What We’re Doing to Help

As part of our commitment to fight this public health crisis that is devastating our state, Northern Light Health has implemented several initiatives to raise awareness of the issue and provide support to those who have been affected. Some of these include:
 

•  Education
  • At Northern Light Health, we are training family practice physicians and residents in our Family Medicine Residency Program on the latest in evidence-based substance abuse treatment in primary care.
  • Northern Light Health Acadia Hospital produced a video for parents to recognize the signs of addiction in their children, Acadia CARES (see Our Commitment in Action to watch the video).
  • Northern Light Health addiction professionals conduct outreach at schools and in other public forums.
•  Treatment 
  • Northern Light Acadia Hospital offers comprehensive substance-abuse treatment for residents covering two-thirds of Maine’s geography through its Narcotic Treatment Program. These services include Methadone treatment and a daily Suboxone dosing program. Additionally, substance abuse treatment is offered in collaboration with our community primary care partner through the Integrated Behavioral Health program. 
  • In partnership with Maine Recovery Fund, a nonprofit organization that serves individuals in recovery from substance abuse disorder, Northern Light Mercy Hospital’s Emergency Department provides a rapid access treatment program, recovery coaches, and workforce development. 
  • As part of its primary care service, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, our Family Medicine Center and Residence program offers substance abuse counseling and a large Buprenorphine clinic – serving more than 220 patients. 
  • Northern Light Acadia Hospital professionals support Bangor Police Department in the field when police officers deal with an individual dealing with mental health or substance abuse challenge. 
  • In a special program through the McAuley Residence at Northern Light Mercy Hospital, women in recovery are empowered to achieve long-term sobriety, family unification, and financial independence through evidence-based and holistic treatment programs. More than 200 women have found a safe haven for recovery at the McAuley Residence since its opening in 1988. 
  • Northern Light Maine Coast and Blue Hill Memorial hospitals have forged partnerships with the Healthy Acadia Collaborative to combat the isolation and access issues individuals with substance abuse disorders face in Maine’s coastal region. 
  • Northern Light Health, in collaboration with Healthy Acadia and other community partners, spearheaded creation of the Downeast Opioid Dependence Treatment Hub to connect individuals to medication-assisted treatment options through a network of local healthcare providers.
•  Advocacy
  • Northern Light Health is working to advance state and federal policy to expand resources and innovative treatment models for substance abuse disorders, including increased access to treatment in rural Maine through technology and telemedicine – especially for Medicaid and Medicare patients.

Helpful Links

• Northern Light Acadia Hospital Addiction Care
• Northern Light Mercy Hospital McAuley Residence
• AMHC Down East Treatment Center  
• Sebasticook Valley Opioid Crisis Response