Posted on 04/16/25
| News Source: WBAL TV
Baltimore, MD - April 16, 2025 - Officials said Baltimore County's significant decline in overdose deaths is the result of coordinated overdose prevention efforts.
The Baltimore County Health Department credits their efforts to put free Naloxone in vending machines.
"Like many other jurisdictions in Maryland and across the country, we've an impressive decline in our overdose numbers," said Dr. Lucy Wilson, a Baltimore County health officer.
Between 2023 and 2024, Baltimore County had a 30% decline in overdose numbers, Wilson said. Numbers are down 50% since 2021.
Elise Andrews, Baltimore County's opioid strategy coordinator, said making free Naloxone easily available has helped.
"We have four vending machines across the county, we also have Narcan receptacles in all county health clinics, animal services, social services," Andrews said. "And we're about to expand those to public libraries."
People can also find drug test strips in the vending machines
"There are xylazine test strips and fentanyl test strips to use, to test their drug supply so that they understand what they are getting," Andrews said. "A lot of the problem with overdoses is what the person is seeking and what they purchased is not what's in the substances they are using."
Baltimore County also has increased its harm reduction services.
"Can include clean needles to reduce risk of infection, care for wounds, it can just include information. So, linkage to care education and what services are out there," Wilson said.
Baltimore County residents and families struggling with substance use can call the Baltimore County Department of Health at 410-88-REACH to speak with a peer recovery specialist.
The line is available Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until midnight.