Committee unanimously supports Sen. Baldacci bill to expand health care services in Bangor

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, May 24, the Legislature’s Committee on Health and Human Services voted unanimously in favor of a bill sponsored by Sen. Joe Baldacci, D-Bangor. LD 859, “An Act to Assess, Develop, Implement and Fund the Reuse of Existing Facilities at Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center to Provide Mental Health, Substance Use Disorder and Homelessness Services,” would plan to redevelop the Dorothea Dix campus in Bangor to further expand patient services.

“Expanding access to health care has been a key mission of mine here in the legislature, and this bill helps accomplish that goal,” said Sen. Baldacci. “I am happy for the unanimous support from my colleagues on committee. Using the space and resources we have effectively, is one piece of the puzzle in making sure everyone has access to the health care resources that they need.”

LD 859 would plan for the reuse and redevelopment of the 99-acre Dorothea Dix hospital campus for health care, inpatient, outpatient and supportive housing, as well as other community needs in the Bangor area. Additionally, approximately 30 acres of the campus are undeveloped, and are an ideal site for housing. Areas with existing water and sewer connections present an optimal location for constructing additional house for those who truly need it. This bill would start the process of utilizing and developing more of the campus to help assist those struggling with finding housing.

The Bangor City Council as well as Northern Light Health testified in favor of this bill.

LD 859 now faces votes in the Senate and House.