BANGOR — CourageLIVES and Saint Andre Home are pleased to announce that Executive Director Carey Nason has been named a 2024 National Reaching Rural Fellow. The Reaching Rural fellowship program is an initiative dedicated to supporting leaders working to address substance use disorder in small and rural communities. Through this initiative, Nason will be working with local leaders like the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Office to develop a project to help meet needs within Piscataquis County.
Over the course of the year-long program, Reaching Rural provides fellows with valuable opportunities to further develop their leadership skills, engage in project and systems planning, and learn from both each other and national experts. Through this initiative, fellows gain access to the knowledge and resources needed to implement successful and innovative strategies within their communities and regions.
“I care about the people in our region and how substance use disorder has impacted our families and communities. I look forward to working with rural leaders not only from across the country but also locally to benefit the communities of Piscataquis County,” says Nason. “Through CourageLIVES, we work with people who are at the intersections of human trafficking and exploitation, forced criminality, substance use, and mental health needs. I look forward to leveraging the knowledge and connections through Reaching Rural to enhance our response to assist families in need.”
“As sheriff, I daily witness the devastating effects substance use disorder has on our communities. The majority of families in Piscataquis County have, in one way or another, been impacted by SUD. It feels helpless and heart wrenching as they try to help those they love escape the brutal hold SUD has. The sheriff’s office is glad to partner with Carey and CourageLIVES in seeking ways to bring genuine help and to help turn lives around,” says Piscataquis County Sheriff Bob Young.
The Reaching Rural fellowship is designed to empower leaders like Nason, equipping them with the tools and support necessary to assist and promote meaningful change in small and rural areas. By fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and providing tailored guidance, Reaching Rural aims to amplify the impact of fellows; efforts to address the unique challenges of SUD in their communities and regions.
To learn more about CourageLIVES, please visit www.CourageLIVESme.org.
