Alfond Convenes Meeting to Discuss Proposed Closure of Maine's Residential Substance Abuse Programs

Senator Justin Alfond is convening a meeting with legislators, Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner and state-wide health officials to discuss the consequences of Governor LePage’s proposed budget. As proposed, the budget will result in the closure of nine of Maine’s thirteen residential substance abuse centers.

“The devastation of these cuts is real and many lives will be hurt,” said Alfond. “It is important for Commissioner Mayhew to hear first-hand what the impact will be on the Maine people who are trying to repair their lives.”

Currently, residential substance abuse programs in Maine are funded by $4.4 million from a Fund for a Healthy Maine. In the Governor’s proposed budget that money is reallocated to Medicare.

Statistics show that there is a seven to one return on every dollar invested in treatment resulting from decreased incarcerations and recidivism, increased job retention and productivity, and healthier lives.

“Substance abuse takes a heartbreaking toll on people’s lives,” said Alfond, “And without a place to go for treatment, families will be split apart, jobs will be lost, addiction-related crimes will increase, and poverty will increase as people succumb to the consequences of addiction.”

Earlier this week, Alfond met with the leaders of Portland’s residential facilities including Milestone and Serenity House.

The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 16 at 3:00 p.m. at the Department of Health and Human Services.