WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced federal funding to support substance abuse and mental health services for tribal communities. Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness (WPHW) will receive $750,000 to help expand substance use disorder and mental health services. This federal funding, awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, will support WPHW’s Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program which, in combination with therapy, provides a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of opioid addiction.

According to the Maine Attorney General’s Office, the opioid epidemic has plagued Maine communities with 716 drug overdose deaths in 2022, 80 percent of which are attributed to fentanyl.

“The opioid crisis has struck at the heart of every Maine community and highlights the need for additional health resources,” said Senators Collins and King. “This important federal funding for Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness will expand life-saving substance use disorder and mental health services with medication-assisted treatment programs that help Maine tribes treat patients in their communities with both medication and therapy. We’re grateful for this timely investment and the continued dedication of the professionals at Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness and will continue working to support Maine’s tribes in their efforts to obtain federal funding for which they are eligible.”

Established in 1996, WPHW is a not-for-profit organization serving Wabanaki community members living on and off-reservations across the state of Maine, including four federally-recognized tribes located in five communities: the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point, and the Penobscot Nation.

Senators Collins and King previously announced grants of $1.3 million, $2.7 million, and $1 million awarded to WPHW for their efforts to expand public health services. Most recently, they announced $300,000 for staffing and services at two WPHW recovery homes in the greater Bangor area, which provide safe housing, a supportive healing environment, and pathways to employment, including as Recovery Coaches and Peer Supports.