Substance Use Disorder Services Commission

The Substance Use Disorder Services Commission was established via Legislation on June 30, 1993 and consists of 21 members.

To be qualified to serve on the Substance Use Disorder Services Commission, members must have education, training, experience, knowledge, expertise, and interest in substance use disorder prevention and training. Members must reflect experiential diversity and concern for advancing prevention and treatment in the State of Maine. Members must have an unselfish and dedicated personal interest demonstrated by active participation in drug abuse programs such as prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, training or research in substance use disorder programs such as prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, training or research.

Mission Statement

The Commission will be a bridge between the Behavioral Health (OBH), the public, and elected officials, regarding the issues of substance use disorder and misuse, prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery.

Meeting Schedule

The Substance Use Disorder Services Commission typically meets the second Wednesday of every month at the Office of Behavioral Health (OBH). These meetings are open to the public. To obtain current information about meetings and meeting dates, please call (207) 287-2595.

Individuals attending the Substance Use Disorder Services Commission meeting will need to enter through the front lobby and call our main number for someone to let them in for the meeting. Main Office Number: (207) 287-2595

Minutes of meetings

View archived meeting minutes.

Duties of the Commission

The Commission, in cooperation with the OBH, has the following duties:

  1. Advise the Behavioral Health (OBH): The Commission shall advise the Office of OBH in development and implementation of significant policy matters relating to substance abuse (§ 20067(1))
  2. Advise, Consult and Assist: The Commission shall advise, consult and assist the Governor, the Executive and Legislature branches of State Government, and the Judicial Council with activities of State Government related to substance abuse prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery (§ 20067(2))
  3. Serve as Advocate/Review and Evaluate prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery; inform the Public; The Commission shall serve as an advocate on substance abuse prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery and promoting and assisting activities designed to meet the problems of substance abuse at the national and state levels. With the support of the OBH, the Commission shall review and evaluate, on a continuing basis, state and federal policies and programs relating to substance abuse and other activities conducted or assisted by state departments or agencies that affect persons who abuse or are dependent on drugs. In cooperation with the OBH, the Commission shall keep the public informed by collecting and disseminating information, by conducting or commissioning studies and publishing the results of those studies, by issuing publications and reports and by providing public forums, including conferences and workshops. (§ 20067(3))