Cumberland County, ME
Cumberland County Health Department
Maine
Rural | Population: 310,230Cumberland County, Maine’s most populous region and home to the city of Portland, has emerged as a national exemplar in confronting the intertwined crises of substance use and justice system involvement through its innovative Pathways for ME: Person-Centered Recovery and Reentry initiative. Launched in 2023, this program embodies the urgent, decisive action required to save lives, secure communities, and restore hope to individuals and families across the region.
90%
of new arrivals screen positive for substance use disorder
70%
of new arrivals screen positive for opioid use disorder
40%
of the entire
jail population is
enrolled in mat
Early Identification and Robust Screening
1,800+
individuals screened for substance use disorder
At the heart of the program is a relentless focus on early identification and intervention. Every individual entering the county jail is screened for substance use disorders (SUD) within 24 hours using validated tools-a proactive measure that has yielded remarkable results: 90% of new arrivals screen positive for SUD, 70% for opioid use disorder (OUD), and approximately 40% of the jail population is enrolled in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). To date, 120 individuals in custody are receiving MAT, with 90 receiving treatment through the program. This approach not only identifies those at greatest risk but ensures they are swiftly connected to the care they need, a critical step in preventing the tragic loss of life to overdose and addiction.
Integrated Treatment and Recovery Support
120
individuals in custody receiving mat
90
completing treatment
Inside the jail, individuals benefit from a robust continuum of care. 229 SMART Recovery groups have been conducted across five pods, averaging 10 groups per week. Participants also receive co-occurring treatment services, with 156 individuals engaged in substance use and mental health care. Upon release, continuity of care is prioritized: those on MAT leave with a prescription or a dose of methadone if follow-up is not immediately available, significantly reducing the risk of relapse and overdose. This seamless transition from incarceration to community-based support is essential for breaking the cycle of addiction and recidivism.
Comprehensive Reentry and Discharge Planning
54
individuals are receiving case management in the community
Cumberland County’s reentry services are both proactive and comprehensive. The Community Care Team, supported by a dedicated reentry coordinator, serves as a vital bridge between the jail and the community. This team provides health department services directly in the community and assists individuals in enrolling in Maine’s Comprehensive Health Care Program. Practical barriers to recovery are addressed head-on: bus passes are distributed at release, and funding for sober living has been secured, ensuring a smooth transition to recovery housing and reducing the risk of relapse.
Peer Recovery Support and Community Partnerships
127
individuals connected to peer navigation
42
receive ongoing community support
Peer recovery support is a cornerstone of the initiative. Two navigators, leveraging their lived experience and housing expertise, help individuals develop personalized transition and safety plans. Strong partnerships with the Portland Recovery Community Center and other community-based organizations have expanded access to support, particularly for those experiencing homelessness or at risk of bail violations. These efforts reflect a commitment to equipping individuals with the tools and resources to achieve long-term recovery and lead productive, healthy lives.
in april 2025, the peer recovery coach provided…
8
hours of individual recovery coaching
39
recovery meetings
System Collaboration and Sustainability
12
cross-sector community partner meetings held in 2024
Cumberland County’s initiative is distinguished by its unwavering commitment to system collaboration. Throughout 2024, 12 community partner meetings have been held, and monthly criminal justice advisory group meetings have fostered cross-sector alignment. These efforts have led to the creation of a reentry workgroup and the reestablishment of case conferencing, uniting stakeholders from corrections, behavioral health, housing, law enforcement, and peer services. New partnerships with organizations such as Common Space and the Portland Recovery Community Center have further strengthened the county’s support network, ensuring no individual is left behind.
“Susie checks in with us, asking how we are and listening to my answers. We do not all have support on the outside, and working with Susie makes me feel less alone.”
—program participant
Jail residents at Cumberland County Jail continue to appreciate the recovery groups offered by Susie. One resident stated, “Going to groups with Susie gives us hope that we can also change and have better lives, and we are continuing to learn about our situation.” Other residents expressed their appreciation for the confidentiality that the peer recovery coach maintains in the groups, as well as the groups being something to look forward to.
Conclusion
Cumberland County’s Pathways for ME initiative stands as a model for how bold, innovative action can reduce overdose fatalities, lower recidivism, and secure the health and safety of communities. By focusing on early identification, evidence-based treatment, and seamless transitions from incarceration to community-based support, the program embodies the comprehensive, coordinated approach required to confront the scourge of illicit drugs and addiction. Through relentless collaboration and commitment to results, Cumberland County is building a safer, healthier future for all its residents.
Collaborative Partners
Cumberland County Health Department
Portland Recovery Community Center
Commonspace
Maine Pretrial Services
Co-Occurring Collaborative Serving Maine
JSI Research & Training Institute (evaluator)
Project Director
Brandon Irwin, Behavioral Public Health Manager
Cumberland County Health Department
irwin@cumberlandcounty.org
207-749-5331
This project was enabled by a Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP) grant through the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). BJA sponsors the provision of technical assistance to help communities effectively implement their project activities. The combination of grant funding and technical assistance support makes communities safer, reduces the burden on the criminal justice system, allows limited resources to focus on combating violent crime, decreases recidivism, and reduces the risk of overdose.