Contact:
Krysta West
Communications Director
Senate Republican Office
(207) 287-1505
krysta.west@legislature.maine.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUGUSTA – Maine Senate President Michael Thibodeau (R-Waldo) has announced his appointments to the Maine Legislature’s “Task Force to Address the Opioid Crisis in the State.”

The Maine Legislature established the committee following a record amount of opiate overdoses in Maine last year. On average, more than one person a day died from a fatal overdose in 2016.

The task force will examine current state laws regarding law enforcement, prevention, treatment and recovery. It will also review the report and recommendations of the Maine Opiate Collaborative issued on May 6, 2016 as well as initiatives that have been successfully undertaken in other states.

Members of the committee will include lawmakers, members of law enforcement, the medical community, and drug treatment specialists.

“The work of this committee will be of the utmost importance for all Mainers, and I look forward to serving as chair,” said Senator Andre Cushing, Assistant Senate Majority Leader (R-Penobscot). “Together, we will work tirelessly to find ways to slow the advance of this terrible affliction in Maine. Young or old, rich or poor, this crisis knows no boundaries and has left a lasting mark on far too many families all around the state.”

Other appointees of the committee include:

Maine Senate:

Senator Scott Cyrway (R-Kennebec)
Senator James Dill (D-Penobscot)
Senator Geoffrey Gratwick (D-Penobscot)

Other appointees:

Katie Fullam Harris-Opioid Treatment Facility
Dr. Steven Diaz- Augusta Administrator of Hospital
Gordon Smith-Association of Physicians
Sherriff Jeff Trafton-Law Enforcement

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