In 2023, the United States saw its first reduction in the number of deaths attributed to drug overdose since 2018. While the nation saw a 3% overall reduction in overdose deaths, Maine had one of the largest drops nationally, down by an impressive 16% in 2023, one of only 4 states to see reductions over 15%. Still, 606 people in Maine died in 2023 due to overdose, and 75,000 people died nationally, Gorham lost two people to opioid overdose in 2023, and one person in 2024.
The downward trend of deaths also appeared to be continuing across the state in 2024; Maine CDC reports that the total number of confirmed and suspected fatal overdoses from January– November 2024 was 445. This is 20.5% lower than the total confirmed fatal overdoses for the same period in 2023.
While Fentanyl continues to cause the highest drug fatalities in Maine, it is also where the greatest gains were made in reducing overdose deaths. Public health experts and those addressing substance use disorders attribute these declines to the increase in prevention efforts, the expansion of treatment options, and to the increased access to and use of naloxone, a nasal spray that can immediately stop the deadly effects of opioids. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, attaches to opioid receptors and blocks the effects of opioids. It is especially helpful to restore breathing, which during an overdose can be slowed or stopped and lead to death. Naloxone has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system but can be lifesaving to those who do.
While Gorham’s Deputy Chief Michael Nault confirmed that Gorham Police Department has carried naloxone in their cruisers since at least 2019, the Maine legislature recently made it a mandate for all law enforcement to do so. Nault explained that as well as CPR and AED application and use, Gorham officers receive annual training on the administration of naloxone.
Nault added that changes in the laws in 2023 gave immunity to criminal and civil liability for the administration of naloxone, which made individuals more likely to administer the drug or call for medical assistance than they would have in the past.
But Nault also noted that, “In 2024, we have seen a decline in overdoses due to the availability of Narcan to family and community members.”
Gorham’s Action Team for Youth (GATY), a coalition focused on promoting positive youth development and preventing at-risk behavior for youth in the Gorham community, partnered with Portland Public Health (PPH) to host hour long community trainings for residents who want to learn more about naloxone, how to administer it, and also receive a free kit. This is because having naloxone readily available can be the difference between life and death.
After members of their nursing staff attended the training, Gorham School Department took a step in the community effort to combat opioid overdose in May 2024 when they amended their policy EBCF “Life-Saving Medical Devices & Treatment.” The updated policy includes the provision of naloxone kits in the school buildings, as they do AEDs, recognizing that school facilities are places where large numbers of community members may frequent, and where an emergency may occur. This policy change was also in accordance with legislative and rule changes from Augusta as part of statewide efforts to reduce opioid deaths.
Alicia Murry, nurse at Gorham Middle School explained that the nursing staff in each building has naloxone, in the event of an emergency, but noted that it is often after school hours and weekends when the public is accessing the buildings, when the nursing staff isn’t present. Given their extensive use by the public on nights and weekends, the district has also placed naloxone kits inside two safety boxes in both the middle school and high school buildings, similar to and nearby the AED boxes. This was done in partnership with PPH, who provides the naloxone free of charge to the schools and interested community members.
Murray stated that the naloxone kits have yet to be used, but they are there in the unfortunate event they are needed.
For more information or to receive training on administering naloxone, contact Portland Public Health’s Harm Reduction Services Program.