Maine Association of Substance Abuse Program  
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You can make a difference

The problems related to substance abuse and addictions may seem overwhelming, but, together, and individually, we can make a difference. Every effort, even the smallest, will raise awareness, increase the focus, help reduce the stigma, and change Maine for the better.

How Does Maine Measure Up?  Click here to find out!

How can you help?

  • Learn about substance abuse related issues and laws in Maine and in the nation so that you are an informed advocate. MASAP, MAPSA and MAAR will help provide you with timely and relevant information.
  • Get your facts straight about alcohol.Available on the Marin Institute's Web site are a new series of Fact Sheets for advocates and others seeking information about today's most pressing alcohol issues.

  • Start by telling your story. Talk about recovery and how you achieved it. Describe the situation in your community and the kinds of barriers that prevent many people from getting treatment. People rarely see the faces of recovering alcoholics and addicts. They need to see first hand that treatment works.
  • Start by talking with one person or a small group. Expand your audience as you become comfortable speaking. Speak publicly or privately with your city council, your state government, legislators and other officials.
  • Write letters to your local newspaper responding to issues like service reductions, access to treatment and recovery issues, quality of care issues.
  • Write an op-ed piece on relevant topics related to prevention and treatment and recovery support of addiction and alcoholism. Many community leaders read the editorial pages to assess public opinion.
  • Write letters or emails to your elected officials in Maine and in Washington, DC.
  • Visit your legislator. Establish a relationship with your Senator or Representative. They rely on Maine individuals for policy suggestions, feedback and information.
  • Help to organize awareness and educational events on the local and/or state level through MASAP, MAPSA and MAAR.
  • Attend public hearings. Testify. Follow the process of substance abuse legislation closely. Provide written or verbal testimony so that your voice is heard.
  • Become involved in the Maine Alliance to Prevent Substance Abuse (MAPSA)
  • Become involved in the development of a local chapter of MAAR in your community. Being visible in your community has an effect on how people think about the impact of substance abuse.
  • Participate in the Annual MASAP Legislative Day at the Hall of Flags, Maine State Capitol

For more information on how you can get involved, please contact us.

MASAP Legislative Agenda 2009-2010

  • Ensure that the Office of Substance Abuse (OSA) continues as Maine's single state agency and functions effectively and efficiently, focusing on evidence based practice and the highest quality of services to increase access, retention, success in treatment, and promote long term recovery.
  • Facilitate the development of a true recovery oriented system of care in Maine
  • Reduce addiction and substance abuse in Maine by appropriately funding accesible, quality prevention, treatment and recovery support services
  • Advocate for effective alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent, non-repeat drug offenses
  • Evaluate and make recommendations about the State Health Plan, the APS Behavioral Health ASO and integrated cared models to ensure a focus on Substance Abuse prevention, treatment and recovery support

Governor John E. Baldacci and MASAP Board President, Bob Long at the MASAP Legislative Day

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Office of the Governor

Maine 124th Legislature

How to Track a Bill

How to find the Legislative Calendar


Ten Reasons to Lobby for Your Cause

Ten Drug and Alcohol Policies That Will Save Lives

2008 Hall of Flags Photos (pdf)

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Maine Alcohol & Drug Advocacy Leadership Training Institutes

If you feel strongly about the problems of substance abuse in Maine and the possibilities for change..... 

 

Stay tuned for additional dates -  

This year, Maine was recognized by Join Together as one of three states that were awarded a small technical assistance grant to begin to develop this type of training initiative.

 

The intent of these training retreats is to develop a network of new advocates for improved alcohol and other drug prevention, treatment and recovery services in Maine.  
 

A distinguished faculty of state and legislative officials, executives and experts will serve as trainers and the institutes will provide the latest information, strategies and skills so that participants feel comfortable and confident when advocating for funding or policies.

Previous dates - Portland Training

June 12, 2009

First all day advocacy training in the State of Maine Room at Portland City Hall.

Bangor Training

June 19, 2009  

Second all day advocacy training at the United Technology Center, (UTC).