HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-08-08 16-290 Council Documents (5) Heitmann, Norman
From: Conlow, Cathy
Sent: Wednesday,August 03, 2016 1:52 PM
To: Heitmann, Norman
Subject: FW: Metro Treatment Center Expansion
From:Tim Kelly[mailto:tnl_kelly@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2016 11:16 AM
To: Councilors
Cc:Timothy L. Kelly
Subject: Metro Treatment Center Expansion
City of Bangor Council,
I urge you to vote no regarding the proposal from Penobscot County Metro Treatment Center, 659 Hogan
Rd. Bangor,Me to increase from 300 to 500 the number of methadone patients. I am a third generation resident
of Bangor's west side. My opposition is based on a desire to find the solution that is reasonable for all who
reside in and call Bangor home as well as see local policy promoted that contributes to a positive environment
for future residences and businesses. It's my opinion that other communities,counties and the state have not
shown equity in the fair share of services specifically related to methadone maintenance treatments, to the same
degree as the Bangor area has i.e. we have three methadone clinics within our city limits serving over 1500
patients daily from several counties. Additionally,I do think that the expansion of methadone patients by
Penobscot County Metro, as an out of state controlled entity(Metro Treatment of Maine, LP)has a greater
profit motive than a desire to contribute to a solution to Bangor area communities ongoing challenges such as
rising property crime, increased safety issues related to illegal drug dealers and increased public
assistance/taxpayer support needed to support the process to recovery with opiate addiction.
Regards,
Tim Kelly
132 Third St.
Bangor,Me
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August 2, 2016
Council Chair Sean Faircloth and council members, Baldacci, Durgin, Graham, Neally, Nichols, Perry, Plourde, and
Sprague my name is Gretchen Ziemer. I am the Criminal Justice Coordinator at Health Equity Alliance in Bangor.
I write today to support the expansion of Penobscot County Metro Treatment Center from treating 300 individuals to
500.
As an advocate for people struggling with substance use disorders, and as a professional who sees first-hand the
detrimental lack of access to Medication Assisted Treatment(MAT), a potentially life-saving treatment modality, I am
concerned about the council's position in opposition of expanding access to methadone.
Health Equity Alliance provides a variety of confidential and anonymous services to people from all walks of life. Our
respectful, harm reduction approach empowers people with accurate information about drug use and risk reduction and
connects people to services. We provide syringe exchange services, overdose prevention education and other services
for people with substance use issues. Through these interactions we often discuss treatment options, and people share
their stories with us. Many share the need for access to MAT's.
I was not in attendance,thus I have not heard all sides only what I have read in the Bangor Daily News.
In response to what I did read, I agree that there needs to be many more services in Aroostook County; no question!
Perhaps the Bangor city council can offer support&guidance to Aroostook County,or at least model a community
perspective that supports people's needs&combats stigma. Yet, it is up to Aroostook County to take that action. Does
denying methadone expansion in Bangor then cause access to occur in Aroostook County? Is this a strategy to increase
methadone availability in other parts of the state?
Back to Bangor.We have a great need here,which is not being met.As you are fully aware,the greater Bangor area is a
major service center for many people north of Waterville. Because we are an access point for a myriad of services, a
model of community centered support,and a respected city,we should stand by our principles.
The need for more access to MAT and supportive services is irrefutable.Where spaces at the Metro clinic are
perpetually full,all persons seeking services, including citizens from the greater Bangor metroplex,face long wait times.
Recovery is a process—part of which is making the decision to avail oneself of treatment. But addiction is akin to
compulsion—without access to this vital medication,with every day treatment is delayed, people are much more
susceptible to succumbing to this compulsion. As the overdose death toll continues to climb we can measure the
severity of the treatment bottle neck by the body count...
You have an opportunity to make a difference... For the sake of people struggling with this chronic brain disease
throughout Maine, and here at home in Bangor we urge you to support the expansion.
Thank you for taking your time to read my letter. Please know I/we are very happy to answer any questions you may
have at the city council meeting this Monday,Aug. 8th
Respectfully submitted,
Gretchen Ziemer
gretchen@mainehealthequity.org