Maryland Honors International Overdose Awareness Day
Updated:
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Wes Moore today declared August 31st as International Overdose Awareness Day in Maryland, honoring those who have lost their lives to overdose deaths and reaffirming the state’s commitment to expanding access to evidence-based prevention, treatment, meeting people where they are, and recovery support services. Flags have been lowered to half-staff, and Government House will be lit purple this evening in remembrance.
“Today, we honor the memories of those taken from us too soon, and reaffirm our commitment to supporting Marylanders on their paths to substance use recovery,” said Governor Wes Moore. “We wholeheartedly believe that overdoses are preventable by meeting people where they are and giving them adequate access to substance use care and services. And we know this approach is effective, because Maryland has cut the number of fatal overdoses in half in the last three years. But we still have work to do, and we will not rest until every Marylander has access to care.”
The observance comes as Maryland continues to make measurable progress against the overdose crisis. While fatal overdoses in the state have been cut in half over the last three years, the Moore-Miller administration knows that even one life lost to an overdose is too many, and is committed to investing in resources to ensure that every Marylander can access life-saving care.
“Not a single Maryland community has been spared from this crisis,” said Lt. Governor Aruna Miller. “Too many of us have carried the pain of losing someone we love to an overdose. It is our responsibility to take that pain and turn it into action, and continue to invest in the evidence-based practices that we know work to lower overdoses.”
About International Overdose Awareness Day
International Overdose Awareness Day is an annual commemoration every August 31st honoring the lives of individuals who lost their lives to overdose. The day also acknowledges the grief of friends and families of overdose victims and is intended to combat the stigma associated with substance use disorders and promote prevention, treatment, meeting people where they are, and recovery.
To mark the occasion, Lt. Governor Miller attended a commemoration event in Baltimore City on Saturday recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day with Maryland Special Secretary of Overdose Response Emily Keller. Lt. Governor Miller and Special Secretary Keller will also attend an event together in Howard County this evening. Special Secretary Keller attended events in Frederick County, Anne Arundel County, and Prince George’s County last week and over the weekend, as well.
Responding to Overdoses
Marylanders are encouraged to learn the signs of an overdose and to know how to respond in an emergency. Opioids, such as fentanyl, can cause slowed or stopped breathing. Symptoms also include a person's body going limp; pale or blue skin, lips, and fingernails; loss of consciousness; depressed breathing; and choking or gurgling sounds. Anyone who suspects an opioid overdose is urged to immediately administer the life-saving overdose reversal medication, naloxone, and call 911 for help.
“We can all make a difference," said Maryland Special Secretary of Overdose Response Emily Keller. “We need everyone to be involved in this fight, from government agencies to community organizations and everyday people, armed with knowledge of how to respond in an emergency and the tools they need to stay safe. Through coordinated and sustained action, we can ensure that Maryland continues to be a national leader for substance use recovery.”
The life-saving medication naloxone (also known as Narcan) is available free of charge through Maryland's network of over 300 Overdose Response Programs. Marylanders can visit StopOverdose.maryland.gov to learn how to respond to an overdose, use naloxone, and find an Overdose Response Program nearby. Last year, Maryland distributed over 460,000 doses of naloxone, the seventh consecutive year of record-setting distribution.
Maryland’s Good Samaritan Law provides legal protections to those who assist with an alcohol or drug-related emergency. Individuals who call 911 for help with an overdose cannot be arrested or prosecuted for possessing or using a controlled dangerous substance or drug paraphernalia or providing alcohol to minors. Additionally, calling 911 will not affect the parole status of someone seeking help with an overdose. However, the law does not cover serious federal crimes or a person’s immigration status.
How to Get Help
Marylanders who are struggling with substance use are encouraged to call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 988, to get connected to substance use and behavioral health resources. Marylanders seeking substance use disorder treatment can also use the Behavioral Health Administration’s locator tool to find a list of providers near them.
“In Maryland, there is no wrong door for those seeking help,” said Maryland Secretary of Health Dr. Meena Seshamani. “We are building a system where anyone who raises their hand for support can access help without fear of judgment or stigma. Every time we connect with someone—whether at the doctor's office, a hospital emergency department, or a community center—we have the opportunity to provide compassion and a direct path to evidence-based treatment and recovery."
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