As a life-long Mainer and health care provider, I support L.D. 1964 for a strong paid family and medical leave program for Maine people. I am a family nurse practitioner specializing in addiction medicine and I know that paid family and medical leave will save lives.

Opioid overdose deaths break new records in Maine every year. I know how critical it is for people to seek care when they are ready, but without a statewide paid family and medical leave program, many can’t afford to take the time off to receive treatment. This increases their risk of overdose and death.

Transitioning from active use of fentanyl or heroin can be difficult. Folks who want to stop using and transition to evidence-based treatment with buprenorphine-naloxone must first be in active withdrawal. Comfort medications can be helpful, but people typically feel like they have the flu. This transition to life-saving medication can take two to three days. Paid family leave would save lives by allowing folks with opioid use disorder to take needed time off to seek treatment.

The people of Maine should have time away from work to take care of serious health needs, including substance use disorder. Not allowing for paid leave creates a culture that values work over health and safety. I urge lawmakers to pass L.D. 1964, a plan that is the result of years of research and public input. Now is the time to pass paid leave – for our mental health, physical health, and overall well-being.

Samantha Paradis
Caribou