Bangor, Maine, To Launch Jail Diversion Program Targeting Offenders With Opioid Use Disorder

In May 2017, the Health Equity Alliance in Maine is preparing to launch a pilot, evidence-based, pre-booking jail diversion program in Bangor, Maine.  The program, which is focused on harm reduction for individuals with opioid use disorder, is called the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion Program (LEAD).

LEAD provides participants, all of whom must be referred by law enforcement, with a needle exchange and wraparound case management. The LEAD case manager will offer a needs assessment, and can refer interested participants to an opioid treatment program, and to other local provider organizations to address needs for housing, food security . . .