opioid epidemic Archives - Centralmaine.com

Maine lawmakers create another task force to address opiate crisis

by Eric Russell February 17, 2017February 18, 2017

The task force, made up of lawmakers and various experts, is to draft a report and recommendations for legislation by April 30

Local & State, News, Politics

$8 million more to treat Maine addicts is winning bipartisan support

by Kevin Miller February 8, 2017February 9, 2017

The potential agreement suggests that the LePage administration and Democratic lawmakers are ready to work together to fight the state’s opiate crisis.

Local & State, News, Politics

Medical ethics bill targets drug company payments to Maine doctors

by Joe Lawlor January 23, 2017February 10, 2017

The proposal would restrict gifts and other spending that promote prescribing of opioids in a state that is trying to curtail patient use of the painkillers.

Editorials, Opinion

Our View: Augusta focused on the wrong drug problem

January 15, 2017February 10, 2017

It’s the number of opioid overdoses that demands to be treated as an emergency – not legal marijuana.

Cops & Courts, Health, Local & State, News

Presque Isle police report 5 heroin overdoses in 4 hours

by Sun Journal December 28, 2016

A Facebook post by the police department warns heroin users to seek help ‘at the earliest possible moment.’

Health, Local & State, News, Politics

Leading Republican wants special panel of legislators to tackle Maine’s opioid crisis

by Scott Thistle December 27, 2016December 27, 2016

Rep. Ellie Espling of New Gloucester calls for a unified solution ‘to a problem that is killing more Mainers every day.’

Local & State, News

Even amid crisis, opioid makers plied doctors with perks

by Joe Lawlor December 25, 2016February 20, 2018

The practice raises ethical questions, and even fellow doctors frown upon Maine’s top 2015 beneficiary, a Manchester physician who not only prescribes painkillers but also treats addiction.