Month: <span>August 2020</span>

Recovery Aroostook in partnership with Roads to Recovery, a service of Aroostook Mental Health Services, Inc. (AMHC), are observing International Overdose Awareness Day on Monday, August 31.

“This annual event is a day to remember those who have lost their life to substance use disorder, explained Erik Lamoreau, Substance Use Disorder Peer Recovery Center Manager. “Now through August 31, community members are invited to stop by Roads to Recovery and create a luminary bag in remembrance and recognition of loved ones.”

Other activities on August 31 include Naloxone training and Naloxone distribution at Roads to Recovery. That evening, at 8:00 p.m., the luminary bags will be placed for public view at Lyndon Park, following a moment of silence. “We hope to see many community members supporting the vigil,” shared Keely LeBlanc, Recovery Aroostook.

For more information about International Overdose Awareness Day and local activities, please contact Erik Lamoreau at Roads to Recovery, 1 Water Street, Caribou, by phone at 207-493-1278 or email at elamoreau@amhc.org or Keely LeBlanc, Recovery Aroostook at recoveryaroostook@gmail.com.

About Recovery Aroostook

A grassroots, non-profit organization, which continues to fulfill their mission of: “providing sustainable resources and services to individuals seeking recovery, and anyone impacted by addiction,” by such endeavors as the recent opening of the Caribou Recovery House for Men. Recovery Aroostook is continuously looking to future undertakings, such as opening a Recovery Residence for women.

About Roads to Recovery

A service of AMHC, Roads to Recovery is a place where individuals can come and receive support for their recovery journey, connect people to resources, and also serve as a venue for a variety of recovery meetings. AMHC is a nonprofit organization supporting nearly 6,000 clients annually. The agency has 26 service sites across Aroostook, Washington, and Hancock counties providing mental health, substance use, crisis, sexual assault services.

County Ride, a program of Aroostook Mental Health Services, Inc. (AMHC), is seeking volunteer drivers to provide rides to eligible community members who require transportation to and from needed community resources and social activities.

“The most important qualifications we ask of our volunteer drivers is that they offer a safe, friendly, and respectable atmosphere while providing transportation in a reliable vehicle,” explains Theresa Shaw, AMHC Transportation Coordinator. “This is a perfect way for individuals who have a few hours of spare time each week to help others and make some extra income at the same time.”

Drivers receive income through non-taxable mileage reimbursement. They also have flexibility in the days and times they choose to help individuals like Helen who says, “County Ride is basically a lifesaver for me. I don’t have any other way to get rides and it helps me financially”; or Margaret who shares, “I use County Ride a lot. I very, very much appreciate having County Ride to rely on.”

You may contact Theresa Shaw at 207-492-1379 or by email at tshaw@amhc.org to learn more about how you can make a difference in your community.

Pilot Project Established to Save Lives and Support Individuals with Substance Use Disorder

Aroostook Mental Health Services, Inc. (AMHC), is pleased to announce its selection by the State of Maine to pilot an information and referral line in Washington County for those challenged by substance use disorder.

“To put it simply, we are trying to save lives,” explains Michelle Ferris, AMHC Program Director of Emergency Services for Aroostook, Washington and Hancock counties. “Washington County has the highest rate of death due to drug overdose in the State.  By creating a central coordinating telephone system that is staffed 24/7 and available to law enforcement; medical and emergency personnel; public officials; education staff; and other members of the public, we hope to reduce the number of fatal overdoses.”

The pilot project is for six months and staff will connect callers with referral services to counseling, peer services, recovery coaching, and/or other related assistance. The project is intended to coordinate service needs that help bridge any gaps in services needed to support treatment and recovery services for those with substance use disorder. “Individuals can be seeking information about services for themselves or others,” said Ferris.

The phone line is now live and can be reached at 1-833-687-4887 (833-NVR-GVUP) or (207) 454-1999.

Ellen Bemis, CEO, Aroostook Mental Health Services, Inc. (AMHC) has announced that Julia Miller has joined the AMHC Senior Leadership Team. “We are very pleased to have Julia join us as the Program Director of Prevention and Sexual Assault Services,” said Bemis. “Due to the recent expansion of agency programs, the time was right to add an additional program director. Julia’s experience makes her a great asset to our team and the clients we serve.”

Julia oversees youth prevention and leadership initiatives provided by Aroostook Teen Leadership Camp (ATLC) and in partnership with Maine Youth Action Network. In addition, she manages Sexual Assault Services in Aroostook, Hancock, and Washington Counties, including the Children’s Advocacy Centers, which are committed to minimizing trauma and promoting healing for children and their families following the allegation of sexual abuse.  Julia served the Aroostook Band of Micmacs for 25 years including as Tribal Clerk and most recently as Tribal Administrator. She is a trained advocate in both sexual assault and domestic violence and serves as a board member for the Wabanaki Women’s Coalition, which she helped create in 2012.