AUGUSTA — A measure co-sponsored in the Maine House of Representatives by Rep. Roland “Danny” Martin (D-Sinclair) would put the lifesaving overdose-reversal drug naloxone in the hands of more first-responders.
“The drug crisis in our state is very real and it is threatening the well-being of our state,” said Martin. “This life-saving medication is safe, effective and can help to address the epidemic Maine is facing.”
LD 1547, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Sara Gideon, D-Freeport, enables the Maine Attorney General’s Office to facilitate the bulk purchase of naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, in order to make the drug more accessible to municipalities. That will make it easier and more affordable for cities and towns to put naloxone in the hands of first-responders who can use it to save lives.
According to the Attorney General’s office, more than 200 Mainers died of a drug overdose in 2014. In the first nine months of 2015, there were 174 overdose deaths, putting the state on track to reach between 230 and 250 overdose deaths last year.
In 2014, an emergency measure authored by Gideon allowed first-responders with training to administer naloxone in order to prevent overdose deaths. Last year, Maine lawmakers approved an additional measure to expand access to the antidote sponsored by Rep. Henry Beck, D-Waterville.
Since 2001, 16 other states have also passed laws making it easier to prescribe, dispense and administer naloxone.
Also known by its trade name Narcan, naloxone is not addictive and does not produce euphoria. It has no effect if there are no narcotics in a person’s system.
The bill was referred to the Health and Human Services Committee, which will schedule a public hearing in the coming weeks.
Martin is House chair of the State and Local Government Committee and also serves on the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee. He is returning to the Maine House, having previously served one term in the House and two in the Senate.
