Media report on early 2018 drug death statistics compiled by Sorg
The Associated Press, Maine Public, Portland Press Herald and WMTW (Channel 8 in Portland) reported drug overdoses continued to claim nearly one life per day in Maine during the first six months of 2018. There were 180 overdose deaths in Maine through June 30, down slightly from the 185 drug-related deaths reported for the same period last year, according to figures released by the Office of the Maine Attorney General. The report was compiled by Marcella Sorg, an anthropologist and research professor with the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center at the University of Maine. Maine reported a total of 418 overdose deaths in 2017, up from 376 the year before, Press Herald reported. Sorg pointed out that drug-related deaths often fluctuate and Maine typically sees higher numbers in the last six months of the year than in the first six months, according to the Press Herald. Bangor Daily News and MSN News carried the Maine Public report. The Washington Times and WABI (Channel 5) carried the AP report.