ARM-ME
What is ARM-ME?
We can help!
ARM-ME Advocates....
are volunteers who specialize in helping patients utilizing Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and are in Medication Assisted Recovery (MAR) in Maine. ARM advocates are patients, providers, family members, friends and allies. Our advocates not only work on individual patient issues, but also work diligently against the stigma associated with MAT, for fair and unbiased media coverage about MAT, for patient friendly regulations,for the rights of patients to have access to BEST PRACTICES MAT and with state and federal regulators to ensure that patients have a voice in new regulations and guidelines. Our advocates have a vast knowledge of current and pending regulations (Federal and State) governing MAT and have access to a huge network of providers, regulators and advocates all across the United States. They are available for consultation and referrals when patients feel they are being mistreated by the clinic, in legal situations or when they are having problems with health care providers. Our advocates are here to HELP!
Media coverage of events involving MAT has, at times, been un-factual, biased and has played a key role in the furthering of stigma and prejudice associated with Methadone treatment in Maine. One of ARM-ME’s greatest goals is to expose this type of “reporting” and replace it with more positive information and stories about the great success of MAT in Maine.
Maine’s opiate addiction problems are greater than ever, yet new Methadone clinics are being met with NIMBYism (Not In My Back Yard!!) all over the state and there are very few doctors providing Suboxone treatment. ARM-ME is dedicated to advocating for the opening of new clinics in Maine and to educating addiction and medical professionals about MAT. We also hope to play a vital role in any changes in the Maine regulations for methadone treatment, so they will be more geared towards the INDIVIDUAL PATIENT.