As someone who has been working on the front lines of the addiction crisis for the past 15 years, I have longed hope that the city of Augusta would step up to the plate to play a role in addressing problematic substance use in our community. My hope materialized when Councilor Raegan LaRochelle requested the creation of Augusta’s Substance Use Taskforce, asked me to join, and we got to work!

In just a few months, the task force had created a city wide goal of becoming a recovery-ready community and submitted a successful federal grant application to launch Project Recovery in the Augusta Fire Station. This was the first time the city did not rely solely on voices directly connected to law enforcement to address this public health crisis, rather, included those with lived experience in addition to others closest to and willing to work with the actual recovery community. Councilor LaRochelle is a rare jewel in public service. She listened to the needs of the community, researched what were the most effective methods to address those needs, included the voices of those most impacted, and then followed it through.

And that is why I am supporting Councilor Raegan LaRochelle in her campaign for House District 86! I want someone representing me at the state house who gets things done, cares about her community, and doesn’t take no for an answer! That’s Raegan!

Join me in voting for her on Nov. 2.

 

Wilder Hart, LADC, CCS

Augusta

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