New England Opioid Strike Force Created To Battle Illegal Prescriptions

CONCORD, NH — Northern New England U.S. Attorneys as well as the federal government have created a new anti-fraud strike force to address illegal prescriptions and other health care fraud issues.

U.S. Attorney Jane Young of New Hampshire along with U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee for the District of Maine, U.S. Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest for the District of Vermont, and other officials, were in Concord Wednesday to speak about the effort which combines both local, regional, and federal support to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic in all three states. The strike force, officials said, would identify and investigate health care fraud in the region and prosecute those involved in illegal distribution of prescription opioids and scripts for other controlled substances. Investigators will be focusing on physicians, pharmacists, and other medical professionals.

Young said the formation of the strike force offered “a tremendous opportunity” for the three states to “disrupt the illegal prescription and distribution of opioids.” McElwee said while fentanyl garners a lot of headlines, nearly a quarter of overdose deaths in the state of Maine were “the result of pharmaceutical opioids — and many of those who died from illicit substances very likely first tried pharmaceuticals, either their own or those of a friend or family member.” She said the force would “provide vital resources” to the states. Kerest added, “Health care providers who issue illegal opioid prescriptions undermine important efforts to address the epidemic while putting patients at risk of overdose and physical harm.”

All three thanked the department for the assistance in creating the strike force.

Treatment Info

• New Hampshire: For a referral to addiction treatment services, call 211. If you or a loved one is in a substance use crisis, call or text the New Hampshire Rapid Response Access Point at 1-833-710-6477. New Hampshire residents can call and speak to trained and caring clinical staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Maine: Visit: knowyouroptions.me. If you or a loved one are struggling with opiate addiction, contact 211, where residents can receive help and find information about local treatment programs.
• Vermont: Call 2-1-1 or online (vermont211.org) is available. To speak to someone about substance use resources including treatment options, call VT Helplink 802-565-LINK (toll-free at 833-565-LINK) or visit online at VTHelplink.org, and Vermont Alcohol and Abuse Programs (802-651-1550). All information and referral services are free and confidential.

For individuals seeking help in other states, please call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.

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