JANUARY 2024 NEWSLETTER

A NOTE FROM MAINE'S ORGANIZING DIRECTOR

Dear Recovery Advocates of Maine,

 

I hope this letter finds you all in good spirits and high energy as we dive into the second legislative session here in Maine! It's been an exciting start, and I couldn't wait to share with you the latest updates from the halls of power.

 

First off, let's talk about Governor Mills' recent State of the State address. Wow, did she come out swinging! With a resolute spirit, she outlined the journey ahead, highlighting both our past triumphs and the hurdles still to come. Perhaps the most thrilling news was her commitment to invest $6 million into substance use recovery efforts over the coming year. Yes, you read that right—$6 million! That's a major win for our community.

 

One of the most exciting initiatives is the plan to bolster our OPTIONS teams with nine additional peer recovery coaches. These teams are our frontline heroes, working tirelessly with first responders to tackle potential overdose situations head-on.

 

But that's not all. Governor Mills also unveiled plans to expand access to Naloxone and treatment programs within Maine's correctional facilities. It's a vital step forward in ensuring that those in our justice system have the support they need to embark on their own journey to recovery.

 

But wait, there's more good news! Republicans recently held a press conference where they emphasized the crucial need for prevention services in Maine. Even better, they pledged to stand as steadfast allies to our recovery community. It's heartening to see such bipartisan support for our cause. After all, as we've always said, recovery knows no political boundaries—it touches us all, regardless of affiliation. We are also very grateful for their opposition to LD 1215, as we know that prohibition does not work.

 

However, amidst these hopeful announcements, we must acknowledge the sobering reality that 607 Mainers tragically lost their lives to fatal overdoses in 2023. While this number reflects a 16% decrease from total fatal overdoses in 2022, we know that every overdose death is a policy failure and there is still more work to do. 

 

So, my fellow advocates, let's keep the momentum going! Together, we're making waves, breaking down barriers, saving lives, and creating a brighter, healthier future for Maine. With every step forward, we're proving that recovery isn't just possible—it's achievable, it's happening, and it's happening right here, right now.

 

Onward and upward!

Courtney Gary-Allen

Organizing Director, ME-RAP

Introduced last session by Representative Ambureen Rana, this bipartisan bill aims to reinvest adult use cannabis tax revenues into funding recovery community centers statewide. Last session, advocates from across the state turned out at the public hearing in support of LD 1714, and it received unanimous support from the Taxation Committee. 

Recovery Advocates at the Public Hearing for

LD1714


After passing both the House and the Senate, this bill was carried over to this session and now awaits funding from the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee. Last week the Tax Committee also voted this bill as their top priority for funding this session. We are looking forward to working with the recovery community centers across Maine to get this bill funded this year. If you want to join us send an email to the appropriations committee today!

Send an Email to the Appropriations Committee to Fund LD 1714!

LD 1215: An Act to End the Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products

Over the last few years there has been a concerted effort to ban flavored tobacco, including flavored vapes and menthol cigarettes, in the State of Maine - including both state and local level campaigns. These efforts promise to reduce youth tobacco use and protect our kids and while we agree that reducing tobacco and vaping by Maine’s youth is important, these efforts ignore the fact that history has proven that banning addictive substances is ineffective in preventing or stopping substance use or dependence.

 

Rather than instituting a ban, the state could invest the $24 million/year predicted loss into prevention, public education, and treatment and smoking cessation programs. 

They could also develop public health campaigns to reduce flavored tobacco/vape use, increase fines and penalties for individuals and retailers caught selling products to minors, and advance policy solutions that will reduce youth flavored tobacco use while still protecting the legal use of flavored tobacco products for those 21+ years of age.

LD 2138: Resolve to Improve Funding for Homeless Shelters

ME-RAP provided testimony in strong support of this legislation that would improve funding for homeless shelters by increasing overnight bed reimbursement rates for low-barrier shelters. As low barrier shelters are struggling to keep their doors open due to limited funding, the need for shelter services has never been greater.

Learn More About LD 2138

LD 2054: An Act to Exclude OUI Crimes from the Good Samaritan Law Protections (Short Title)

While we steadfastly support the Good Samaritan Law, we also acknowledge the danger associated with driving under the influence.

 

Therefore, this session advocates are collaborating with the Prosecutors Association and Rep. Tavis Hasenfus to propose updates to the Good Samaritan Law regarding driving under the influence. Our aim is to expand its scope to include driving-related offenses among the charges that can be pursued in cases of overdose incidents.

LD 1975: A Public Health Approach to Maine's Opioid Crisis

Spearheaded by Representative Lydia Crafts, LD 1975 seeks to implement a public health strategy in Maine's continuous battle against opioids through various avenues. Primarily, the bill advocates for the creation of crisis receiving centers across all counties in Maine, expanding on the initiatives championed by Governor Mills and advocates.

These centers, available around-the-clock, emulate the successful model already operational in Cumberland County and soon to be launched in Kennebec County, ensuring widespread access to vital services. The bill also seeks to acknowledge that substance use disorder is a disease and that the possession of small quantities of substances should not be a crime, as it is a symptom of substance use disorder.

 

Throughout this month, advocates have dedicated themselves to promoting this bill, undertaking various initiatives such as hosting a campaign launch call, establishing a website, rallying over 70 testimonies in support of the bill during the public hearing, and collaborating with committee members to streamline the key aspects of the legislation. Presently, we eagerly anticipate a work session in the Health and Human Services Committee and remain committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to enact LD 1975, with the shared goal of saving lives.

 

Join us on February 13th at 5PM for a virtual phone bank and on February 20th from 9 to 12PM at the Maine State House for a grassroots day to tell lawmakers to help us save lives.

 

You can learn more about LD 1975 and share these links with others:


Recovery Advocacy 101 with Addiction Medicine Learners!

ME-RAP was thrilled to host a Recovery 101 legislative training with addiction medicine learners at Maine Medical Center. A compassionate and caring group of medical providers learned the basics of recovery advocacy and practiced writing testimony for LD 1975. They agreed that Maine needs a public health response to substance use!

Reflecting on Loss

Tragically, 607 Mainers tragically lost their lives to a fatal overdose in 2023. Although this number reflects a 16% decrease from total fatal overdoses in 2022, we believe that every overdose death is a policy failure. It is hard to celebrate a reduction in fatal overdose deaths when 607 families or friends started the grieving process this past year. There are no words to describe the total cost in pain that the opioid epidemic has had on communities across Maine. However, we will remain committed to doing all that we can to advocate for policies that will save lives.

 

Read the full report: Maine Monthly Overdose Report for December 2023