Collins, King, Golden Announce $2.5 Million Grant to Help Combat Opioid Epidemic in Aroostook County

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Congressman Jared Golden announced that Aroostook Mental Health Center (AMHC) has been awarded $2.5 million to support and expand their Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) services.

“For nearly six decades, Aroostook Mental Health Center has been committed to improving the health of rural and underserved communities,” said Senators Collins and King and Congressman Golden in a joint statement.  “This funding will allow the dedicated staff at AMHC to continue to provide high-quality treatment and other support resources to individuals struggling with opioid addiction in Northern Maine.  Last year Maine lost 504 people to drug overdoses, and we’re on track to exceed that number this year – which is why these services are needed more than ever.”

“AMHC is excited to be awarded a SAMHSA grant to increase access to substance use treatment services,” shared Ellen Bemis, CEO, AMHC.  “The purpose is to expand medication assisted treatment (MAT) in Aroostook, Washington and Hancock counties over the next five years.  AMHC appreciates the level of support we continue to receive from our congressional delegation to help make these efforts possible in our rural service area.”

The funding was awarded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).  SAMHSA also operates a 24/7, national helpline that people can call to find treatment referral resources for mental health or substance use disorders: 800-662-HELP (4357). 

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