PORTLAND, Maine — First responders have used Narcan to save countless lives from drug overdoses in Maine, but now the governor wants people who receive the medication to pay for it.
Gov. Paul LePage proposed a controversial new bill suggesting individuals who need more than one dose of Narcan should pay for the repeat overdoes.
The bill also states that if the person doesn’t pay, the department that administered the drug would be hit with a $1,000 fine.
“I don’t see how you could fine the fire department for administering a life-saving service when you know that if you don’t do it, that person is going to die,” Sanford police Chief Thomas Connolly said.
Many residents agree with charging for Narcan, but don’t like the idea of a fine.
The state currently uses money from settlements to purchase their Narcan supply.
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