Piscataquis County Pilot Project

Title: An Act to Reduce the Use of Opiates Among Youth in Piscataquis County as a Model for All Maine Communities

Fiscal Impact: $300,000 ($150,000 per year) for the FY18/19 biennium

Summary: This bill creates a comprehensive, evidence-based pilot project in selected Piscataquis County communities and schools to reduce the harmful effects of substance use disorder and addiction. The project will include best practice screening for high risk children, early interventions, and implementation of community and family supports to prevent addiction and promote public health and safety. This bill funds a professional evaluation of the project and a report to the Maine Legislature on the project’s effectiveness and ease of replication in other Maine communities that are being impacted by the opiate epidemic.

Overview: Substance use disorders are community problems that require community responses. While much emphasis is often placed on treatment, law enforcement, and education about the dangers of substances, research shows that it is essential to address underlying causes.  

A wide variety of risk factors for individuals, families, and communities contributes to trauma and substance use; likewise, a variety of protective factors contributes to healing and resiliency. This bill builds capacity for prevention, screening, early intervention, and community resiliency in a region of Maine where need is great and local resources are limited.

This pilot project will fund the planning and implementation of a comprehensive, evidence-based program in Piscataquis County. This pilot program will be administered by a local not-for-profit entity (or partnership of entities) with topical and management expertise.

Funding will be used to:

1.      Employ one full-time project leader and implementer

2.      Engage outside consultants with expertise in planning, evaluation, training, and technical assistance

3.      Convene community partners to leverage local, state, and federal resources

4.      Train school staff and others working with priority populations

5.      Screen and intervene early with children and families most at-risk for substance use disorder and its related implications

6.      Build school and community capacity to mitigate trauma and improve resiliency

7.      Promote understanding and decrease stigma surrounding opiate and heroin use disorder