From Kents Hill to the Front Lines of the Opioid Crisis

Author: Stefani M. '26

On Tuesday, March 31, Kents Hill welcomed alumna and Board of Trustees member Dr. Alane O'Connor back to campus. Following her recent induction into the Maine Women's Hall of Fame, she spent time with students, engaging with them and sharing her story. A nationally recognized leader in perinatal addiction medicine, Dr. O'Connor works on the front lines of Maine's opioid crisis, developing treatment models that have saved countless lives. Her work has drawn national attention—including a feature on the front page of The New York Times—but hearing her speak in the place where her own journey began gave her story a unique resonance. Students filled the room with energy that matched hers, leaning in as she shared the realities of treating substance use disorders, the challenges facing underserved communities in Maine, and the humanity at the center of her work.

Speaking directly to students, Dr. O'Connor blended deep expertise with refreshing honesty. She did not shy away from the complexities of treating substance use disorders during pregnancy or within incarcerated populations, nor from the systemic barriers patients often face. Instead, she invited students into the conversation, sparking a wave of thoughtful and challenging questions that continued well beyond the formal Q&A. Her ability to connect through humor, humility, and urgency left the room both inspired and deeply engaged.

After her presentation, I had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. O'Connor for a one-on-one interview, where we explored her path from Kents Hill student to nationally recognized addiction medicine specialist. Her passion was unmistakable as she spoke about being part of one of the few positive stories to emerge from the jail system. Our conversation touched on common misconceptions about substance use, ideas such as disruptive innovation, and the advice she hopes current Kents Hill students will carry forward. When asked how others can support her work, Dr. O'Connor offered a simple but powerful message: "Learn, understand, and recognize the struggles that people have—and be passionate."

The following video of our conversation captures the full discussion and offers the opportunity to hear directly from a woman whose work is changing lives and leaving a lasting impact on communities across Maine.