Northern Penobscot County Integration Initiative Substance Use Services Needs Assessment and SWOT Analysis

JSI was contracted to perform a quick turnaround needs assessment and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis for the Northern Penobscot County Integration Initiative in Maine to address opioid and other substance use treatment services in rural areas. JSI used secondary state and county data as well as target service area specific data where available to characterize the population and need at the most granular level possible. Analysis was focused on substance use services and treatment.

JSI conducted key informant interviews with individuals identified by the Network to understand the current array of services, gaps, and needs in the community. These interviews supported development of a report identifying the major health issues, barriers, determinants of health, and gaps in care that might not be apparent through quantitative data.

The project developed a formal report and presentation of findings and recommendations to Initiative leadership, and this work was presented at the New England Rural Health Roundtable conference in Bethel, ME in November 2018.