We are pleased to announce that the York Hospital Recovery Center will receive a 2022 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) award of $155,000 to expand substance use disorder prevention efforts, improve access to treatment, and strengthen recovery resources in southern Maine.
York Hospital President and CEO, Dr. Patrick A. Taylor, thanked Senators Susan Collins and Angus King for securing these funds to support important projects across the state that will invest in the future of the communities and the people the hospital serves. “York Hospital is honored to care for our community during this extraordinary time in health care, and we’re very grateful for these funds to help us expand prevention efforts and implement programs aligned with Maine’s Opioid Response Strategic Action Plan. The benefit that will come to this vulnerable patient population at the York Hospital Recovery Center cannot be overstated. We strive to continually improve care for all who seek treatment and recovery from substance use disorders and could not do this important work without the generous support of our community and our civic leaders.”
Dr. Christine Munroe, medical director of the Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program at the York Hospital Recovery Center, shared that the prolonged pandemic has exacerbated substance misuse and the opioid problem in Maine. “Social isolation, distancing from family and friends, and economic hardships have been debilitating for so many people. As a physician trained to help and to heal, it is devastating to see lethal drug use and overdoses due to fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times more potent than heroin. It is a tragedy, and we want the public to know that we’re here to help. We have expert staff and valuable resources to support people on their journey to recovery. If you or a loved one need help, please call us at 207-351-2118.”
Authorized in 2021 on a bipartisan basis, CDS funding reflects priorities advocated for by the lawmakers closest to the initiatives, and is included in annual federal appropriations legislation to provide a specific amount of discretionary funding to a state, locality, or nonprofit organization for projects with demonstrated civic and community value. The recent omnibus funding package passed the House and the Senate and now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
York Hospital’s Recovery Center is the premier Seacoast Area program offering outpatient treatment for patients with substance use disorders and for those affected by others’ use. If you need help, call (207) 351-2118. For more information about other York Hospital services, please contact the Community Relations Office at (207) 351-2385 or [email protected].