AUGUSTA—On Thursday, Gov. Janet T. Mills announced that Gordon Smith will serve as the administration’s director of opioid response. This newly created position will focus on combating the opioid epidemic in Maine.

President Troy Jackson released the following statement:

“Gordon Smith is a longtime health care advocate, who fully understands that we have an opioid epidemic in this state and in this country. This crisis affects people of all ages, backgrounds and income brackets. His appointment to this position is a great sign for the people of Maine and truly a breath of fresh air.

“Over the past few years, I’ve heard from siblings, parents and grandparents, who have lost loved ones to this crisis. They are counting on us in the State House to address the epidemic, reverse this devastating trend and start saving lives. With the appointment of Gordon Smith, I am hopeful we can collaborate with the governor’s office to bring Maine closer to that goal.”