My child, like many others in our beloved state of Maine, is currently living in an encampment in Portland. The current Opioid Response Plan does not cater to the needs of those battling fentanyl addiction. It lacks common sense and has allowed crime to run rampant. Moreover, it lacks compassion and has left severely mentally ill Mainers to "live" outside during the harsh winter months.

Today, we are calling on Maine's Second Regular Session of the 131st Legislature to find a solution for the growing number of encampments and revise Maine's Opioid Response Plan. As per recent data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), fentanyl poisoning is the number one cause of death for those 18-45 years. 

The current plan fails our community members who are struggling with addiction and homelessness. We cannot allow this situation to continue unchecked, as it affects individuals, public safety, and health.

Fentanyl changes everything! We need new ideas, more support and addiction resources, a partnership with law enforcement, and leaders who will prioritize this immediately. 

Now is not the time for party politics but for real, compassionate AND common-sense solutions that address both addiction and homelessness effectively. We urge you to take immediate action to revise our state's approach to these pressing issues.

Please sign this petition if you care about the safety of communities dealing with increased crime in their cities. Please sign this petition if you believe that every Mainer deserves a chance at recovery, dignity, safety, and a place they can call home.

With a common-sense and compassionate approach, we can accomplish both lower crime and support long-term recovery.