What is the Recovery Liaison Program? A collaboration of the communities of Buxton, Gorham, Windham and Westbrook, it is a program to help residents in recovery from opioid addiction. Danielle Rideout a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Director and peer support person for this program was our guest and speaker on March 27. She was joined by Gorham Police Chief Daniel Jones.
 
This program was developed in 2016 by Westbrook PD in partnership with Cumberland County Sheriff, a well as the PDs of Gorham, Buxton, and Windham. They partner with the CASH program (Community Approach to Stopping Heroin) which was founded by the Westbrook PD.  They also work with a number of local sober houses.   Other partners include Martin’s Point in Gorham and Maine Medical Partners, as well as many other agencies in the community.
 
 
Following a model created in Connecticut for recovery coaches, 27 people have been trained, including many volunteers. A Recovery Coach works with inmates before they are released to connect them to resources in the community to which they will return. Sixty-seven have enrolled in the program so far, but the coaches have spoken with hundreds more.
 
As a result of this program, participants are being coached in finding and keeping jobs, and are being helped to find stable housing. People are also connected with basic medical care, dental care and health insurance.  The majority of clients are from Westbrook, largely due to the size of the City compared to the other partnering communities.
 
The Recovery Liaison Program is a grant-funded program, one of 8 such programs in the state.  Although clearly filling a critical need in the fight against opioid addiction in our communities, this pilot program is already facing funding challenges for its future. The program needs a minimum of $90K per year to run. Funding from the state has been $115K but is being discontinued. There is currently no local funding available.  The challenge with developing a sustainable funding model is that most savings that result from this type of program are seen at the county and state levels rather than at the local level.
 
L-R: Chief Jones, Sarah Hutchins,
Danielle Rideout, President Bill Chadwick
 
Thank you to Community Service chair Sarah Hutchins for organizing this program.  The Recovery Liaison Program will be the beneficiary of all funds raised by tickets purchased for Westbrook Community Night at the Sea Dogs on August 15.  Tickets may be purchased on line at: Westbrook Night at Sea Dogs