Making the Connection
National Data
 State Data
JUNE 2014--An alarming spike in heroin and other drug overdose deaths in Maryland has prompted what the state's health secretary calls an "all hands on deck" effort to investigate and treat addiction. The number of drug- and alcohol-related deaths in Maryland rose to 858 in 2013 from 799 the previous year, according to data released by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on Friday. Much of the increase is due to heroin, particularly when it is laced with fentanyl, a powerful prescription painkiller used by cancer and other patients, now being illicitly manufactured in drug labs, said Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, the department's secretary. (Baltimore Sun, June 27, 2014)
According to the DHMH, as it has become more difficult and expensive to obtain prescription opioids, people have switched to cheaper and more accessible heroin. See Drug and Alcohol-Related Intoxication Deaths in Maryland, 2013.
FEBRUARY 2015-- Waiting for Governor Hogan to declare a Heroin State of Emergency. "It's an epidemic," he said. "No, I'm not confident that we can solve the whole thing, but I'm absolutely positive that we have to try. And we have to put as much emphasis and attention to it as we can."
Local Alliance at Work
A community alliance, convened and supported by the Collaboration Council, to prevent alcohol, tobacco and other drug use by Montgomery County youth. The Montgomery County Alliance to Prevent Youth Substance Abuse, brings together many voices to help us ALL make smarter choices so our youth can build healthy, safe and successful lives free of substance abuse. To learn more go to: manyvoicessmartchoices.org or email: [email protected] This alliance is funded through a grant from the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. |
