Coronavirus Pandemic Appears To Increase Substance Abuse Risk

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Even though Howard County has recorded a 27 percent decrease in nonfatal overdoses so far this year compared to last year, there has been a 10 percent increase in fatal overdoses compared to the previous year. Howard County’s numbers are a part of a larger trend nationally and across jurisdictions suggesting that the coronavirus pandemic increases risk factors for people with substance use disorders.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly highlighted the disparities in our healthcare system, including the need for greater resources to continue combating substance use disorders,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “The increase in fatal overdoses is a trend that we’re seeing across the country and we will continue to monitor our numbers as the pandemic evolves to ensure we are building the necessary capacity.”

Howard County continues to follow recommendations to combat substance use disorders amid the pandemic, including:

• Ensuring access to care for patients with an opioid use disorder
• Protecting patients with pain
• Harm reduction to help prevent overdose and spread of infectious disease

In May 2019, Howard County officials declared they would be formally suing opioid makers and distributors in Circuit Court, holding them accountable for their role in causing the epidemic. In December 2019, the lawsuit was transferred to the Multi-District Litigation (MDL), consolidating legal action. The lawsuit is currently pending before a federal judge in the Northern District of Ohio.

Also in May 2019, Howard House opened, which is the first county-owned treatment facility for individuals on the path to recovery. In December 2019, Grassroots opened the “New Beginnings Crisis Stabilization Center” so that individuals in need of a referral for substance use disorder treatment can receive immediate screening and intervention services so that they do not experience a delay in entry into residential or outpatient treatment. A new residential treatment center is scheduled to open next summer.