Maine Recovery News March 2022

March 2022: Alone We Can't, Together We Can

Dear friends,

None of us recovers alone. We need each other. Throughout this month’s newsletter, you will see a few of PRCC’s many collaborations locally and statewide. In the same way that each of us recovers personally with the help of others, PRCC is part of a growing network of communities and organizations working together to help people find the help they need.

Whether it’s our personal recovery, or our work in building recovery-ready communities, collaboration and trust of others is essential. We each have a part in addressing the tide of devastation that the opioid crisis and other substances and addictions have wielded. In communities with existing social service and health care resources, building partnerships for referrals and creative solutions is essential. For other communities, especially in rural areas that have limited resources for treatment and social services, pressure mounts on recovery community centers to try to meet unmet needs without losing sight of the mission of a recovery community center and the essential purpose of our work. People must have the basic necessities of food, clothing and shelter before they are able to meaningfully engage with building their recovery plans.

At the community level, we are working with recovery communities all over Maine to advocate for needed resources and build recovery ready communities that are responsive to the needs of individuals and their families. Alone we can’t, but together we can.

Sincerely,

Leslie Clark, PRCC Executive Director

Operation HOPE Now Operating Out of 102 Bishop Street

On January 10, 2022, PRCC became the physical location for Operation HOPE, the initiative established by the Scarborough Police Department that supports people seeking recovery from addiction. Services are available Monday-Thursday, 10am-12pm at 102 Bishop Street in Portland. In this new setup, individuals seeking help arrive to PRCC, are assisted with an initial application, and are connected with Operation HOPE staff via Zoom to explore treatment and support options. In the first month of this change, 19 individuals have accessed the Operation HOPE services at PRCC.

Founded in 2015 by the Scarborough Police Department and PRCC, Operation HOPE allows for individuals to voluntarily turn in drugs and paraphernalia to the police department without fear of arrest, and then receive compassionate care as they are assisted with placement into treatment. The program aims to reduce overdose deaths and help people access lifesaving health treatment through its collaborative partnerships, regardless of insurance or income.

“Everyone’s been amazing in making this seamless,” said Sharon Vigue, The Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative (PARRI) AmeriCorps Member at Operation HOPE. “For the individual, going to PRCC is a great experience because almost everyone there is in recovery themselves and there is a lot of support available. At the same time, we are still able to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the public through the use of Zoom.”

“PRCC has been integral in allowing the screening process to continue,” added Patrick Sugrue, Program Analyst at Operation HOPE. “Because of the switch, it’s an opportunity to participate with Operation HOPE, talk to Sharon and me, get to receive the recovery support we have to offer, and also learn about the PRCC. And maybe a little less stress in accessing the program.”

Not only has this been a positive way to keep the Operation HOPE program running, but it’s also been beneficial for the PRCC community.

“It has been wonderful for everybody,” said Nancy Cormier, Program Manager at PRCC. “We get to connect people and support them, and they get introduced to PRCC.”

Looking forward, Operation HOPE is working collaboratively with PRCC to assess moving the program back to the police department. However, Sugrue believes that this new situation could offer a helpful model for connecting recovery community centers with law enforcement statewide.

“It’s really bringing many different people and many different support options for people under the same roof, which is nice,” Sugrue said. “I know from personal experience that taking that leap and asking for help can be a challenging process, but the team that’s been assembled is doing everything we can to make sure participants get everything they need to support their recovery.”

PRCC Recovery Hub Advisory Board Expands

PRCC's newly expanded Recovery Hub Advisory Board met last month to discuss new avenues for spreading recovery and hope throughout Maine.

The Advisory Board is essential to the nature of PRCC’s statewide work in developing recovery community centers and peer recovery support services. Members of the Advisory Board represent local and statewide communities to bring creativity, knowledge, expertise, and positive energy to participate in rich discussions, and learning opportunities that lead to a strong network of recovery community centers.

Members include Gordon Smith (Director of Opioid Response in Maine), Courtney Allen (Director of Maine Recovery Advocacy Project - ME-RAP), Lorraine Chamberlain (Program Director of AMHC), Bob Mackenzie (Chief of Kennebunk Police Department), Shawn Yardley (CEO of Community Concepts), Kinna Thakarar (Addiction Specialist at MaineHealth), Malory Shaughnessy (Executive Director of Maine Alliance for Addiction & Mental Health Services), Chasity Tuell (Program Director of Maine Access Points), and Eric Girard (Co-founder and President of the Family Restored).

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) is a grassroots campaign to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment and recovery services. The 2022 theme is "Awareness + Action."

This month, and every month, individuals who experience problem gambling are encouraged to find community and connection at your local recovery community center. There is also support for anyone who wishes to self-exclude.

For more information and daily content, please visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

Coaching Corner: Congrats to Maine's 1st Certified Coach

Erin McKinney was awarded Maine's first recovery coach certificate, validating 500 hours of coaching.

As of January 2022, a new process has been launched in Maine for recovery coaches to become registered and certified. Earning these credentials can serve to legitimize the role as coach and further establish a community coaches in Maine.

If you are a trained recovery coach, be sure to check out the new Maine Recovery Coach Certification Board (MRCCB) website. The MRCCB website has all of the details on how to become a Registered or Certified Peer Recovery Coach, view credentials, find training resources and more.

Looking to become a recovery coach? PRCC offers CCAR (Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery) certified Recovery Coach Academy classes throughout the state of Maine for Maine residents. PRCC Recovery Coaches honor multiple pathways, meet and support each individual on their recovery journey. Learn more about recovery coaching and upcoming trainings on PRCC's Maine Recovery Hub webpage.

Language & Stigma Trainings

Last month, PRCC staff members Tess Parks and Justin Reid held a Language & Stigma training at the Biddeford Police Department for approximately 20 officers in attendance. The training featured powerful stories shared by community members Ryan Paige and Eric Mayo, and was overall well received and successful.

PRCC is currently creating an adaptable Language & Stigma Training for others to utilize in Maine. If you are interested in giving this kind of training in your community, please contact tess@portlandrecovery.org.

Black Balloon Day and Overdose Awareness

Black Balloon Day is a national event to create awareness of overdose deaths and provide support those struggling with substance use disorder and their loved ones.

Many communities in Maine are gathering on March 6 in honor of Black Balloon Day. For more information, visit the event pages by clicking on the flyers.

Virtual Meetings List in Maine

Need a meeting from the comfort of your home? PRCC keeps an up-to-date list of all virtual meetings and groups offered by recovery community centers in Maine. These meetings are open, and include multiple pathways — including 12 Step, SMART Recovery, All Recovery, Family Support, Wellbriety, Yoga, and more. Check out the list of virtual meetings here.

Building Recovery Community Throughout Maine

This newsletter allows us to connect with you, our Maine recovery community. Whether you're a person in recovery, family member, or ally, you are part of the solution to addiction. Published on a regular basis and sent via email, this newsletter provides updates and gives you an opportunity to help support recovery and spread the message of hope throughout the state of Maine. To learn more about PRCC, whose programs are funded in part by the Maine Department of Health & Human Services, visit our website. Please send any feedback or information you'd like us to include to newsletter@portlandrecovery.org.