Maine EMS Pilots One of the Nation’s First EMS Direct Referral
for Substance Use Disorder Programs
Maine EMS implements the first direct EMS referral program that connects persons experiencing
SUD with the existing OPTIONS Liaison Program following interactions with the 9-1-1 system.
AUGUSTA, MAINE – The Maine Bureau of Emergency Medical Services (Maine
EMS) has initiated its first pilot site in one of the nation’s first EMS-based direct substance use
disorder (SUD) referral programs. This new program, called the Maine EMS OPTIONS
Referral Program, will enable EMS clinicians (emergency medical responders, emergency
medical technicians, advanced emergency medical technicians, and paramedics) to refer Mainers
experiencing SUD directly to existing support resources within their area.
The ongoing opioid crisis continues to affect Mainers, with over 27,000 activations of the 9-1-1
system for suspected overdose received by EMS agencies across the state in 2021 and 2022. Of
those calls, approximately 30% of patients refuse transport to the emergency department for
further treatment and evaluation. “This new program will empower Maine EMS clinicians to
connect patients experiencing substance use disorder with local treatment options, harm
reduction resources, and peer support within the patient’s community without a dramatic
increase on the workload of EMS professionals,” said Maine EMS Director J. Sam Hurley.
“EMS’ goal has always been to do the very best for our patients, and this program furthers that
mission of enabling EMS clinicians to connect persons experiencing SUD with the resources and
support to begin on the road to treatment and recovery – ultimately reducing morbidity and
mortality related to SUD throughout the State of Maine.”
The Maine EMS OPTIONS Referral Program will allow EMS clinicians to refer to OPTIONS
Liaisons directly. OPTIONS (Overdoes Prevention Through Intensive Outreach, Naloxone, and
Safety) is an initiative developed by Maine DHHS in 2021 to combat the opioid crisis. By
referring individuals experiencing SUD to their local OPTIONS Liaison, patients can be
connected to treatment and resources for harm reduction, naloxone access, and recovery support
services.
Bar Harbor Fire Department is the first pilot site for this program. Deputy Chief John Lennon
expressed his excitement for the pilot, saying, “We were very eager to be a part of this pilot
because it fits in so nicely with the Naloxone Leave-Behind Program and our community Narcan
public outreach. There was a gap in accessibility where patients were expected to find services
for themselves after we [EMS] left the scene from an overdose call, but this program
automatically connects patients to an OPTIONS Liaison from the field.”
Maine EMS will continue to expand this program to additional pilot sites through the end of the
year, with anticipated state-wide implementation in 2024.
● Excellence ● Support ● Collaboration ● Integrity ●
PHONE: (207) 626-3860 TTY: (207) 287-3659 FAX: (207) 287-6251
visit: www.maine.gov/ems
For more information about OPTIONS, please visit www.knowyouroptions.me