FARMINGTON, ME – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today hosted a discussion on the state of the opioid crisis in Maine with Mount Blue High School students, school administrators, and local health professionals at Mount Blue High School in Farmington. The discussion focused on what can be done in Maine school systems to prevent opioid use and raise awareness about the issue.

“The impact of the opioid crisis in Maine is staggering and affects every corner of our communities, including our schools,” Senator King said. “Addiction can start with something as simple as a high school sports injury, which is why it’s so important we come together to discuss strategies that raise awareness about the dangers of addiction and help students and educators address this crippling issue. I am proud there are driven young people like those I met with today at Mount Blue who are committed to finding solutions to Maine’s opioid epidemic and to building a bright future for generations to come.”

Senator King has been a leading voice in Washington on the immediate need to address the heroin and opioid epidemic and has continually fought to provide adequate funding to fight the crisis, which kills more than one person per day in Maine. This discussion marks the seventh roundtable that Senator King has convened across the state as part of his effort to tackle the opioid and heroin epidemic. He has previously held discussions in Paris, Portland, Brewer, Milo and two in Bangor – each of which focused on a different aspect of the opioid and heroin crisis, and each of which have helped inform his work in Washington. Senator King has introduced and supported several pieces of legislation to help tackle addiction, and continues his push for emergency funding to fight the epidemic.

Senator King has also been outspoken in his opposition to several proposals to repeal the Affordable Care Act, voicing specific concerns that these proposals will negatively impact Maine’s fight against the opioid epidemic. The proposals would also have devastating consequences for Maine’s rural hospitals and low-income and working people.

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