Gov. LePage had an opportunity to help slow the spread of infectious disease in Maine, and he chose not to take it. Instead, he has opted to mislead the public about the cause of the problem (“Cases of infectious disease rise, but data show no clear links to immigrants,” June 10).
The rise in hepatitis cases in Maine is linked to the rise in intravenous drug use and the sharing of needles. To address the root cause of the issue, we need more treatment and prevention to help people with substance use disorder stop using. In the meantime, access to clean needles is essential to slowing the spread of disease.
In April, Gov. LePage vetoed a bill that would do just that by providing modest funding for Maine’s needle exchanges. Instead of supporting this real solution, the governor’s plan for fixing this problem is to blame it on immigrants. His claims are not backed up by data or evidence; they are based on ignorance and meant to drive fear into the hearts of Mainers.
Thankfully, the Legislature recognized the importance of needle exchanges and voted overwhelmingly to override the governor’s veto. This is the leadership we need to end Maine’s drug problem and keep Maine healthy – not angry speeches with no basis in reality.
Alison Beyea
executive director, ACLU of Maine
Portland
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