Tuesday, March 25, 2025
3/25/2025
The five tribal communities in Maine, Micmac Nation; Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians; Passamaquoddy at Pleasant Point; Passamaquoddy at Indian Township; and Penobscot Nation, are known as the Wabanaki, the People of the First Light. The Bangor area is the ancestral homeland of the Penobscot Nation, and home to Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness (WPHW). WPHW is a tribal non-profit organization whose mission is to provide high-quality, culturally relevant services to the Wabanaki communities and Indigenous peoples in Maine whom this grant will serve. WPHW is a current Tribal Opioid Response (TOR) grant recipient where funds have supported opioid response programming and client assistance through WPHW’s offices and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians. This grant application builds upon the current work being conducted under TOR to tie into the larger recovery infrastructure created through WPHW’s Center for Wabanaki Healing and Recovery while simultaneously supporting the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians as they transition to a more independent TOR infrastructure. The Goals (#) and Objectives (#.#) of the grant are as follows: 1: To provide direct services to individuals seeking culturally centered evidence-based treatment. 1.1: By 1/31/2023, WPHW will hire staff to increase the capacity to provide direct client services in Bangor (with telehealth offerings in Millinocket). 1.2: By 9/29/2023, all applicable staff will receive trainings from White Bison on Wellbriety and Warrior Down. 1.3: Beginning on the project period start date, WPHW will continue to provide MAT and wrap-around services to clients with an increase of 10% anticipated by 3/30/2023. 1.4: By 9/29/2023, WPHW will increase knowledge of and consequently access to services through a communications campaign. 1.5: By 1/31/2023, the Project Director and Key Personnel will develop a plan for cultural and connectedness activities to incorporate in year 1. 2: To increase access to harm prevention/reduction services. 2.1: By 6/30/2023, Key Personnel will provide increased opportunities for Naloxone training and access. 2.2: By 6/30/2023, Key Personnel will provide increased opportunities for Fentanyl strip distribution. 2.3: By 12/31/2022, the Project Director will secure locked bags to distribute to MAT clients to ensure the safe storage of medications. 2.4: HIV/HCV screening will be offered to 100% of TOR clients during intake starting at the beginning of the project period. 3: To provide supports that reduce barriers to accessing and maintaining treatment. 3.1: By 12/31/2022, the Project Director will develop a plan with the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians regarding supports and any service alterations needed. 3.2: By 3/31/2023, Key Personnel will develop and implement an evidence-based Contingency Management program. 3.3: By 3/31/2023, WPHW’s IT department will assist in setting up a Guest WiFi network at the Health and Wellness office. 3.4: By 3/31/2023, staff will be trained on case management software. 3.5: Key Personnel will provide client support, as applicable, to TOR program participants beginning at the start of the project period (Wabanaki Care Line, transportation assistance, etc.) It is estimated that 250 unduplicated individuals will be served in Year 1 and 300 in Year 2 for a total of 550 individuals served.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).