Opioid Response
Governor Mills is committed to combatting the opioid crisis and protecting Maine families. On February 6, 2019 Governor Mills issued Executive Order 2: An Order to Implement Immediate Responses to Maine’s Opioid Epidemic (PDF). The Order, which took effect immediately, set forth approximately twenty-five separate but related actions to be taken under the direction and leadership of Director Smith with the assistance of all the Commissioners and other staff as necessary. These actions are intended to reduce overdose deaths, expand treatment and recovery efforts and begin a focus on prevention. And as noted in the “values” section of the Order, all actions shall be undertaken to reduce in every way possible the stigma associated with substance use disorders. To be effectively treated, addiction needs to be addressed as a chronic medical condition and, accordingly, de-stigmatization shall be an essential foundation underlying all actions.