New $1.6M Program to Enhance Opioid Response Training in Maine

A new initiative by the University of New England aims to bolster opioid response training for hundreds of health care professionals across rural Maine. The program, named the University of New England Northern Border Rural Workforce, is designed to educate both students and existing healthcare workers in rural areas, addressing the ongoing challenges posed by the opioid epidemic.

As communities in Maine continue to grapple with the effects of opioid addiction, access to treatment for opioid use disorder remains critically low, especially in rural regions. Devon Sherwood, the project director and a professor at UNE’s pharmacy school, highlighted the urgent need for training. “Many areas are grossly underserved,” she stated, underscoring the necessity for skilled professionals who can effectively manage opioid-related conditions.

The program is set to launch no later than August 2026, with hopes of commencing even earlier. It will be the most comprehensive of its kind in the state, providing certification in treatment strategies, medication options, and essential communication skills for discussing opioid disorders with patients. Sherwood emphasized the program’s goal: “We hope to equip more individuals to manage patients with opioid use disorder.”

Long waitlists for substance use treatment services exacerbate the crisis in Maine, according to Rebecca Ireland, the project manager. “We know that patients are not receiving the services they need, and many providers lack the training to address these issues confidently,” Ireland explained. The program aims to fill this gap by ensuring that even health care professionals without a specialization in opioid use disorder gain a fundamental understanding of the condition and its treatment.

The training will be integrated into the curricula of UNE’s graduate health programs, including pharmacy, psychiatric nurse practitioner, social work, physician assistant, and medicine, as well as undergraduate nursing and social work programs. Additionally, an online component will cater to professionals collaborating with various partner organizations across the state, such as the Penobscot Community Health Care system and Northern Light Health.

This initiative has received a significant boost through a $1.6 million grant from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration, awarded in September. Sherwood expressed a commitment to sustainability, aiming to extend the program beyond the initial four years of funding. “The flexibility of the online platform allows us to continue this training long-term,” she added.

Training will consist of multiple components, offering both basic and advanced certification options, tailored to fit the needs of various healthcare roles. Ireland noted that this adaptability means that even non-clinical staff who interact with patients experiencing opioid use disorder can gain essential knowledge and support skills. “We want to meet them where they are,” she said, emphasizing the program’s comprehensive approach.

Partnerships with several healthcare education organizations, including the Maine Medical Association, further enhance the program’s credibility. Dr. James Jarvis, the association’s president, remarked, “By reducing training barriers and aligning statewide partners, the program will have a meaningful, measurable impact on patient safety and community health.” He added that such training is crucial for preventing overdose deaths in Maine.

Ultimately, the goal of this initiative is to train hundreds of students and healthcare employees, encouraging them to practice in rural settings where their skills are desperately needed. Sherwood expressed optimism about this approach, stating, “Once they receive this training, we hope they will choose to remain in these areas, thereby improving workforce numbers and care quality.”

The comprehensive training program represents a significant step forward in addressing the opioid crisis in Maine, aiming to empower healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to combat this pressing public health issue.