Feds To Help Maine Tribes Curb Opioid Epidemic

INDIAN TOWNSHIP, Maine - Four American Indian groups in Maine will receive more than $400,000 from the federal government to respond to the impact of the opioid epidemic in native communities.The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is sending the money for substance abuse and community health projects, primarily focusing on opioids. The money is going to the Passamaquoddy Indian Township Tribal Government, Aroostook Micmac Council, Penobscot Indian Nation and Wabanaki Health and Wellness.The largest grant is going to the Passamaquoddy government to fund a project called "Passamaquoddy Tribal Opioid Response Initiative." The grant is for more than $140,000.Republican Sen. Susan Collins and independent Sen. Angus King say Wabanaki Health will also receive about $140,000 to increase the capacity for medication-assisted treatment and develop other substance abuse prevention projects.