Maine state opioid response project 2024 - maine has the 8TH highest age-adjusted death rate due to fatal overdose in the nation

Rates of self-reported 30-day illicit substance use was higher in maine than the regional and united states averages. Recent data indicates that an average of 70.26% of mainers 12 and older needed substance use treatment in the past year but were unable to access IT. This places maine in the top 5% of states with an unmet substance use treatment need. In 2023, there were 605 fatal overdoses across the state of maine. Programs and services established through SOR-4 will support the state's overall goal to reduce the negative health and economic impacts of substance use disorder and opioid use disorder on individuals, families, and communities in maine. Funding stimulant use treatment programming and community prevention interventions is embraced by maine dhhs, as IT increases the ability to positively impact the polysubstance use issues currently experienced in the state. Specifically, SOR-4 funds will be used to meet the need for expanded access to moud, including services for transitional-age youth and individuals currently incarcerated or exiting carceral settings, naloxone distribution and other harm reduction services, peer recovery supports, with special outreach and engagement of members of historically disadvantaged populations, and primary prevention programs to curb substance use among transitional aged youths and support for affected others.