(The Defender)—Rep. Heidi Sampson, a Republican legislator from Maine, in recent months made headlines for her actions on the floor of the Maine House of Representatives, where she presented alarming data on Maine’s “silent epidemic” of excess deaths.
She also raised critical questions about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines and warned against the growing influence of international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO).
Excess death data ‘literally earthshaking’
As the COVID-19 pandemic progressed, Sampson grew increasingly concerned about the data showing a rise in excess deaths among young and middle-aged adults in Maine.
In March, she decided to take action. Using 2015-2022 Maine all-cause mortality data analyzed by a statistician, she told her colleagues that Maine has since 2020 seen close to an 18% increase in excess deaths among 25- to 64-year-olds.
The spike in excess deaths for 2020 was 6.3% compared to the background rate of about 1.5% from 2015-2020.
Sampson cited the CEO of the One America insurance company, saying he “publicly disclosed that during the third and fourth quarter of 2021, death in people of working age 18 to 64 was 40% higher than it was before the pandemic.”
“This data was compiled by actuaries who are the mathematical experts insurance companies rely upon,” she said. “A 40% increase in deaths is literally earthshaking. Even a 10% increase in excess deaths would have been a 1-in-200-year event.”
She went on to describe the increasingly common phenomenon of “sudden deaths,” citing examples such as death by heart attack, stroke, meningitis, brain aneurysm, pulmonary embolism, anaphylaxis and asthma.
She encouraged lawmakers to do their own searches. “You will find hundreds, even thousands, of examples. A few years ago, this was unheard of.”
Sampson said the newly coined term “sudden death syndrome (SDS)” was a “silent epidemic” that demanded immediate attention and investigation.
She told lawmakers:
“SDS is an umbrella term. It includes biologically based scenarios describing [the] quick onset of unexpected mortality without prior signs of illness. I’ll repeat: without prior signs of illness.
“Autopsies may be non-conclusive due to the lack of obvious abnormalities. They may also be non-conclusive because we may not be asking the right questions.”
Citing what she called the “shocking” nature of the data, Sampson called for the Maine House to investigate.
“If there is even a chance this data is correct, we have the moral obligation to our children to investigate,” she said. “This data represents a flashing red light.”
However, despite her efforts, Maine lawmakers swiftly rejected Sampson’s joint order, along party lines. “The Democrats could not reject this order fast enough,” she told The Defender.
Two Democratic lawmakers, both doctors, approached her after her speech, wanting to know where she got the data and stating they thought the increased deaths were due to suicides.
In other discussions, Sampson said people didn’t want to believe the data. She encouraged them to “trust but verify” and asked why they were not doing their due diligence to investigate.
“They just shrugged their shoulders,” she said.
“We shut the whole damn state down for 6%,” she said. “What are we doing with almost 18%? As a mother and a grandmother, this entire issue deeply concerns me. I want my children and their children to have long, healthy lives. We need to get to the bottom of this.”
V-safe data ‘a resounding alarm’ on vaccine harms
In addition to her concerns about excess deaths, Sampson also has been a vocal advocate for vaccine safety and transparency.
In a separate action on the House floor on April 3, she presented alarming data from the CDC’s V-safe surveillance system, which tracks adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination, and called for a ban on these vaccines.
Sampson began by explaining the significance of the V-safe data, noting that it was collected from over 10 million people who were among the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
“These were excited participants, eager for this new novel vaccine,” she said. “They wanted it to be safe and effective. They believed it was a good thing, and therefore would have no incentives to make up their stories.”
She revealed the shocking results of the V-safe data analysis:
“7.7%, or 782,013 people, needed medical attention. Of those 7.7%, 70% needed to be hospitalized or went to the ER or urgent care. Slightly less than 30% needed telehealth care. On average, each person needed medical attention two to three times.
“Additionally, 13% of the individuals reported they were unable to go to work or go to school, and about 12% were unable to perform normal activities.”
Sampson noted another 2.5 million people had to miss school, work or other normal activities. “This means 33% of unique individuals were affected by negative health impacts.”
She also highlighted the concerning symptoms reported in the free-text entries of the V-safe survey, including chest pains, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, tinnitus, menstrual disturbances and miscarriages.
Calling these statistics “a resounding alarm,” Sampson asked her colleagues to halt all COVID-19 vaccinations.
“The data are in — it is not safe and effective,” she said. “And until the federal government removes the liability shield from the vaccine manufacturers, the COVID-19 shot must be removed from the Maine market.”
Sampson told the Defender she once again faced resistance from her colleagues. She described their response as tense and uncomfortable, with many refusing to engage in further discussion or consider the implications of the V-safe data.
Pushback against WHO agenda
As the end of Sampson’s eight-year term limit approaches, she has turned her attention to the WHO agenda and its potential effect on Maine’s sovereignty and self-determination.
On April 11, she warned her Maine House colleagues about the WHO’s proposed pandemic treaty and amendments to the International Health Regulations, arguing that they would grant the organization sweeping powers to dictate public health policies at the expense of individual states’ rights.
“Did you consent to it?” she asked her colleagues. “I know I didn’t.”
She warned about the critical votes of the World Health Assembly that took place several weeks ago in Geneva, Switzerland, explaining how these policies would be binding to Maine and other states “unless we make a clear declaration they have no authority.”
With the assistance of Dr. Meryl Nass and the information on the Door to Freedom website, Sampson provided her colleagues with a wealth of background information on the WHO’s agenda.
She highlighted specific aspects of the WHO’s agenda that she found particularly concerning, such as the proposed BioHub pathogen-sharing system and the push for nations to develop genetic sequencing labs.
“Does anyone see a problem with this?” she asked. “Is it just me? What about the high risks of lab leaks?”
Sampson said her colleagues “very quickly” voted down this joint order, also.
“It was heart-sickening to watch my colleagues on the other side of the aisle rapidly stand, object, and vote against this motion,” Sampson wrote.
“All I can say is now they are responsible for the information they have heard,” she told The Defender. “It is on the record.”
As Sampson prepares to leave the Maine House of Representatives, she shows no signs of slowing down in her fight for health freedom.
Sampson’s experiences in the legislature have only reinforced her belief in the importance of being a “squeaky wheel” and speaking truth to power, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.
She is spearheading the Maine Education Project, an initiative to expose the failures of the state’s education system and empower parents, teachers and school board members to effect change.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.





“Of the people, for the people, by the people”. It is time to water the tree of liberty.