Mid-July took us to Belfast to spend an afternoon with Healthy Acadia's Recovery Core interns. This session highlighted the need for more accessible harm reduction programs, workforce development training programs, criminal justice reforms, and stigma reduction. A few of the policy solutions that were discussed favorably included increasing funding for recovery centers and tax incentives to boost the recovery workforce.

We closed out July with a listening session in Farmington with Franklin County Recovery Community Center. Key concerns included the lack of a local shelter and recovery housing, particularly for women, inadequate re-entry support for incarcerated individuals, and insufficient transportation options. Participants emphasized the need for more funding for social services, and detox units.

We kicked off August by heading to New Castle to visit Lincoln County Recovery Community Center. Key concerns included needing better trainings on overdose response and stigma reduction, transportation challenges, and a shortage of mental health supports. Participants highlighted the need for more transportation, harm reduction services, and recovery residences.

We had a great time talking with folks at Lakes Region Recovery Community Center (LRRC). Key concerns included the lack of transportation options, the disconnect between primary care and state-funded resources for treating SUD, and the desire for more harm reduction programs. The discussion also highlighted the stigma faced by individuals with SUD in medical settings, recovery housing challenges, and barriers to education and employment. Grassroots organizations raised concerns about timely payment of state contracts.

Our listening session with the Maine Association of Recovery Residences (MARR) affiliates highlighted several critical issues facing the recovery community in Maine. Attendees discussed housing challenges, mental health and substance use treatment, and case management services. There was also discussion of ways to support recovery residence staff and house managers.

Our listening session with Penobscot County Cares highlighted critical issues related to SUD, homelessness, housing accessibility, and employment barriers in the Bangor area. Key concerns include the rising rates of HIV linked to drug use, inadequate housing solutions, particularly for individuals with disabilities, and the need for better harm reduction  accessibility for PWUD.

Our listening session with Travas House revealed several pressing issues, including inadequate treatment options, challenges with obtaining and maintaining housing, and problematic legal hurdles. The session highlighted the need for policy reforms to address these concerns, focusing on improving access to care, ensuring fair treatment in the criminal justice system, and supporting family reunification.

We had the opportunity to host two listening sessions with folks who participate in the Recovery Connections of Maine (RCOM) Intensive Outpatient Program. Despite significant efforts to recognize addiction as a disease, there is still a lack of understanding about recovery and ongoing stigma. Participants highlighted the need for increased public education, better access to harm reduction and treatment services, and improved housing and shelter options. They also emphasized the importance of a continuum of care from incarceration to recovery.

Thank you Washington County Recovery Friendly Workplace businesses for meeting with us! Key concerns included limited housing access, inadequate healthcare, and stringent background checks that impede employment opportunities. Specific industries, such as fishing and manual labor, face unique challenges related to chronic pain and substance use. There is also a need for better support systems in workplaces.

We hosted a listening session following a viewing of "Recovery In Maine: Queer Voices" at the Equality Community Center (ECC) in Portland! Key takeaways highlighted the need for queer-friendly and inclusive housing and more secular peer-led groups. Employment challenges included tokenism and the lack of comprehensive inclusivity training in recovery spaces. Additionally, the session called for increased outreach to queer youth and training recovery houses on being LGBTQIA+ friendly.

We closed out June with a BBQ and listening session at the HILLS Recovery Center in Norway. Key takeaways included a shortage of affordable housing and shelters, transportation barriers, and a need for more sober living options. Limited access to detox beds and residential treatment, stigma, and inadequate provider training were also discussed. Proposed solutions included increased housing, mobile methadone clinics, more funding for dual-diagnosis and detox centers, and flexible state grants for rural recovery centers.

We kicked off July with a listening session with The Family Restored and recovery residence operators in Portland. The focus of the listening session was challenges faced by abstinence-based recovery residences. Key takeaways included the need for access to diverse recovery models, and the growing need for more mental health treatment services.

We joined residents at the Homeless Services Center (HSC) who highlighted numerous barriers and unmet needs faced by individuals experiencing homelessness, especially those with substance use challenges. Participants raised concerns about inadequate shelter options for the elderly and disabled, high temporary housing costs, limited mental health services, limited dietary options, and overwhelmed case managers. They also called for indoor spaces for people who use drugs to use in the safety of peer support and doctors, instead of outside.

In a listening session with the Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition (MPAC), participants highlighted the urgent need for legislative reforms to address mass incarceration, issues with probation violations, and the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with criminal records. The discussion emphasized the importance of decriminalization, diversion programs, and probation reform, as well as parole.

Participants at INSPIRE Recovery Center in Ellsworth, ME noted a severe lack of affordable housing, with the existing stock being either too costly or not accepting vouchers, and limited public transit. Additionally, there is a need for increased funding for recovery coaching positions, and support for individuals with limited mobility.

We traveled up to Piscataquis County to visit the newly established Recovery Wellness Community Center! Members highlighted significant gaps in public transportation, immediate crisis intervention and support services for individuals in recovery. Workforce issues also emerged, with concerns about low wages for SUD counselors, and the high costs of education.  

Nothing beats a BBQ in the middle of Summer! LINC participants talked about the severe housing crisis, inadequate crisis response services, and pervasive stigma. They also highlighted the importance of affordable housing, effective use of opioid settlement funds, and better mental health support. Suggested policy proposals included improving voucher systems, creating an inclusive center for unhoused individuals, and integrating peer supports in emergency departments.