Governor LePage Issues Flags to be Lowered to Half Staff in Honor of Victims of France Attacks

For Immediate Release: Monday, November 16, 2015
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – In honor of the victims of the attacks in Paris, France, Governor Paul R. LePage has directed State of Maine flags be lowered to half-staff beginning immediately until Thursday November 19, 2015 at sunset. President Barack Obama also issued a proclamation in honor of the victims of the attacks in Paris directing all American flags be lowered to half-staff beginning immediately until Thursday November 19, 2015 at sunset.

Additionally, the Governor has issued the following statement:

“On behalf of all Mainers, we offer our deepest condolences and will continue to pray for the victims, their families and friends and France as a Nation. An attack on Paris is an assault on the United States and we stand ready to support our Allies in condemning all acts of terrorism.”

“My office has been in contact with the Maine Emergency Management Agency and federal authorities who will continue to be vigilant regarding any reported suspicious activity. Additionally, staff from my office has reached out to the Consulate General of France in Boston to offer any assistance on behalf of the State of Maine.”

Mainers are reminded to stay alert to their surroundings, and to report any suspicious activity. Reports can be made to:http://www.maine.gov/miac/ or call, 24 hours a day: 877-786-3636 (toll-free throughout New England) / 207-624-7280 TTY: 877-789-0200 (toll-free) / 207-629-5793

 Franklin Memorial Hospital Recognized for Excellence in Addressing Tobacco

33 Maine Health Care Organizations Highlighted in the 2015 Gold Star Standards of Excellence Program

 

Augusta, Maine–

 

On November 10, the Maine Tobacco-Free Hospital Network, a program of the Breathe Easy Coalition of Maine, recognized 33 Maine hospitals through the annual Gold Star Standards of Excellence program during a recognition event at the Maine Hospital Association. The program encourages and awards Maine hospitals for meeting best practice standards around creating a tobacco-free environment and supporting tobacco-free lifestyles. The number of health care organizations meeting these standards has more than doubled since the program began in 2010, with 85 percent of hospitals being recognized in 2015.

 

Franklin Memorial Hospital (FMH) was one of 26 hospitals statewide to receive the highest Gold Star award level (gold). FMH has achieved this level every year since the program’s inception, being cited as meeting all ten best practice standards around creating a tobacco-free environment and supporting tobacco-free lifestyles.

 

“Franklin Memorial Hospital is pleased to receive this recognition and set an example for other organizations in our community,” said Gerald Cayer, vice president. “Keeping our campus tobacco free not only impacts the health of employees, patients, and visitors by reducing exposure to secondhand smoke, but also communicates the critical message that tobacco use is exceptionally hazardous to health.”

 

“Hospitals are health and wellness role models for their communities, so it’s important for them to set an example around reducing tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke," said Breathe Easy Coalition Program Coordinator Sarah Mayberry. “The Gold Star Standards of Excellence program is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of Maine hospitals to create policies addressing these issues.

 

All Maine hospitals that meet at least seven of the ten standards are invited to apply, and they are recognized at the gold, silver, or bronze level depending on the number of evidence-based strategies they have met.

 

FMH addresses tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke through comprehensive policies, education, social norm change, and treatment support. The ten Gold Star Standards of Excellence include creating a 100 percent tobacco-free campus, implementing evidence-based treatment strategies, promoting smoke-free lodging options for visitors, and providing tobacco treatment and medication benefits for employees.

 

“Meeting these standards requires hard work and commitment from these health care organizations, and the Maine Tobacco-Free Hospital Network is pleased to be able to honor their dedication," said Mayberry. Learn more about the Maine Tobacco‑Free Hospital Network and Gold Star Standards of Excellence by visiting www.MaineTobaccoFreeHospitals.org or calling (207) 874‑8774.

 

Governor LePage Speaks about Syrian Refugees

November 16, 2015

For Immediate Release: Monday, November 16, 2015
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

Paris Attacks Unite Allies, Creates Concern about Syrian Refugees Entering U.S.

Governor Paul R. LePage has released an advance copy of this week’s radio address in light of the recent attacks in France and following queries related to Syrian refugees entering into the U.S. and Maine.

The written copy is below and a recorded version will be available later today.

Radio Address:

President Obama said he will allow 10,000 Syrian refugees into our country within the next year, and his staff is confident in the federal government’s screening process.

In the wake of the terrorist attacks in Paris, the President’s actions are irresponsible.

Hello, this is Governor Paul LePage.

Several Governors have already stated concerns about Syrian refugees resettling in the U.S. Two Governors will not agree to relocate Syrian refugees in their states. Unfortunately, we do not know for certain if Maine has any Syrian refugees at this time.

While the President has expressed confidence in the U.S. screening process, some have pointed out the gaping holes in our immigration policy.

Rep. Mike McCaul of Texas is chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee. He says there is no way to vet refugees because there are no databases to do such a thing.

McCaul said the Obama Administration lacks the names of 5,000 or more foreign fighters around the world—these are very dangerous people who pose serious threats on a global scale.

One of the first actions I took as Governor was to ensure Maine is no longer a sanctuary state that harbors illegal aliens. It’s important to follow federal law, and we work with law enforcement and other agencies to assist the federal government on immigration matters.

As a free state and country, we are always vulnerable to attack. The safety of our citizens comes first. We need responsible immigration policies to protect not only Americans, but all people.

The terrorist attacks in France are a tragic reminder of the dangerous world we live in. It is my responsibility as Governor to protect the people of Maine with the resources I have available. Staff from my office has reached out to the Consulate General of France in Boston to offer any assistance on behalf of the State of Maine.

The Maine Department of Public Safety and Maine Emergency Management Agency are working with the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies to monitor any possible threats.

This is not a time to incite panic or fear. But I remind Mainers to stay alert to your surroundings and to report any suspicious activity.

You can make a report by calling 877-786-3636. That’s 877-786-3636.

On behalf of all Mainers, we offer our deepest condolences to the victims and their families in Paris. An attack on our allies in France is considered an assault on the United States, and we stand together in condemning all acts of terrorism in friendly nations and around the world.

Thank you for listening.

 

Governor LePage and First Lady to Host 5th Annual Blaine House Food Drive on Saturday

For Immediate Release: Thursday, November 12, 2015
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – The First Family invites the public to visit the Blaine House on Saturday in an effort to help fellow Mainers who are less fortunate. Since Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage began the Blaine House Food Drive in 2011, they have collected thousands of pounds of food for pantries and shelters across Maine.

“This provides us an opportunity to open the Blaine House to visitors and share the history of the house while collecting food for those who need a helping hand in our communities,” said Governor LePage. “It’s important the First Lady and I give back to the people of Maine, and the Annual Blaine House Food Drive is one of the ways we are able to do that.”

The food drive will take place Saturday, November 14. Mainers are encouraged to bring food donations, get a tour of the Blaine House led by Governor LePage and enjoy light refreshments.

The Good Shepherd Food-Bank will accept all donations brought to the Blaine House. Good Shepherd Food-Bank will distribute the donations to needy communities.

Doors will be open at the Blaine House between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday.

 

Governor to Raise Awareness about Human Trafficking at Upcoming Summit

November 9, 2015

For Immediate Release: Monday, November 9, 2015
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – On Thursday and Friday, the first Governor’s Summit on Human Trafficking will take place in Northport to raise awareness and call for action against one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world.

The Office of the Governor and the Not Here Justice in Action Network have partnered to host the conference, which will educate attendees about the exploitation of women and children, discuss labor and sex trafficking in Maine, develop best practices regarding reporting policies and procedures and advance the effort to create a statewide action plan to combat human trafficking in Maine.

Governor Paul R. LePage allocated $25,000 from the Governor’s Contingency Fund to support the summit.

As Governor and throughout his life, Governor LePage has been an outspoken advocate for reducing domestic violence in Maine. Governor LePage also supports anti-human trafficking efforts, signing in 2014 a law making sex trafficking an affirmative defense to the charge of prostitution, preventing victims of trafficking from being branded with a criminal conviction. The Governor also declared January 25-31, 2015 as Human Trafficking Awareness Week.

“No one person, organization, agency or community can eliminate human trafficking on their own, but we can work together to educate our entire population about how we can all prevent human trafficking and support victims, survivors and their communities,” said Governor LePage.

Auburn Police Chief Phillip L. Crowell Jr., who is the cofounder of Not Here, said the objective of the summit is to share information. “Our ultimate goal is to be a signpost directing others towards practical, impactful ways they can help bring about change, and the Governor’s Summit is one of the biggest arenas in which we can do just that,” Chief Crowell said. “We encourage and invite anyone who is interested in hearing more about the issues our region is facing—as well as learning how they can get involved in the efforts to solve these issues—to join us on November 12 and 13.”

Chief Crowell noted, registration is closed with nearly 200 attendees. Not Here Justice in Action Network, a program of The Foundation for Hope and Grace, has been planning and coordinating conferences to raise awareness about human trafficking and inspire collaborate action against the crime since 2011.

WHEN: Thursday, November 12 and Friday, November 13

WHERE: Point Lookout Resort and Conference Center, 67 Atlantic Hwy, Northport

 

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Maine Army National Guard Force Structure Update

 

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, VETERANS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Headquarters, Maine National Guard
Camp Keyes, Augusta, Maine 04333-0033
Contact:
Major Norman J. Stickney
Public Affairs Officer
Maine National Guard
(207) 430-5759

Maine Army National Guard Force Structure Update

AUGUSTA – Brig. Gen. Gerard F. Bolduc, the acting Adjutant General for the Maine National Guard, announced today that all plans to convert the 133rd Engineer Battalion to an Infantry Battalion have officially been stopped. There will be no changes to the force structure of the Maine Army National Guard in the foreseeable future.

“As we’ve said all along, the 133rd Engineer Battalion is staying right here where it belongs,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “Now that the command plan has been finalized, I am confident we can move forward with a clear path for the future of the Maine National Guard.”

The Maine National Guard confirmed that the National Guard Bureau’s command plan will retain all of the existing Maine Army National Guard units and that none would convert to an Infantry unit.

“We are pleased with the decision to retain our storied [133rd] Engineer Battalion in the great State of Maine,” Bolduc said. “The capabilities and expertise of our Engineer units is second to none.” The Maine National Guard has a rich history and tradition of excellence and remains trained and fully prepared to respond to any of the state and nation’s needs.

 

Governor LePage and First Lady to Host 5th Annual Blaine House Food Drive

Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – The First Family invites the public to visit the Blaine House once again this year in an effort to help fellow Mainers who are less fortunate. Since Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage began the food drive in 2011, they have collected thousands of pounds of food for pantries and shelters across Maine.

“This provides us an opportunity to open the Blaine House to visitors and share the history of the house while collecting food for those who need a helping hand in our communities,” said Governor LePage. “It’s important the First Lady and I give back to the people of Maine and this is one of the ways we are able to do that.”

This year’s food drives will take place on two consecutive Saturdays: November 7 and 14. Mainers will have an opportunity to bring a food donation, get a tour of the Blaine House led by Governor LePage and enjoy light refreshments.

The Good Shepherd Food-Bank will accept all donations brought to the Blaine House. Good Shepherd Food-Bank will determine the communities that need the food most and distribute the donations. Doors will be open at the Blaine House between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. each Saturday.

 

Health Network Reminds Residents of Flu Hotline

Farmington¾

 

Franklin Community Health Network (FCHN) is reminding residents that it has an influenza (flu) hotline for Greater Franklin County. The recorded hotline offers information about influenza prevention, local flu vaccine availability, and public flu shot clinics.

 

The hotline number is 207-779-3147.

 

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends a yearly flu shot for everyone 6 months of age and older. Vaccination with the nasal-spray flu vaccine is an option for healthy people 2 to 49 years of age who are not pregnant and have no contraindications or precautions to that vaccine. While there are many different flu viruses, the seasonal flu vaccine is designed to protect against the top three or four flu viruses that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season.

 

If you are not yet immunized remember, there are several things you can do to stay healthy:

·         Get vaccinated as soon as possible. It takes about two weeks after vaccination to develop protection against the flu.

·         Follow heightened respiratory etiquette to protect yourself and others by covering coughs and sneezes, and wearing a mask when indicated and appropriate.

·         Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes as germs can spread that way.

·         Avoid close contact with sick people as much as possible. 

 

Although most people with the flu can stay home without seeing a health care provider, anyone who is sick should seek medical attention if: he or she is having trouble breathing, becomes dehydrated, or has any major change in his health condition.

 

The Maine Weekly Flu Report dated Oct. 27, 2015 indicates that influenza activity is minimal in Maine. Positive flu cases have been identified, but are not widespread.

For additional information on influenza and how to stay healthy during the flu season, go to http://www.fchn.org/news/flu-updates.

 

 

State Drug Agents Making Record Number of Drug Arrests

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, November 04, 2015
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – After an alarming increase of drug-related arrests during the past week, including a major bust in the Capitol City, Governor Paul R. LePage is praising the work of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA) saying their work is critical to curbing the pandemic plaguing the State.

MDEA agents have made twenty heroin related arrests since Monday, October 26, and agents and the State Medical Examiner’s Office report nine suspected heroin overdose deaths in the same period.

“I commend MDEA and local law enforcement for getting these drugs off our streets,” said Governor LePage. “The work they are doing is critical to curbing a pandemic we have on our hands—a pandemic that lawmakers are ignoring. One of the biggest drug busts we have seen in years occurred just this week in Augusta at the Senator Inn where many legislators stay during session. Seven people were arrested after drug agents seized lethal amounts of crack and heroin, all of which would have gone out on our streets. But legislators still refuse to give our law enforcement agencies the manpower they need.”

For years, Governor LePage has championed legislation to provide the MDEA with adequate resources to deal with Maine’s exploding drug issue. In 2014, he proposed a bill to provide the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency with 14 agent positions; add 4 new special drug prosecutors; and add 4 new judges to sit in enhanced drug courts. In 2015, legislators watered down the bill adding just 4 drug agents, 2 new prosecutors and 2 new judges.

“Five of the seven people arrested this week are from Augusta and New York City,” said Governor LePage. “This further illustrates the infiltration of out-of-state drug dealers coming into Maine. Our agents are doing everything they can to stop the dealers, but they need more help.”

Maine’s top drug agent says the rise in drug trafficking is causing an increased threat to public safety and health. “The Maine Chiefs of Police and the Maine Sheriffs have made it clear that local law enforcement officials desperately need more resources to fight the drug problem in our State,” said Roy McKinney, director of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Governor LePage has noted he will use executive authority to call upon assistance from the National Guard if the Legislature won’t make additional resources available to stop the flow of deadly drugs into Maine. The Governor has expressed interest in activating up to a dozen National Guard members who would support MDEA efforts.

“I am deeply concerned that we have people dying daily from suspected heroin overdoses and we continue to have out-of-state drug dealers entering our state. Repeatedly I have requested the Legislature to help, but they refuse to fully support the needs of the MDEA. If lawmakers won’t step up, then I will have no choice other than to ask the National Guard to help.”

 

Veterans Legacy Project Preserves Living Histories of Maine Heroes

November 3, 2015

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, November 03, 2015
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage today joined Bureau of Veterans Services Director Adria Horn, veterans and their families as they announced the Maine Veterans Legacy Project, a program helping to preserve the living histories of our veterans.

The Veterans Legacy Project provides an opportunity for all generations of Maine families to connect to our military heroes and enables citizens to actively volunteer to protect American history.

“This special program connects our past, present and future generations in a way that touches your heart. Our veterans are living history, and when you listen to some of their stories it brings tears to your eyes,” said Governor LePage. “It is our responsibility to ensure these memories are saved and shared with fellow Mainers and Americans.”

The Bureau of Veterans Services created the Maine Veterans Legacy Project with the mission of preserving Maine history by collecting first-person accounts of those who defended the United States during wartime and protected our borders during peacetime. The Bureau of Veterans Services collaborates with WABI TV5 of Bangor to film and produce the interviews and the State of Maine Archives will file the interviews, which will be made available to the public for view.

“This is about our veterans’ legacies and each veteran has his or her own story to tell and lesson-learned to share,” said Adria Horn. “Often we hear the words, ‘never forget.’ The Legacy Project is about remembering and learning so we can always remember. This is a meaningful way for our veterans to share their experiences, feelings, and lasting impressions that shaped their lives for our future generations.”

The Veterans Legacy Project initially will focus on interviewing veterans of World War I, World War II, Korean, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf Wars and Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts. All veterans are encouraged to participate in the project. However, it is not exclusive to veterans; the project also seeks to share stories from civilians who were actively involved in supporting veterans and the innumerable number of family members affected by their service. The project will also offer war industry workers, medical volunteers, troop greeters and others to contribute in future months.

“This year, we have focused on our World War II veterans because we know we are losing them at a rapid rate,” said First Lady Ann LePage. “We are losing a generation of warriors, and it saddens me to know there are very few veterans still with us who served in World War II.”

During Tuesday’s ceremony, veteran’s photographs lined the Hall of Flags. The photographer, Rafael Macias is a U.S. Navy veteran and retiree. Following his time in the Navy, he decided to pursue photography. Originally from CA, he settled in Maine and started a photography business, Maine Artworks.

Recently, he was been focusing on photographing Maine’s WWII veterans as his own 18-month Veterans Legacy Portrait Project. He completed portraits at the Maine Veterans’ Homes, the MVH calendar, and will later publish a book of his portraits that will include over 90 Maine veterans.

If you are a World War II veteran or you know someone who would like to participate in the Maine Veterans Legacy Project, contact: Laura Allen at the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services, (207) 430-5816.

The Veterans Legacy Project also coordinates with the Library of Congress and its Veterans History Project to archive information. There are now 460 national and local partners. A list of the project's partners can be viewed at www.loc.gov/veterans.