Redington-Fairview General Hospital awarded opioid crisis planning grant

SKOWHEGAN — Redington-Fairview General Hospital has received a one-year planning grant from Health Resources and Services Administration to assist area communities in responding to the opioid crisis across Somerset County.
The leadership team at Redington-Fairview is working with Kennebec Behavioral Health, Somerset County Sheriff’s Office and Kennebec Valley Community Action Program to develop plans to improve outreach, harm reduction and treatment services for people with opioid use disorder.
Over the course of the year, consortium members will be working on conducting a detailed analysis of opportunities and gaps in opioid use disorder prevention and treatment within Somerset County. The members will also be developing a comprehensive strategic plan and workforce plan that addresses the gaps in the opioid use disorder prevention and treatment. The consortium will write for an implementation grant based on the findings and the needs of the county.
The team will also be looking to have conversations with people who have lived experience with opioid use disorder as well as business leaders and community organizations. The team is looking forward to talking to people about this opportunity to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with opioid overdoses in our high-risk rural communities.
This project is supported by Health Resources and Services Administration of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of an award totaling $200,000 with 0% financed with non-governmental sources.
For more informatin, contact Matt L’Italien at 207- 858-8451 or mlitalien@rfgh.net.