ELLSWORTH – Compounded by the many challenges caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Maine opiate and drug crisis continues to affect individuals, families and communities, with many areas experiencing the highest levels of drug overdoses to date. Treatment options and resources are limited for those seeking help. The Ellsworth-based HOPE project works to connect people in recovery with the resources and treatment they need.
Heroin-Opiate Prevention Effort (HOPE), launched in September 2016 by the Ellsworth Police Department in partnership with Healthy Acadia, is a police-led initiative and community-wide effort to provide recovery resources and assistance to residents in need of treatment On-site and / or off-state treatment.
“Project HOPE is a must-have service and in some circumstances it is the only way people can access treatment,” said Tracy Crossman, Recovery Resource Navigator for Healthy Acadia and coordinator for Project HOPE. “Finding treatment is incredibly difficult, and it can seem overwhelming to someone struggling with an addiction. Project HOPE Angels accept this challenge and can make the difference between continued substance use or access to treatment. “
Modeled after Gloucester ANGEL Initiative and the Scarborough, Maine Police Department Operation HOPE, the partners of Project HOPE work to bring the participants into appropriate treatment regardless of their financial situation. Those who seek help are welcomed at the police station and linked to recovery support and treatment services, as well as referrals to support services to help them continue their healthier lifestyles. Participants will be screened during an initial intake session and paired with a volunteer “angel” who will work to find an appropriate treatment program and / or recovery support. They are encouraged to give up their drugs and paraphernalia and are not punished for doing so.
“I just wish more people would take advantage of what we have to offer,” said Glenn Moshier, Ellsworth City Manager and Police Chief, who is also enthusiastic about Project HOPE. Increasingly alarmed by the continued spike in opioid overdoses and deaths in the area, Chief Mosier is partnering with Healthy Acadia to increase awareness and use of Project HOPE’s services and raise much-needed funding for the program.
Project HOPE was launched five years ago with a $ 2,500 startup grant from the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative (PAARI) and has secured additional small grants that have allowed partners to continue providing the service. However, the project relies heavily on community support.
Crossman connects with treatment centers in Maine and across the United States to secure scholarships for Project HOPE participants, but recovery treatment services are rarely offered for free. A typical 28 day residential recreational program can cost several thousand dollars per participant. Project HOPE typically has only $ 1,500 for each participant, which may only cover their travel expenses.
“We hope our community will be inspired to donate to Project HOPE this Christmas season,” said Crossman.
“This incredible, innovative collaboration is driven primarily by the generosity of community members and local businesses,” said Shoshona Smith, Development Director of Healthy Acadia. “We invite the community to visit our website to find out more about donation opportunities or to give us a call! Gifts to Project HOPE are so meaningful and effective. “
Project HOPE welcomes participants to the Ellsworth Police Department on Tuesdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted, but telephone reservations are recommended.
To connect with Project HOPE, call the Ellsworth Police Department at 207-667-2168 and ask for assistance from Project HOPE. To learn more about Project HOPE, contact an Ellsworth Police Officer; or contact Crossman at tracy.crossman@healthyacadia.org or 207-610-0386; or visit www.healthyacadia.org/spr-deph.
To make a financial contribution to support this work, visit https://bit.ly/SupportProjectHOPE or call Shoshona Smith at 207-667-7171 ext. 210.
Healthy Acadia is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit that participates in a variety of initiatives to build healthier communities and make it easier for people in Washington Counties and Hancock, Maine, to lead healthy lives. Learn more at www.healthyacadia.org.
