Thursday’s 77-66 vote followed emotional testimony on both sides. The measure now goes to the Senate.
opioid epidemic
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Mills announces plan to add 140 treatment beds to combat ongoing opioid crisis
The $6 million investment is the latest effort to reverse an epidemic that claimed a record 716 lives just last year.
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Posted inNation & World, News
‘Keep them alive’: More states legalize fentanyl test strips to combat surging opioid deaths
A growing number of states are decriminalizing fentanyl testing strips, seeking to protect people who use drugs from unwitting exposure to the highly potent synthetic opioid ravaging the U.S. with overdose deaths.
Posted inNation & World, News
Pills flowed for years as DEA dragged feet on disciplining opioid distributor
The delay has raised concerns about how the revolving door between government and industry may be impacting the DEA’s mission to police drug companies blamed for tens of thousands of American overdose deaths.
Posted inNorthern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Falmouth Police recovery coach program assists 140 people so far
The program, which has received a grant to continue, lines up resources for those who seek help for substance misuse.
Posted inHealth, Nation & World, News
Quiet and parents’ touch help opioid users’ newborns, study finds
Babies born to opioid users, including mothers in treatment with medications such as methadone, can develop withdrawal symptoms after exposure in the womb.
Posted inNation & World, News
Overdose deaths of older Americans quadrupled in past 20 years
Older adults are often prescribed opioids to help them cope with chronic pain or recover from a surgical procedure.
Posted inHealth, Nation & World, News
FDA approves over-the-counter Narcan. Here’s what it means.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved over-the-counter sales of the overdose antidote naloxone, marking the first time an opioid treatment drug will be available without a prescription.
Posted inMaine, News
Augusta program could be first in Maine to offer overdose victims medication on-scene to treat withdrawal symptoms
Plans to help Augusta residents recover from substance use disorder include a proposal to offer people revived from an overdose by rescue workers immediate, on-scene treatment with Suboxone and help accessing longer-term treatment.
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Every Maine corrections officer should carry naloxone
A new bill would require all police officers to carry naloxone. Legislators should take this opportunity to close a frightening gap in our battle against fatal overdoses by adding corrections officers to the mix.