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AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with 2-1-1 Maine and the United Ways of Maine, has announced a texting service that will help those seeking access to opioid treatment services.
When the person requesting assistance texts his or her zip code to 898-211, an automated response will lead them to communication with a trained Maine-based specialist, said a news release from DHHS. This is an addition to the 24/7 opiate health line the department launched in April 2016. Initially, the text line will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. If an individual is in need of assistance outside of the available hours, the text response will suggest dialing 2-1-1 and to speak with an information specialist.
The 24/7 opiate help line launched last year through a contract with 211 Maine initially focused on pregnant women and young mothers seeking treatment.
“This is another effort by the Department to help individuals struggling with addiction to get access to treatment when they are ready. As technology advances, we must adapt our services and this texting capability broadens the reach of 2-1-1 services, including to Maine youth,” said DHHS Commissioner Mary Mayhew.
In a recent study, younger adults expressed a preference for texting over calling because texting is a less invasive form of communication, the news release said. The text option will also help address a concern voiced by some seeking treatment — the stigma attached to substance use disorder. With the attention surrounding the opioid epidemic in Maine, many people are intimidated by the idea of participating in an open dialogue about their treatment needs over the phone, the release said.
Dr. Christopher Pezzullo, state health officer for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said, “The texting capability through 2-1-1 offers individuals the feeling of a safer and more anonymous experience when seeking guidance on recovery options.”
2_-_1-1 Maine is a free resource that connects people to information about thousands of health and human services around Maine. 2-1-1 Maine is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phone and online.
For more information, visit www.211maine.org.
