Maryland will receive $ 66 million to fight the opioid epidemic

September 21, 2018 by WCBC Radio

Maryland opiate operational command center and Maryland health department announce more than $ 66 million in funding from the Addiction and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to support the fight against cancer. epidemic of heroin and opioids.

Over the next two fiscal years, Maryland will receive an additional $ 66.2 million through the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant, which supports a comprehensive response to the opioid epidemic and broadens access to services treatment and recovery support.

"In Maryland, we are fighting the heroin and opioid crisis by taking a holistic approach that includes prevention, treatment, and law enforcement. This funding will support our efforts, "said Governor Larry Hogan. "To fight this crisis, all levels of government must work with the communities and organizations of our state, and federal support is an essential part of the fight against this epidemic."

"The fight against the opioid epidemic in Maryland and the recovery of those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol continues to be a top priority for our state," said Robert R. Neall, Secretary of Maryland Department of Health. The grant will not only contribute to our state's collaborative efforts to fight this epidemic, but will also improve access to treatment for those who need it most.

Funding will support the following activities in Maryland:

· Expansion of crisis treatment services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

· Distribution of naloxone to local jurisdictions

· Local awareness and support

· Public awareness campaigns

· Expansion of the student aid program

· Education and support services for the treatment of adolescents

· Expansion of screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) to emergency departments, local obstetrics and gynecology departments and health centers school and university / college

· Extension and support of drug-assisted treatment (MAT)

· Recovery support services, such as housing for young adults, homeless people and veterans

"All of these efforts are critical to fighting the opioid crisis," said Clay Stamp, executive director of the Opioid Operational Command Center. "With this additional funding for initiatives such as the continued distribution of naloxone in our local communities and the extension of crisis services, we meet people with substance abuse disorders wherever they are.

Before burnout, the state strives to raise public awareness of this epidemic and to mobilize resources for effective prevention, treatment and recovery. Maryland patients with a substance use disorder can find help on BeforeItsTooLateMD.org or by calling 211 and pressing 1. Additional support is available through MDCrisisConnect.org, which contains information on the text and discussion features.