Last minute compromises on utility regulation and the Good Samaritan law make Maine better able to meet its challenges.
overdose
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Jim Fossel: Good Samaritan compromise got in the way of good policy
The original version of L.D. 1862 could have saved Mainers’ lives without making government any bigger. What was wrong with that?
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Posted inKennebec Journal, Local & State
Mainers gather for Black Balloon Day, marking 636 overdose deaths in 2021
Members of the Maine recovery community advocate for an amendment to the state Good Samaritan Law that would protect anyone at the scene of an overdose from punishment for nonviolent crimes.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
The Maine Millennial: Easing limits on needle exchange programs is good public health
Concern about sending the wrong message to substance users helps spread infectious diseases.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
The Maine Millennial: Expanded ‘Good Samaritan’ law needed to slow Maine overdose deaths
When what you are doing doesn’t work, it’s time to try something else. Our current drug policies aren’t working.
Posted inMaine Voices, Op-Eds, Opinion
Maine Voices: Save people like my friend Madison – pass L.D. 1862
Expand Maine’s Good Samaritan law, so others will not hesitate to call 911 when their friends are in crisis.
Posted inNation & World, New England, Schools and Education
Fatal fentanyl overdose of Connecticut 13-year-old brings calls for naloxone in schools
After the boy’s death, investigators later found nearly 40 bags of fentanyl stashed in multiple locations within the school.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
Gov. Mills to increase Medicaid payments for residential treatment of substance use disorder
Tuesday’s announcement came on International Overdose Awareness Day. The state lost a record 502 people to drug overdoses last year, and the numbers so far this year suggest that will be eclipsed.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Shortage of naloxone hinders addiction treatment in Maine
Supplies of the lifesaving anti-overdose drug are stretched nationwide, putting pressure on Maine treatment centers.
Posted inLocal & State
Maine first state to roll out text alerts when drug overdoses spike
A pilot program started by the state will let anyone with a cellphone receive free text messages alerting them to an increase in overdoses in their area and the potential that a deadly batch of drugs is on the market.