Western Maine Addiction Recovery Initiative

The Western Maine Addiction Recovery Initiative, a notable organization, is dedicated to combating the heroin epidemic by focusing on education and awareness. Its primary mission is to lower the number of overdoses and deaths associated with this crisis. The initiative seeks to achieve this goal through a comprehensive approach that encompasses prevention, treatment, and recovery strategies.

To execute this mission, the organization actively collaborates with various entities such as law enforcement, first responders, healthcare providers, faith-based leaders, and treatment providers. This collaboration aims to strengthen existing networks and forge new partnerships in the fight against addiction.

In the community, the Western Maine Addiction Recovery Initiative educates people about prevention strategies, harm reduction, stigma, adverse childhood experiences, and resiliency. It also works towards increasing access to Naloxone, a lifesaving overdose reversal medication, and providing overdose education. The initiative links its programming to middle and high schools and establishes a peer recovery center in Oxford Hills. Furthermore, it expands the peer support workforce and increases the number of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) providers and access to MAT.

The organization also addresses the issue of safe storage and disposal of prescription drugs by training the community on these practices. It refers individuals with Opioid Use Disorder/Substance Use Disorder to supportive recovery services and screens for HIV/HCV. In summary, the Western Maine Addiction Recovery Initiative is a proactive force in the battle against the heroin epidemic, employing a multi-faceted approach to education, prevention, treatment, and recovery.