For people struggling with addiction in Maine, the risk of a deadly overdose has never been higher.
Data from Maine EMS shows overdose calls for all substances increased 28% from 2020 to 2021 and 62% from 2010 to 2021. According to the agency, the number of opioid overdoses also increased dramatically, rising 38% from 2020 to 2021.
A new strategy would allow EMS clinicians to initiate Suboxone treatment for patients after experiencing an overdose.
The medication treats withdrawal symptoms and can help people living with opioid addiction enter into recovery.
If the rollout meets expectations, Maine would be the first state in the nation to allow emergency responders to initiate recovery care using the medication.