Heroin Overdoses Exceed 400 In Harford County: Sheriff

BEL AIR, MD — There were 11 suspected heroin overdoses in Harford County during the week of Thanksgiving, according to the Harford County Sheriff's Office. Two were fatal.

"We now stand and more than 400 overdoses this year," the sheriff's office said in a statement.

There have been 408 suspected heroin-related overdoses in Harford County so far this year, with 79 of them fatal, according to the sheriff's office.

Harford County reported 290 heroin-related overdoses, of which 56 were deadly, in all of 2016.

Each week, the Harford County Sheriff's Office updates signs outside its offices that show the number of fatal and nonfatal overdoses in Harford County. Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler was filmed this week changing the tally to reflect that the number had exceeded 400.

Outreach efforts have been ongoing to educate the community about the deadly drug.

Harford County launched a public awareness campaign in 2016 to combat the heroin epidemic that includes these elements, among others:

• Billboards and public service announcements
• H.O.P.E. House, a mobile unit to help educate parents about signs of drug use (new in 2017)
• Naloxone trainings for community members to learn how to administer the overdose antidote; the next is Dec. 6 at Norrisville Fire Hall
• Project Healthy Delivery, a program to help pregnant women with addiction
• Trainings on heroin for professionals, from health teachers to businesses
• Harford County Bar Foundation partnership to help addicts with legal issues
• Speaking tour to educate parents about the problem
• Recovery coaches and recovery coach coordinator to help addicts navigate job opportunities and support services after treatment

Gov. Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency in Maryland in March due to a surge in heroin-related deaths; he said the rate of heroin and opioid-related fatalities doubled from 2015 to 2016.

Where to Get Help in Maryland

See local resources in Harford County for those struggling with addiction, provided by the Harford County Office of Drug Control Policy. Those who need help are encouraged to call 410-877-2347.

The Harford County Sheriff's Office also directs people to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to get help for addiction.

Maryland residents may find substance abuse treatment facilities on the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's website or by calling the Maryland Crisis Hotline, which provides 24/7 support, at 1-800-422-0009.

Still from Harford County Sheriff's Office video.