We can either punish people who use drugs or we can keep them alive.
opioid epidemic
Posted inHealth, Local & State
Fentanyl, the fast-acting and incredibly lethal opioid, killed more than 500 Mainers last year
Fentanyl is sometimes referred to as the “instant death,” an official from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services said Friday.
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Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine overdose deaths set record for 3rd straight year in 2022
A report released Thursday by the Attorney General’s Office indicated 716 individuals died from overdoses last year, 85 more than in 2021.
Posted inLocal & State
The Narcan effect: A new lease on life
Even as Maine experiences record numbers of overdose deaths, the expanded availability and use of the lifesaving opioid antidote naloxone presents a competing narrative.
Posted inBusiness, Nation & World, News
Walmart offers to pay $3.1 billion to settle opioid lawsuits
Though it hasn’t admitted liability, the company released a statement saying the money will ‘provide significant aid to communities across the country.’
Posted inLocal & State, Maine Crime, News
Hundreds of patients searching for help as Kennebunk doctor faces opioid charges
Dr. Merideth Norris is unable to prescribe opioids while facing federal charges. She was treating hundreds of patients with substance use disorder and chronic pain who now don’t know where to get their medications.
Posted inBusiness, Health, Nation & World, News
CVS, Walgreens announce opioid settlements totaling $10 billion
The big question now is how their money will be used and whether it will make a difference in fighting an addiction crisis that has only intensified.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Commentary: Opioid epidemic’s undue burden on rural Maine requires our full attention
Investment in evidence-based approaches can help guide our rural communities out of crisis.
Posted inLocal & State
UMaine survey shows support for drug decriminalization, treatment programs
More than 84 percent of respondents to the 2021 survey supported establishing detox services in all Maine counties, and a nearly identical percentage supported reducing barriers to substance use treatment.
Posted inNation & World, News
Advocates seek more say in how opioid settlements are spent
As billions of dollars in opioid lawsuit settlements are starting to flow to governments, families and advocates impacted by the opioid crisis are pushing for a meaningful say in how the money will be used.