Maryland Among 'Safest States in America,' Study Shows: Patch PM

Share-worthy stories from Maryland Patches on Wednesday, June 14, range from an over-the-counter overdose remedy to reactions after the shootings in Alexandria, Virginia. Also, two water recovery missions in the Susquehanna River, Maryland's ranking in a new safety survey and a pizza eating contest for Father's Day.

A new study from WalletHub sought to rank states based on the level of personal safety families enjoy. It covered everything from assaults and murders per capita to population lacking health coverage. Maryland ranked high in workplace safety but scored slightly lower in financial safety and emergency preparedness: Maryland Ranks High On 'Safest States In America' List.

Maryland lawmakers offered their thoughts and prayers after a gunman opened fire on a field of Republicans Wednesday morning in Alexandria, Virginia. The GOP team was practicing for Thursday's Congressional Baseball Game for Charity, which pits Democrats against Republicans, at the time: Maryland Lawmakers On Alexandria Shootings: 'Saddened,' 'Sickened,' 'Time...To Reflect.'

The lifesaving overdose reversal drug naloxone is now available without a prescription for Maryland residents. Known by the brand name Narcan, the drug was previously available only to those trained to use it: Overdose Drug Now Available Without Prescription In Maryland.

After a corporal was hospitalized from exposure to the synthetic opioid fentanyl, the Harford County Sheriff's Office revised its protocol for responding to overdose calls. The DEA has also issued new guidelines for first responders: Fentanyl Exposure In Harford Changes Approach To Overdoses.

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• Drugs Worth $43K Seized In Odenton Raid: Police
• Pizza Eating Contest At 6 Locations Set For Father's Day
• Massive House Fire Breaks Out In Clinton (Video)
• SUV Sinks In Susquehanna River: VIDEO

Patch PM shares a few of the day’s must-read items from our Maryland network. The Patch community platform covers communities across the state.