AUGUSTA — The Senate enacted this week a bill from Senator Chloe Maxmin, D-Nobleboro, to expand recovery resources in underserved areas of Maine.

LD 488, “Resolve, To Expand Recovery Community Organizations throughout Maine,” was enacted after receiving unanimous, bipartisan support in both the Senate and the House.

“All across our state, the opioid epidemic has touched individuals, families and communities, many of whom are left to face this crisis with too few resources,” said Sen. Maxmin. “This bill will help ensure that no matter what corner of our state someone lives in, they have the support they need to live happy, healthy and successful lives in recovery.”

Recovery community centers are run by recovery community organizations, which are independent, nonprofit organizations led and governed by representatives of local communities of recovery. These centers support multiple pathways to recovery by providing members with support services including recovery coaches, peer support groups, and education and employment resources.

By the end of 2021, Maine will have 13 recovery community centers located in nine of the state’s 16 counties. Franklin, Hancock, Kennebec, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo and York counties currently do not have a recovery community center within their borders.

As amended, LD 488 directs the Department of Health and Human Services to consider regional distribution of recovery centers when awarding contract funding for new centers.

It also directs the department to prioritize the seven counties that do not currently have a center.

LD 488 now goes to the desk of Governor Janet Mills, who can sign the bill into law, veto it or allow it to become law without her signature. As an emergency measure, LD 488 would take effect immediately upon becoming law.