Opioid Overdoses Decline In Howard County In 2021: Report

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — A decrease in both non-fatal and fatal opioid overdoses was seen in Howard County in 2021, according to an update provided by Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. In 2021, nonfatal overdoses fell from a high of 171 in 2017 to 137 in 2021, a 20 percent decrease. Fatal overdoses fell from a high of 51 in 2017 to 20 in 2021, a 61 percent decrease.

Ball pointed to Howard County’s collaborative efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, including a new innovative partnership between the department of fire and rescue services and grassroots that allows the transport of opioid-presenting patients to the New Beginnings Crisis Stabilization Center rather than the hospital.

“In Howard County, we’ve redoubled our efforts to combat this crisis and we’ve made immense progress,” Ball said. “This new initiative is one more tool in our arsenal to combat the opioid endemic in Howard County – connecting those in crisis with the valuable resources and support they need to recover."

Prior to the pandemic, Howard County made measurable progress in the fight against the opioid crisis with a continued decrease in both non-fatal and fatal overdoses from 2017 to 2019. Nonfatal overdoses fell from a high of 188 in 2018 to 152 in 2020, a 19 percent decrease. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought many challenges to those facing substance misuse. In 2020, Howard County saw a 43 percent increase in opioid related deaths compared to 2019, part of a national and statewide trend as the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated opioid and substance misuse. The state saw its highest opioid fatality number to date in 2020 at more than 2,500 deaths statewide. That trend continued for many communities in 2021 throughout the country.

However, Howard County made positive progress in 2021 compared to 2020, with nonfatal overdoses decreasing by nearly 10 percent and fatal overdoses decreasing by 57 percent. In 2020, Howard County reported 47 fatal overdoses compared to 20 in 2021. Notably in 2021, Narcan was administered to every non-fatal overdose.

In December, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services began a program to allow for the transportation of opioid-presenting patients directly to the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center as an alternative to conventional hospitals. Stable patients with opioid-related complaints can now be taken directly to the Grassroots facility for prompt, and often same day, referral to a treatment center. This is only the second EMS program in the state that takes stable opioid-use disorder patients directly to a stabilization center.

This initiative is part of the state opioid response program at Grassroots, providing an alternate destination besides a hospital for opioid-related patients and supportive care. To be transported directly to Grassroots, individuals must have opioid-related complaints, meet certain criteria and voluntarily consent to be transported to Grassroots. Patients are then provided supportive care, can be treated for opioid withdrawal and are screened for referral to a recovery treatment program. Grassroots’ SOR program is one of only two in Maryland and has a success rate of 75 percent in getting these patients into a treatment facility, most within 24 hours

“Howard County is leading the way in supporting individuals seeking help for opioid-related issues. Immediate referral to a treatment program is the critical first step in the journey of recovery,” Grassroots Executive Director Dr. Mariana Izraelson said. “The partnership between Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services and Grassroots means people in need will be able to access immediate care upon arrival at the crisis intervention center, receive treatment for withdrawal there, followed by referral to a recovery program. This timely care has the best chance of success.”