AMHC Seeks Community Feedback on Aroostook’s Opioid Epidemic
Aroostook Mental Health Services, Inc. (AMHC) was the recent recipient of a Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) Rural Community Opioid Response Planning (RCORP) grant, which aims to reduce the morbidity and mortality of substance use disorder (SUD), including opioid use disorder (OUD) in Aroostook County.
Community feedback is a critical part of the planning effort. “This 18-month planning grant provides the funding needed to conduct a thorough needs assessment, gap analysis, strategic plan, and action plan,” said Erik Lamoreau, Project Coordinator. “Our goal is to obtain feedback from as many individuals as possible from northern, central, and southern Aroostook about what is working well and what is not working as we address the opioid crisis in our communities.”
The agency is receiving support from its consortium members: Northern Maine Medical Center, Cary Medical Center, Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital, Houlton Regional Hospital, Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office, and Wabanaki Public Health. In addition, stakeholders from the recovery community, the Emergency Management System, municipalities, representatives of at-risk populations, community leaders, and more are being contacted for one-on-one interviews, focus groups, and/or participation in a community survey. “It’s critical that we hear from a diverse group to ensure we develop the best path forward for addressing this epidemic,” explained Lamoreau.
A community survey will be provided electronically and by hard copy. “Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for individuals to respond,” shared Lamoreau. “The survey is posted on AMHC’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/AMHC1964), website (www.amhc.org) and will be widely distributed through community partners. The electronic version is mobile-friendly and we are happy to provide hard copies to individuals or organizations that prefer that method.”
This 10-minute survey will conclude at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 20, 2020. All individuals who include their name and a contact number will be entered into a drawing for one of four $50 gift cards. Winners will be contacted on Monday, December 21, 2020. Please note: Prizes will only be awarded to individuals living in Aroostook County. If you would like to participate, please reach out to Lamoreau at elamoreau@amhc.org.
About HRSA
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $200,000 with 100% percent funded by
HRSA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
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