Sunrise County Partnerships for Success

Building healthier, more resilient communities across Washington County and the Passamaquoddy Tribe

Sunrise County Partnerships for Success is a five-year project running from 2026 through 2031. Led by Healthy Acadia in partnership with local organizations, schools, tribal entities, and community members, the project aims to prevent and reduce substance use and related harms across Washington County, Maine, and the Passamaquoddy Tribe.

Our region faces significant challenges, including limited resources, persistent poverty, and high rates of substance use and related health concerns. By working together, we can strengthen local prevention efforts, build resilience, and create more opportunities for people of all ages to thrive.

Working Together to Prevent Substance Use

The project brings community members and partners together to identify local needs, set priorities, and develop prevention strategies that reflect the strengths and needs of our communities.

We will use proven approaches and promising practices to strengthen protective factors, reduce risk factors, and support well-being among youth, young adults, and adults. This work will be guided by current local data, community input, and ongoing evaluation to help ensure our efforts make a lasting difference.

Planned activities may include:

  • Supporting schools, community organizations, and tribal entities in offering substance use prevention programs and activities that build resilience.

  • Creating youth leadership, apprenticeship, and hands-on learning opportunities.

  • Offering evidence-based substance use prevention and mindfulness programs.

  • Providing educational campaigns, community forums, and trainings.

  • Bringing prevention partners together to share knowledge, strengthen connections, and coordinate local efforts.

Youth will have meaningful opportunities to help shape the project through a Youth Advisory Committee, ensuring their perspectives and ideas help guide the work.

Our Goals

Strengthen local partnerships. Build the skills, connections, and resources of prevention partners so they can work together to plan and carry out effective, community-driven strategies.

Prevent substance use and promote well-being. Expand prevention programs and services that reduce risk factors, strengthen protective factors, build resilience, and support healthier lives.

Throughout the five-year project, partners will assess community needs, develop and deliver prevention strategies, and evaluate progress. This ongoing process will help us learn what works and adapt our efforts to meet changing community needs.

Reaching Our Communities

Through community education, media campaigns, and direct programs and services, Sunrise County Partnerships for Success aims to reach thousands of people each year.

Lasting change happens when communities work together. By building strong partnerships, supporting youth leadership, and investing in prevention, Sunrise County Partnerships for Success will help strengthen the foundation for healthier, more resilient communities throughout Washington County and the Passamaquoddy Tribe.

Sunrise County Partnerships for Success is supported by a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) under Partnerships for Success Grant # 1H79SP085201. Learn more by visiting www.samhsa.gov or by calling 877-SAMHSA-7.

For questions or more information about Downeast Partnerships for Success, please email Caroline Bloss at caroline.bloss@healthyacadia.org  or Sara McConnell at sara@healthyacadia.org.