BELFAST, Maine — With opioid addiction still impacting thousands of Mainers each year, a Belfast-based health center is stepping up to test a new form of treatment that could significantly improve access and consistency for those battling opioid use disorder.

Seaport Community Health Center (SCHC) is one of several locations participating in a nationwide study evaluating the effectiveness of Brixadi, an injectable medication designed to treat opioid addiction. Unlike traditional medications like Suboxone, which must be taken daily under the tongue, Brixadi is administered just once a month.

"This is a Brixadi. The needle is smaller than a flu shot," Denise Bouchard, a nurse practitioner, explained during a demonstration.

Opioid use continues to be a major issue across the state. In 20

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