Persistent policy barriers a hindrance in tackling the opioid crisis

This article, by Louisa Munk of the University of Southern Maine, was originally published on the Bangor Daily News opinion page on July 2, 2019. By Louisa Munk, Opinion guest column. • July 2, 2019 7:48 am Updated: July 2, 2019 11:49 am Public health professionals struggle to bridge the divide between research and the implementation of evidence-based […]

Maine leads on reproductive freedom

This article, by Amy Blackstone of the University of Maine, was originally published on the Bangor Daily News opinion page on June 18, 2019. By Amy Blackstone, Opinion guest column • June 18, 2019 10:02 am When it comes to women’s reproductive autonomy, it seems that everywhere we look these days, states are in a race to […]

Think globally, act locally: Mainers are changing the world

This article, by Amanda bertana of the University of Maine, was originally published on the Bangor Daily News opinion page on June 4, 2019. By Amanda Bertana, Opinion guest column • June 4, 2019 7:03 am It is safe to assume that the majority of us have encountered the catch-phrase, “Think Globally, Act Locally,” most likely on […]

Integrating immigrants into Maine’s workforce benefits us all

This article, by Jordan LaBouff of the University of Maine, was originally published on the Bangor Daily News opinion page on May 21, 2019. By Jordan LaBouff, Opinion guest contributor • May 21, 2019 6:58 am Updated: May 21, 2019 3:26 pm While some Maine industries continue to struggle to fill their open jobs, others are thriving by actively recruiting […]

Want to reduce drug abuse? Support medication-assisted treatment and help a child.

This article, by Roy Miller, was originally posted on the Bangor Daily News opinion page on April 23, 2019. By Roy Miller, Opinion regular contributor • April 23, 2019 6:00 am Updated: April 23, 2019 6:36 am Drug overdoses caused almost twice as many deaths as motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. in 2017. This […]

Lawmakers said home health care was important. Now it’s time for them to do something about it.

This article, by Sandy Butler of the University of Maine, was originally published in the Bangor Daily News on March 26, 2019. By Sandra Butler, Special to the BDN • March 26, 2019 6:54 am Last November’s elections brought some dramatic changes to Maine’s Legislature and the Blaine House, which have resulted in a number of new […]

What Mainers really think of ranked-choice voting

This article, by Carrie LeVan of Colby College, was originally posted in the Bangor Daily News on March 12, 2019. By Carrie LeVan, Special to the BDN • March 12, 2019 7:19 am Ranked-choice voting in Maine has not been without controversy. As there are currently nine bills with titles that propose an amendment to the state Constitution to allow […]

The consequences of a shredded social safety net

This article, by Ryan LaRochelle of the University of Maine, was originally published in the Bangor Daily News on February 12, 2019. By Ryan LaRochelle, Special to the BDN • February 12, 2019 8:57 am Updated: February 12, 2019 8:57 am The recent 35-day government shutdown was the longest in U.S. history. Stories poured in about federal workers who were […]