Democrats and Republicans differ over Medicaid expansion to provide more treatment and on the need for more law enforcement.
opioid epidemic
Bangor doctor testifies at Senate hearing on opioid epidemic’s impact on the elderly
Many with chronic pain have been on prescription painkillers at relatively high doses, putting them at risk of health problems and making them vulnerable to exploitation, says Dr. Charles Pattavina of St. Joseph Hospital.
Drugs and detention: A revolving door of despair
In America, particularly in Appalachia, addiction is landing more women behind bars.
Citing Portland’s opioid lawsuit, hospitals withdraw from groups seeking to treat addiction
The parent of Mercy and EMMC is unhappy that the lawsuit partially blames one of its former doctors for the opioid crisis.
Maine woman overdoses in hot car with her child in the back seat
Sara Donlon was found by first responders passed out in her car in Manchester, New Hampshire, with her 4-year-old son in the back seat, police say.
Maine Voices: We must demand that legislators fund care for those with substance use disorder
Public health interventions save lives, but more friends and family will die if we don’t pay for them now.
Maine Voices: Realistically? Maine’s fatal overdoses will increase this year
Alleged funding for opioid addiction treatment turns out to be a myth – and the annual death spiral is likely to continue.
Gov. LePage vetoes bill to increase access to overdose-reversing drug
The plan, which he says usurps the authority of pharmacists by removing age limits on purchases of naloxone without a prescription, now goes back to the Legislature for override votes.
State isn’t addressing drug crisis, critics say
Some hope that opioid-related measures can be salvaged during an extended veto day or special legislative session.
What’s left in limbo: Rundown of major unfinished business as 2018 legislative session ends
Here is a recap of some of the major issues debated in the Legislature this year, where they currently stand and their prospects going forward.