AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - Maine moved one step closer Monday to widening access to a drug that could prevent overdose deaths, but the measure faces a certain veto from Republican Gov. Paul LePage, who says that the antidote could provide a “false sense of security” to addicts and that the proposal goes too far.
The measure aims to let first responders like police officers and firefighters administer naloxone, also known as Narcan, which blocks the brain receptors that opiates latch onto and helps the body take in air. It would also allow health professionals to prescribe the drug to those at risk of a heroin or prescription drug overdose or immediate family members of addicts, under certain circumstances.
Proponents of the bill say it’s a step that would immediately begin saving lives in Maine, which like the rest of the nation is grappling with a rise in heroin-related deaths since the drug has become a cheaper alternative to prescription opiates.
But LePage - who wants to provide access to family members only, not law enforcement - accused the Democrat-led Legislature of “playing political games with people’s lives” by adding a “poison pill” to his compromise.
“Despite their agreement with me, the Legislature has put up a version of the bill they know full well will be shot down,” he said in a statement. “We are trying to provide this life-saving measure to families, but lawmakers are trying to score political points.”
LePage’s announcement that he would support putting naloxone in family members’ hands represents a softening of his initial opposition to the proposal. He told reporters this year that naloxone is “an excuse to stay addicted” and that officials should focus on providing addicts with proper treatment.
But supporters of the measure approved in a 147-0 vote Monday, which faces further votes in both chambers, say widening access to first responders is a critical piece because police officers and firefighters are often the first to come across those who have overdosed, especially in rural areas.
“I think that the statement was very clear from (LePage’s) own party today that this is simply the right thing to do,” said Democratic Rep. Sara Gideon of Freeport, who’s sponsoring the bill. “We have a public health emergency. We have the ability to actually combat it and save people’s lives. We have to do it.”
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