News

Maine opioid deaths make up 7% of all overdoses

Maine opioid deaths make up 7% of all overdoses

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


Maine Director of Opioid Response Gordon Smith was on the WGAN Morning News today to discuss Maine’s latest report on the opioid crisis.  The report shows that the proportion of fatal overdoses has averaged 7% of total overdoses over the course of 2021 and stayed at that level for the first five months of 2022.

The reported average number of overdoses per month through the first five months of 2022 was 792, with an average of 53 fatal cases.  It’s worth noting that the proportion of fatalities in January-May of 2022 is 9% higher than the first five months of 2021.

Additional data showed that of all the overdoses in Maine through the first five months of 2022, 23% reported community reversals, meaning someone administered Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan.  Gordon Smith said on the WGAN Morning News that the uptick in people carrying Narcan has likely saved hundreds of lives over the past year and encourages anyone who is interested in getting Narcan to visit their local pharmacy, where insurance usually covers Narcan.  You can also visit getmainealoxone.com to learn more.

Smith also warned about the dangers of fentanyl laced drugs and noted that testing your drugs prior to use is one of the biggest life-saving tips he can give.  Test strips are available in bulk online or through community harm prevention programs.

You can listen to our full interview with Gordon Smith below

Latest Headlines

14 minutes ago in Local

Otisfield Man Charged After Woman Shot in Hand

Fresh

Oxford County deputies say they were called to a report of a person who had been shot.

48 minutes ago in Local

Owl Rescued on Lake West of Augusta

Fresh

Officers say they found the barred owl along Annabessacook Lake Saturday morning.

1 day ago in Local

Police Looking for Missing Washington County Teen

The Washington County Sheriff's Office are looking for 16-year-old Lilyanna Rose Cook, who was last seen in Roque Bluffs, Maine.

2 days ago in Local

Struck-down Maine citizen’s referendum on super PAC donations heads to appeals court

Despite getting over 75% of the vote, a Portland judge deemed the referendum unconstitutional this past summer, citing the ruling made by the Supreme Court on the 2010 Citizen's United case.

2 days ago in Local

Police find missing teen after vehicle pursuit in Skowhegan

A missing teenager was found in the vehicle of a Norridgewock man who police say led them on a chase in Skowhegan on Thursday.