Howard Co. Sees 37 Percent Decline In Opioid-Related Deaths

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Officials have released promising data regarding the county's battle against opioid addiction and related deaths. Howard County released an update that revealed a 37 percent decrease in opioid related deaths in 2019 compared to 2018. There also was a 17 percent decrease in non-fatal overdoses compared to the previous year.

Howard County officials noted a continued decrease in both non-fatal and fatal overdoses since 2017. This success is built on the coordination between the county and state government, county departments, including health, police and fire, and non-profit organizations like Grassroots Crisis Intervention, the report stated.

“With decreases in opioid fatalities and non-fatal overdoses, we are making progress in fighting the opioid epidemic in Howard County.” said County Executive Calvin Ball in a statement. “We saw more than 180 fatal and non-fatal combined overdoses here in Howard County in 2019. Moving forward, we will continue taking a comprehensive approach to provide the full continuum of care in Howard County and ensure all our residents are healthy and thriving.”

Some of the initiatives county officials undertook include opening Howard House, the first county-owned treatment facility for individuals on the path to recovery, which is one component of a comprehensive strategy for addressing the opioid epidemic. 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 and do not experience a delay in entry into residential or outpatient treatment.

Another initiative to be rolled out include the construction of a new residential treatment center through a first-of-its-kind partnership in the state between the county and Delphi Behavioral Health Group.

“The continued downward trend in Howard County’s number of overdoses is encouraging,” said Howard County Health Officer Dr. Maura J. Rossman. “However, we know that opioid misuse is still an issue faced by many. From AED cabinets stocked with Narcan, to peer support specialists, and Living Well programs, to 24/7 crisis services and access to medication assisted treatment, there are many resources available for those battling opioids. Reducing the number of opioid overdoses and saving lives by meeting people where they are remains a priority.”

Howard County Police Chief Lisa Myers said that every overdose is "one too many," but it's promising to see numbers decreasing.

“Police officers see first-hand the devastating effects of these tragic cases. In Howard County, all our officers are equipped with naloxone to be prepared to save a life whenever possible. Our goal is to refer those in need, and their families, to critical resources to stop the cycle of overdoses in our communities," she said.