PORTLAND — The Portland Police Department reported eight drug overdoses since 8 p.m. Thursday, including two fatalities, marking a concerning spike in a 24-hour period.
So far this year, Portland has recorded 129 overdoses with six deaths, compared to 167 overdoses and six fatalities during the same period last year.
City officials are urging residents to be aware of harm reduction resources, including Narcan, which is available without a prescription at local pharmacies.
The Portland Public Health Division offers free Narcan and Overdose Recognition & Response training to community members.
“If you encounter an overdose, please call 911 and stay with the person until first responders arrive,” a department spokesperson said.
Officials emphasized that Maine’s Good Samaritan law protects both callers and victims when reporting overdoses.
