Recovery Wellness Community Center to receive $10K in county opioid settlement funds

DOVER-FOXCROFT — After several Piscataquis County officials visited the Sangerville location last week and hearing from Recovery Wellness Community Center Program Manager Alan Burgess during a Tuesday morning county commissioners meeting, the commissioners voted to have $10,000 in county opioid settlement money go annually to the non-profit center.

Maine counties receive opioid settlement money regularly as part of national settlements with companies accused of contributing to the opioid epidemic. Funds can only be used for specific purposes and previous expenditures had been in the Piscataquis County Jail. 

The $10,000 “costs the county absolutely nothing, we are just a pass through,” County Manager Mike Williams said.

With monies going to an area non-profit, as opposed to an expanded county program, there won’t be an added cost to taxpayers after the settlements end, Williams explained.

Burgess said the Recovery Wellness Community Center has been open for about a year at a former Catholic church on the Douty Hill Road. 

“We’ve actually seen a lot of positive results,” he said. “Our recovery coaching services are our flagship.”

“You can just walk through the door, have some coffee and within a few minutes can be talking about your situation,” Burgess said, as opposed to some organizations which may need referrals, insurance lined up, and other requirements. 

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday with AA, NA, craft sessions and other meetings taking place throughout the week. Services are also provided at area correctional facilities. 

“The (Unorganized Territory) roads are starting to get a little rough,” Williams said in his report. “It is what it is, it’s wintertime.”

The county manager urged those driving on these travelways to use caution. Some roads in direct sunlight are getting a bit muddy during the day.

Road Consultant Carl Henderson and Williams believe this will be a rough mud season after the cold temperatures likely led to deep frost.