Voices, a movie they co-produced about a week in summer spent preparing to speak in front of the Governor. After the movie, the youth trained the audience how to use Naloxone to save a life. 

One of the big takeaways from the conference was an opportunity to apply for the Youth Service Grants offered by Volunteer Maine. The challenge was the deadline was in less than a week. These grants were for youth-led, youth designed project, exactly how our caucuses operate on every project. The three youth caucus adult-allies quickly rallied their youth to brainstorm project ideas and vote on their favorite concept. Three grant applications were submitted by the deadline. Roughly two weeks later, we heard the great news that all three caucuses received a grant for their project concepts.