For so many Mainers, the opioid crisis is deeply personal. Whether you have been directly impacted or not, it is almost certain that every Mainer knows of someone whose life has been turned upside down by addiction. Controlled substances, like opioids, have been a problem in our state for the last several decades, and the 131st Legislature made it a priority to tackle this growing epidemic head-on.
Last year, the Legislature enacted two pivotal measures targeted toward saving the lives of those experiencing an overdose. The first bill mandates that law enforcement officers carry Narcan on their person while on active duty. The second measure requires all Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workers to be trained in the administration of Narcan, enabling these professionals to act swiftly and effectively when called to the scene of an overdose.
Narcan, also known as Naloxone, is an opioid reversal agent that can rapidly ease the effect of an overdose, such as respiratory distress. When applied promptly, Narcan can provide front-line workers, like EMS and law enforcement, with a critical window of time to allow for further medical intervention. Equipping these professionals with this overdose-reversal treatment has been shown time and again to make the difference between life and death for so many.
Addressing the opioid crisis also requires an approach that goes beyond emergency interventions. We must provide ongoing support for those who are in recovery. In the supplemental budget enacted by the Legislature a few months ago, language was included to give vital support to withdrawal management programs across the state. The budget appropriated $4 million to expand Medication Assisted Treatments in county jails, building upon an already existing initiative in our state prison system. It is a safe and proven “whole patient” approach that combines FDA-approved medical treatment with behavioral counseling. This course of care not only eases withdrawal symptoms and cravings, but it has been proven to reduce the likelihood of relapse, increase rate of survival and support a return to a healthy, productive life.
For many, recovery and sobriety is a lifelong journey; that’s why we enacted a measure that helps create a sustainable revenue source for Recovery Community Centers (RCCs) across the state, so that folks will always have a place to turn to when they need additional support. These organizations focus on helping individuals recover from substance-use disorder by providing non-clinical services, such as support groups, recovery coaching and skill-building programs. Individuals who utilize RCCs have been shown to have a lower likelihood of relapse and an increase in long-term well-being. This funding will help invest in long-term recovery for Mainers who find themselves in the grip of addiction.
My colleagues and I in the Legislature know that it is imperative to continue developing comprehensive policies that strengthen emergency responses and treatments as well as bolstering any necessary ongoing support for those struggling with addiction. Recent data released by the state indicates that the number of opioid-related deaths has dropped by 16%. This data is encouraging and shows that our efforts are working, but despite this success, the number of overdoses remains too high. We cannot wait for this epidemic to subside; we must continue to address it with compassion and sustained effort. We all have a stake in this, not just lawmakers, medical professionals or even law enforcement officers. We all need to be committed to putting in the work to help end this crisis, together.
Rep. Jane Pringle is serving her second non-consecutive term in the Maine House of Representatives, having previously represented Windham from 2012-2014. She is a member of the Legislature’s Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee. <
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