Next Step Program
The Next Step Program offers free and anonymous services to adults age 18 and older:
- New clients receive a membership card and welcome packet
- Syringe services program (SSP) and new supplies
- Counseling
- HIV/Hepatitis C testing
- Safer sex supplies and education
- Overdose prevention and naloxone (NARCAN®) education
- Access to free NARCAN®
- Referrals to primary care, substance use disorder treatment, recovery resources and other services
- Fentanyl test strips, Xylazine test strips, and Take-home HIV testing kits
Make a Referral to Next Step
Next Step Syringe Exchange
The Next Step Syringe Exchange is located in Augusta and Waterville.
In Augusta, the program is located on the second floor at 9 Green Street.
Augusta Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In Waterville, the program is located in Room 0157 on the Terrace Level of the Thayer Center for Health (TCH) at 149 North Street. Take the elevators down to the Terrace Level and turn left toward the cafeteria. Turn left at the cafeteria; Room 0157 is down the hall. Look for the welcome sign and waiting area on the right.
Waterville Hours: Monday and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Printable Information
HIV/Hepatitis C Testing
The Next Step Program provides free HIV and Hepatitis C testing at our 9 Green Street, Augusta and 149 North Street, Waterville locations for those who are at high risk.
The anonymous testing process uses Oraquick™ testing technology which is completed in about 30 minutes. No appointment is needed during Syringe Service Program hours (see above). Testing outside of walk-in hours is by appointment.
Overdose Prevention and Naloxone
Most opioid overdoses in Maine happen by accident. If you or a family member have been prescribed a prescription pain medication, or are high risk for opioid overdose, you can ask your health care team for a NARCAN® kit which reverses opioid overdoses.
For more information on how to use the kit, watch our video or call (207) 861-5288.
How to Avoid Accidental Overdose
Safer Sex Dispensary
Free condoms and other safe sex supplies are available on the second floor at 9 Green Street, Augusta and Room 0157 on the Terrace Level, Thayer Center for Health, Waterville. This resource is open to the public and can be used anonymously.
Community Education and Resources
MaineGeneral's Next Step Program offers various educational sessions and materials. To schedule a training or to obtain print materials, please call (207) 861-5288.
- Overdose Prevention and Response: A training on risk factors for opioid overdose, signs and symptoms, and how to safely respond to an overdose using a NARCAN® kit.
- Sex and Drugs Jeopardy: An interactive presentation about substance use disorder, medication-assisted treatment, overdose, HIV and hepatitis A, B and C, substance-specific (alcohol, marijuana, opioids, stimulants) information, safer sex and STI prevention, and other mental health and substance use education.
- Stigma Reduction: Trainings and materials to reduce stigma surrounding substance use disorders. Some beneficial online stigma reduction resources available are Shatterproof, the Recovery Research Institute, and the Addiction Policy Forum.
- Information on opioid resources in Kennebec and Somerset counties.
Hours & More Information
Next Step Program hours Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Please call (207) 861-5288 for more information regarding services listed above.
A United Way partner program.
