in community discussions on how to address the opioid crisis locally and nationally. Such efforts have led to outreach programs which have been geared toward raising public awareness.
CCMAINE arranges public town hall events, brings in guest speakers, and facilitates outreach to those in child protective services and the criminal justice system. Milestone’s outreach team works with the homeless population, educators and nearby substance abuse shelters.
Both organizations offer multiple treatment options to assist drug rehab patients, who are often uninsured.
“One of the more concerning things about opiates is they really can affect anyone at any point throughout their life,” McNally explained. “Whether it’s the high school athlete that blew out a knee, or whether it’s the troubled teen, or whether it’s the dad that blew out his back, I think opiates are very deceptive in the way they take hold. They were over-prescribed for a long time.”
Non-judgement and compassion remain central focuses in treating Portland’s drug rehab patients. “We receive very positive feedback overall from clients regarding our receptivity, non-judgement and compassion for their lives and situations,” Lindsey stated.
Both organizations recently celebrated 50th anniversaries and plan to expand their connections with the city and state to effect long-term change.
