Overdose deaths in Maine from substance use rose in 2019, and 84 percent of those involved opioid use. A recent spate of deaths in Portland are a reminder that opioid use continues to be a pressing crisis. We will hear from Gordon Smith, the state's director of opioid response, about the state’s latest plans to address the opioid crisis, and we’ll talk about what recovery experts and law enforcement believe can help stem the epidemic.
Guests
Gordon Smith, state director of opioid response
Alane O’Connor, nurse practitioner, Maine General, focus on addiction medicine and opioid use disorders
Donna Lawlor, DNP, clinical director, Healthcare for the Homeless program, Greater Portland Health
Lisa Letourneau (by phone), senior advisor for delivery system change, Maine Department of Health and Human Services
Resources
- Maine.gov: Opioid Response
- Maine Opioid Crisis Strategic Action Plan
- Recovery in Maine: Short Films & Community Discussion, Feb. 24, 2020, USM
- Report Shows That Drug Overdose Deaths Increased In Maine In 2019
- Maine CDC Warns Of Tainted Drugs Linked To Series Of Overdose Cases Friday In Southern Maine
- 'I Put My Body Through So Much': Maine's Growing Meth Addiction Scourge, And How Some Find Recovery
- Maine Director Of Opioid Response Outlines Project That Will Provide Housing And Treatment Options
- Maine needs more services for opioid treatment, state drug official says
- OpEd: How drug decriminalization can help solve Maine’s opioid epidemic
- Letter to the editor: Fentanyl is driving opioid death trend