Governor signs Sen. Baldacci bill to expand health care services in Bangor

Posted: July 13, 2023 | Senator Baldacci

AUGUSTA —Gov. Janet Mills has signed into law 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,” will plan to redevelop the Dorothea Dix campus in Bangor to further expand patient services.

“Improving health care in Maine has always been one of my largest priorities while serving in the Legislature, and with the Governor’s signature, we take another step in the right direction,” said Sen. Baldacci. “Utilizing the Dorothea Dix campus in Bangor to the optimal level will be sure to help countless folks in Penobscot County and beyond. I am thankful to my colleagues and constituents who helped get this bill passed into law.”

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

The bill will take effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die.