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Recovery community centers across Maine are in desperate need of more funding. Some of our state’s centers, including Save a Life in Lincoln where I serve as director, only receive $50,000 per year from the Department of Health and Human Services. With operating costs of more than $200,000, we rely heavily on donations.
Our center is the only accessible resource for many in our community impacted by substance use disorders. In addition to providing peer recovery support services, we offer support to high-risk youth, provide harm reduction services and serve as a safe space for any lonely person in need of community.
These centers are a lifeline in rural areas that have little to no other resources for those affected by substance use disorders. This is not only my opinion as a person affected by substance use and someone who sees the positive impact we have on individuals and families. Research supports what I see everyday. Recovery community centers are conducive to building recovery capital, maintaining recovery and improving quality of life.
Having now been involved with Save a Life for over two and a half years, I believe it would be tragic if we closed due to insufficient funding. Without sustainable funding, centers across Maine will close and many people will be without help.
LD 1714 is currently awaiting funding on the Appropriations Committee table and it seeks to reinvest cannabis tax revenues into Maine’s recovery community centers. I urge my fellow Mainers to reach out to the committee and ask them to fund LD 1714.
Kelly Cookson
Director
Save A Life Recovery Resource Center
Lincoln