Born to Drugs: Maine's Most Innocent Victims

ABOUT THIS SERIES

Nearly 5,000 babies were born affected by drugs in Maine from 2013-2017. These innocent victims have been caught in a crisis marked by suffering and strained hospitals and state resources. This series of often gut-wrenching stories examines the challenges within this sad reality.

Piercing cries and a state of crisis

ByBarbara A. Walsh

November 29, 2018

Nearly three drug-affected babies were born each day in Maine from 2013-2017, severely taxing hospitals, the foster care system and other resources.

Latest Articles

Maine ranks 9th in number of children impacted by opioid crisis

Maine will need an estimated $2 billion by 2030 to treat and care for opioid-affected children.

ByBarbara A. Walsh

November 13, 2019

Gordon Smith, the former Executive Vice President of the Maine Medical Association, was chosen as the state's first Director of Opioid Response by Gov. Janet Mills in January. Photo by Fred J. Field.

Focusing on Maine’s most innocent victims

Figuring out how to stop babies from being born affected by opioids is one of many objectives for the man hired to put an end to Maine's drug crisis.

ByBarbara A. Walsh

June 20, 2019

Jay Patrick (J.P.) receives nourishment from a feeding tube in the living room of his Monmouth home that he shares with his foster mom Lisa Hasch (background). J.P. was born four weeks premature to a drug-dependent mother. When he was born, J.P. suffered from tremors, rashes, vomiting and constant screaming. The feeding tube, inserted in the summer of 2017, had improved his way of life. Lisa adopted J.P. last summer. Photo by Yoon S. Byun.

Legislators concur: Number of opiate-dependent babies in Maine must go down

In response to a fall Pine Tree Watch series, Maine Congressional delegation members say they’ll keep fighting to expand funds to pay for prevention, treatment and related services.

ByBarbara A. Walsh

January 17, 2019