Committee gives unanimous, bipartisan support to Sen. Maxmin bill to bring recovery resources to more parts of Maine

AUGUSTA — On Thursday, the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee passed a bill from Sen. Chloe Maxmin, D-Nobleboro, to expand recovery resources in underserved areas of Maine. LD 488, “Resolve, To Expand Recovery Community Organizations throughout Maine,” received a unanimous, bipartisan vote of support, with two members absent.

“I’m encouraged that we’re investing in recovery community centers in Maine, and I’m hopeful that this bill will help make sure that these centers are distributed across the state in a way that serves all Maine people,” said Sen. Maxmin. “Addiction doesn’t discriminate; it appears in every community, no matter how large or how small. By bringing these resources to every corner of Maine, we can give people in recovery the best chance of success without forcing them to leave their communities to find treatment and support.”

Recovery community centers are run by recovery community organizations, which are independent, nonprofit organizations led and governed by representatives of local communities of recovery. These centers support multiple pathways to recovery by providing members with support services including recovery coaches, peer support groups, and education and employment resources.

By the end of 2021, Maine will have 13 recovery community centers located in nine of the state’s 16 counties. Franklin, Hancock, Kennebec, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo and York counties do not currently have a recovery community center within their borders. As amended, LD 488 directs the Department of Health and Human Services to consider regional distribution of recovery centers when awarding contract funding for new centers. It also directs the department to prioritize the seven counties that do not currently have a center.

LD 488 now faces votes before the Senate and the House.