Harford Plans 3 Heroin Briefings Across County

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Heroin has been found in every zip code in Harford County, say county leaders, who are now offering a series of briefings on the drug this month. The hourlong sessions will cover why opioids are addictive, how heroin and prescription drugs are related and what is happening with fentanyl and opioids in Harford County, officials said.

There have been 33 fatal overdoses in Harford County, according to Cristie Kahler, spokeswoman for the Harford County Sheriff's Office; those numbers were current as of Monday, Oct. 3.

Officials said 27 people died from heroin last year in Harford County, meaning the 2016 total has already surpassed all of 2015, with three months left in the year.

"Over the next month, we will be presenting critical information in high schools throughout the county," Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said. "The time to get involved is now. To end the heroin epidemic that has descended on our county, we all must work together in true partnership. Everyone has a role – legislators, government, schools, law enforcement, and parents.”

County schools, administrators, drug control policymakers, law enforcement officials and health authorities are partnering to hold these workshops, all of which start at 6:30 p.m:

• Wednesday, Oct. 5, at Edgewood High School
• Thursday, Oct. 13, at C. Milton Wright High School
• Monday, Oct. 24, at North Harford High School

“Every parent should attend one of these presentations,” Harford County Council PTA President Sandra Monaco said of the upcoming workshops. “This is not a repeat of last year’s information. Instead, attendees will learn about the newest research available on heroin addiction. We all need to know what we can do to keep our kids safe.”

"County leaders are working closely every day to eradicate addiction in Harford County, but no government program is as powerful as parents talking to their children, " County Executive Barry Glassman said in a statement.

To learn more, to register for other community presentations and evens or or to request a speaker presentation for your organization, neighborhood or business, contact the Harford County Office of Drug Control Policy at 410-638-3333.

Demonstrators held a peaceful protest over the weekend against drugs. Photo courtesy of Harford County Government.