Jail in Maine Selected for National Drug Treatment Program

News

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) The jail in Maine’s most populous county has been selected for a program to expand drug treatment behind bars.

Cumberland County Jail is one of 15 sites nationwide to receive training on how to deal with opioid addiction and treatment among inmates.

The program is a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Justice and Arnold Ventures, a Texas-based nonprofit that focuses on criminal justice reform.

Funds will also pay for five staff members to attend training in Washington, D.C.

A focus of the program is helping people maintain access to treatment after being released from jail.

Cumberland County officials say only 30 of the nation’s 3,200 jails offer opioid treatment medications, though research has shown they are effective.

Cumberland County Jail houses an average of 400 inmates each day.

Latest Headlines

11 hours ago in Local

Trump Shuts Down Offshore Wind in New England; Nova Scotia Eyes Opportunity

The administration’s freeze on U.S. ocean wind projects could set clean energy back a decade. Nova Scotia’s massive Wind West project hopes to fill the gap and even sell power to the U.S.

11 hours ago in Local

Federal Policy Could Push Hundreds of Mainers Out of Long-Term Housing

HUD plans to cut funding for permanent supportive housing and shift to transitional programs, leaving vulnerable Mainers at risk of homelessness. Advocates warn shelters could be overwhelmed.

11 hours ago in Local

Maine Announces $550K in Grants to Boost Coastal Resilience

The state just announced $550,000 in grants to help communities prepare for future storms and flooding. Towns and regional groups can apply for funding to strengthen infrastructure and plan for climate risks. Applications are due Jan. 5.

11 hours ago in Local

Portland Unveils Maine’s First Electric Boat Charger

Portland just unveiled the state’s first electric boat charger at Wright’s Wharf. The move is part of a push to cut emissions and noise in the marine industry.

12 hours ago in Local

Overdose Deaths Continue to Decline in Maine for Third Year

Overdose deaths have dropped for the third year in a row! Fatal overdoses are down 23% compared to last year, and officials credit naloxone distribution and expanded treatment options. If the trend continues, Maine could see the fewest overdose deaths in six years.