A Republican's bill tackles the opioid crisis in a rural Maine county with the state's highest rate of drug overdose deaths.
Republican Sen. Joyce Maker's bill would provide $1.6 million to create a pilot project for treatment and recovery services in Washington County.
Her bill is set for a work session Wednesday and could receive a key committee vote.
The county has the highest average rate of drug overdose deaths in Maine with 19.7 overdose deaths per 100,000 residents. Its rate of drug-affected babies is nearly double the statewide average.
Maine's only detox beds are in Portland, which can be a four hour trip from Washington County.
The county has no residential treatment facilities.
The Department of Health and Human Services said the bill lacks the detail needed to succeed.
