Overdose Vigil In HoCo To Remember Lives Lost From Addiction

HOWARD COUNTY, MD - To remember those who died from overdoses, St. John's Episcopal Church is holding a vigil in Ellicott City Thursday night. It is one of several events around the state on International Overdose Awareness Day.

"Today is an opportunity for anyone who has been impacted by this epidemic to join together and remember the lives we’ve lost, those still struggling, and those in recovery," said Clay Stamp, executive director of the Opioid Operational Command Center. "Marylanders continue to be affected by the heroin and opioid crisis."

There were 57 people who died from overdoses in 2016 in Howard County, according to emergency management officials, including Howard County residents who died elsewhere.

Of those who died from overdoses in 2016 in Howard County, 80 percent were white; 70 percent were men; 61 percent were related to fentanyl; and the mean age was 45 years old, according to the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services.

The highest prevalence of overdoses occurred in these zip codes, the department reported: 21075 (Elkridge), 21044 (Columbia) and 21042 (Ellicott City/Glenelg).

Deadly overdoses have been on the increase so far this year. In the first quarter of 2017, there were 15 overdose deaths in Howard County, compared with 10 last year, state health officials report. Ten of the overdoses were attributed to heroin between January and March 2017, compared with five the previous year.

The vigil and recovery celebration in Howard County will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 31. There will be tables with resources available from 5:30 to 7 p.m. A program will follow from 7 to 8 p.m. It is recommended that people bring a blanket for sitting on the lawn. The event will take place at St. John's Episcopal Church, 9120 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042.

September is Recovery Month. Marylanders who struggle with substance use disorders can find location-based treatment resources at MdDestinationRecovery.org or via the 24/7 Maryland Crisis Hotline at 1-800-422-0009.

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