AUGUSTA - Many Mainers in rural parts of the state struggle to access treatment for substance use disorder. Rep. Holly Eaton, D-Deer Isle, has proposed legislation to create a working group to examine the issue closely.
"Access to the medication a person needs when they are in recovery from substance use disorder is critical," said Eaton. "It hurts our neighbors and our community if folks seek help but cannot actually access it."
LD 813 would direct the Governor's Office of Policy, Innovation and the Future to convene a working group to study the feasibility of, and barriers to, establishing a mobile methadone clinic in the state. The working group would also be charged with examining other methods to increase local access to medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorder.
Eaton has seen within her community the struggle people go through just to access treatment.
"Commuting to Bangor from Deer Isle to receive treatment puts a burden on not just the person in recovery, but on the family and friends supporting that person through treatment," said Eaton. "Traveling over an hour is absolutely a barrier, and I'd like to see this working group come up with options that make recovery more attainable for those seeking it."
The Health and Human Services Committee will hold a public hearing on LD 813 in the coming weeks. Eaton is serving her first term in the Legislature and is a member of the Marine Resources Committee. She represents Brooklin, Deer Isle, Frenchboro, Marshall Island, Southwest Harbor, Stonington, Swans Island, Tremont, Eagle Island Township, Isle au Haut and Vinalhaven.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Eaton], c. 305-965-2744