WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today delivered remarks at the UNITE to Face Addiction Rally held on the National Mall, where he highlighted the importance of raising the profile of addiction in America and underscored how those who have faced addiction are critical to helping fight it today. 

“Addiction is often a battle that's waged alone, in the recesses of our minds and in the shadows of society. It's difficult and it's painful, but today, we begin to bring it into the light. Today, we begin to fight together,” Senator King said. “By recognizing and better understanding addiction, by listening to those who have dealt with it first hand, together we can find solutions to this complex problem that affects so many lives across America.” 

Today's rally, which was organized by the national non-profit Facing Addiction, brought together more than 600 diverse organizations, those affected by addiction, elected officials, and celebrities to launch a first-of-its-kind campaign to openly acknowledge and confront the drug and alcohol addiction crisis in America.

Chris Poulos and Andrew Kiezulas of Portland also joined the rally today. Poulos, a third year student at the University of Maine School of Law, was addicted and homeless as a teenager and also served three years in federal prison for dealing cocaine. After seeking treatment, Poulos is now the President of the Maine Law chapter of the American Constitution Society. Kiezulas is in recovery from opiate addiction and actively discusses his experience as part of the Maine Chapter of Young People in Recovery, including at a roundtable discussion convened by Senator King this summer.

In response to the opioid epidemic in Maine and New England, Senator King and Director of National Drug Control Policy Michael Botticelli convened a roundtable discussion in August that focused on how to build on current federal policies to better address the threat that opioid abuse poses to personal and public health and safety. The event in Brewer brought together prevention and treatment experts from around the state, people in recovery, families affected by addiction, health care providers, law enforcement officials, first responders, and local leaders. Senator King is a member of the Prescription Drug Abuse Caucus. 

The rally, which is expected to last until 8 p.m., is open to the public. More information is available HERE.

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