WHEREAS, opioid overdoses continue to pose a significant public health crisis, impacting individuals, families, and communities across the State of Maine, with over 350 lives lost annually to overdose; and

WHEREAS, since February 2019, Maine has prioritized the distribution of Naloxone through the Maine Naloxone Distribution Initiative, distributing more than 800,000 doses of the medication resulting in over 10,000 overdose reversals; and

WHEREAS, naloxone is a safe, effective, and life-saving medication that can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and restore breathing when administered in a timely manner; and

WHEREAS, increasing access to naloxone and expanding education on its use empowers first responders, healthcare professionals, families, and community members to take immediate, life-saving action during overdose emergencies; and

WHEREAS, reducing stigma surrounding substance use disorder is essential to encouraging individuals to seek support, access treatment, and pursue recovery; and

WHEREAS, National Naloxone Awareness Day, established in 2023, serves to raise awareness, promote education, and expand access to this critical, life-saving intervention; and

WHEREAS, recognizing Naloxone Awareness Day in the State of Maine will strengthen ongoing efforts to prevent overdose deaths, support recovery, and promote compassionate, community-based solutions;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim June 6, 2026 as

Naloxone Awareness Day

in Maine, and I urge all residents to learn the signs of overdose, carry naloxone when available, and support individuals and families affected by substance use disorder with compassion, understanding, and care.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this twenty first day of May Two Thousand Twenty-Six