PORTLAND, ME – Spurwink is pleased to announce it has received an inaugural grant from United Way of Greater Portland to support the launch of an opioid treatment program that will address the critical need for opioid use disorder treatment in Cumberland County.
The Medication Assisted Treatment program at Spurwink Adult Behavioral Health serves adults with co-occurring serious mental illness and opioid substance use disorder and will help reduce deaths by substance use disorders in Cumberland County. The new program will provide treatment to 50 clients in its first year. Spurwink will work with a diverse array of referral partners, including Oxford Street Shelter, Greater Portland Health, and Preble Street, as well as through inquiries to Spurwink’s central referral line, the LINK. The program is also supported through a Community Development Block Grant awarded through the City of Portland.
“We are deeply appreciative of this important funding from United Way of Greater Portland. This support highlights their commitment to our community and our shared values,” said Eric Meyer, President and CEO of Spurwink. “There is a critical need to address the opioid crisis here in Maine, and this funding helps more Mainers access this life saving program.”
Ben Strick, Spurwink’s Director of Adult Behavioral Health, adds that “We have wanted to offer Medication Assisted Treatment for individuals with an opioid use disorder for some time. This grant has allowed us to expand our services, and make treatment accessible at our new location in Portland’s Bayside neighborhood.”
United Way of Greater Portland (UWGP) volunteers use Thrive2027 as its criteria for making its investments. Thrive2027, our community’s 10-year goals, serves as a blueprint to ensure all communities in Cumberland County thrive.
If you would like to make a referral to Spurwink Adult Behavioral Health, contact Spurwink’s LINK referral line at 207.871.1200.
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About Spurwink
Spurwink is a nationally accredited nonprofit organization that provides a broad range of mental health, education, and residential services for children, adolescents, adults, and families. Spurwink offers specialized programs throughout Maine with a commitment to caring relationships and treatment expertise, grounded in evidence-based, best and promising practices. For more information, visit www.spurwink.org, or call 207.871.1200.
About United Way of Greater Portland
For 90 years, United Way of Greater Portland has served and strengthened Greater Portland by mobilizing the caring power of our community. Today, we are uniting individuals and organizations around our community’s shared vision, Thrive2027, three 10-year goals to improve education, financial stability, and health for every person in Greater Portland. United, with community partners, we build sustainable solutions that achieve long-term results and help our community thrive. We encourage everyone to be part of the change. To give, volunteer, advocate, or learn more, visit UnitedWayGP.org.