BANGOR – Maine has been awarded a three-year $800,000 federal grant to improve access to services for the target groups of the elderly, adults with mental health needs, adults with dementia, brain-injured adults of all ages and older adults with substance abuse needs. The aim of the project is to develop a network of local and state resources at the community level to help adults of all ages and incomes who are seeking long-term support.

At the local level, Bangor is one of three Maine community demonstration sites. The other sites are Bath-Brunswick and Farmington.

United Way of Eastern Maine is serving as the coalition leader for the Bangor site to convene the group and administer the grant funds. The Bangor coalition includes hospitals, health and human service providers and other organizations, including the University of Maine Center on Aging, Eastern Agency on Aging, Rosscare’s Center for Healthy Aging, Elder Independence of Maine, Community Health and Counseling Services, Eastern Maine Healthcare, New England Home Health Care, Penquis Community Action Program, Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services-Region III, Acadia Hospital, Department of Human Services and Bureau of Elder and Adult Services.

The Bangor coalition will have $33,000 a year for three years to be used to implement strategies, plus additional funds from the state to help with research. Representatives from all community organizations that formally or informally link persons to services are encouraged to attend.

The Bangor coalition is focused on an area that encompasses the BAT bus line including Bangor, Brewer, Hampden, Orono, Old Town and Veazie. Call Laura Hoovler at United Way of Eastern Maine at 941-2800 for information.