Press Release


October 17, 2012

Feds Award Maine $2.6 Million to Reduce Underage Drinking, Prescription Drug Abuse and Marijuana Use

AUGUSTA - Maine’s Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHS) announced today that it was awarded a $2.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Maine will receive nearly $891,000 per year for three years.

The Strategic Prevention Framework Partnerships for Success II grant is 100 percent federally funded. Its goals are to reduce underage alcohol use among 12-20 –year-olds; and reduce prescription drug abuse and marijuana use among 12-25-year olds.

During the three-year project, strategies that have been proven to work will be used state-wide, with the Healthy Maine Partnership coalitions (HMPs) in all of Maine’s Public Health Districts coordinating the efforts.

“Maine was able to make positive impacts in reducing youth substance use and built substance abuse systems and supports with the first Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive grant. This new grant will focus on supporting strong collaboration at the state and local levels to use proven prevention strategies that have produced positive, measurable results,” said Guy Cousins, Director of SAMHS.

Maine’s HMPs have developed strong local connections that together, add up to a successful state-wide system. The HMPs have a history of success in this arena. All HMPs integrate substance abuse prevention into their public health efforts and work closely with law enforcement, schools, worksites, healthcare and local government to address problems and opportunities identified through state-produced data.

Cousins said that the key to success is collaboration. “The priorities and objectives selected for this project align closely with the five-year strategic plan that was created collaboratively by all those interested in substance abuse prevention. We know that we can reach our goals by working with state, district, and local partners.”

For more information visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services website: http://maine.gov/dhhs/samhs/