BANGOR – A new program in the Bangor area is bringing together community organizations and first responders to help support those dealing with opioid use disorder.
Bangor Public Health is launching an opioid overdose response team.
The program will connect with individuals who survive an overdose.
“The idea is that within 72 hours we’re connecting with folks, we’re checking in with them, we’re letting them know we care and we’re helping them get connected with whatever resources they’re looking for,” said Sara Yasner, the project coordinator of the opioid overdose response team.
According to Yasner, some of the goals of the program include decreasing overdoses, increasing knowledge about opioid use disorder, increasing support to first responders and increasing collaboration.
Over the next few weeks, officials will be working with first responders like firefighters, police and sheriff’s deputies in Penobscot County, as well as groups like Health Equity Alliance and the Bangor Area Recovery Network.
Yasner says the team will hopefully be active by this spring.
The project is made possible by a four-year grant through the state Office of Behavioral Health and Department of Health and Human Services. The money comes from the Federal First Responders Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Act, or CARE, grant.
To learn more, you can reach out to Sara Yasner at Bangor Public Health through email at [email protected] or by calling (207) 992-4462.
