After HEAL decertification, Bangor staff say public health may become syringe service provider

City staff said at a recent Bangor workshop that Health Equity Alliance's (HEAL) syringe service program certification was revoked in mid‑January and, during a 30‑day appeal period, Wabanaki Public Health has temporarily been providing syringe service functions in the community. City staff and the public health director told councilors they have been assessing options to avoid a service gap if HEAL does not appeal or regain certification.

"In the meantime, Wabanaki Public Health has been filling that void in our community on a very temporary basis," city staff said. Staff and the public health director said the arrangement was intended as a stopgap and would not be sustainable long term. The public health director has examined Portland's syringe service program and budget information as part of preliminary planning.

Staff outlined potential funding sources should the city become a syringe service provider: Maine CDC allocations (which currently provide some funding to HEAL for syringe service operations), funds administered by the Maine Recovery Council from state opioid settlements, and the city's own opioid settlement funds. Staff said eligibility for Maine CDC funding would apply to a new provider.

Councilors asked about needle pickup and site location. Staff said needle pickup had been performed by HEAL and is now being managed with Wabanaki; location and operations for any city‑run program have not yet been determined. City staff said a proposal and discussion item from public health would be brought to either a committee or a council workshop for more detail on operations, budget and impacts.

Ending — The council did not take a formal vote; staff said they would return with a fuller proposal including operational details, budget estimates and recommended funding sources when available.