WASHINGTON — The opioid crisis is taking a heavy toll in Maryland, where聽the latest numbers show聽a聽“dramatic” increase in the number of overdose deaths.
For the聽six-month period between January and June of this year,听 were lost to opioids. The number for the first half of 2010 was 244.
The big jump is attributed to fentanyl,听carfentanil and the combination of cocaine with opioids.鈥淲e continue to see a dramatic increase in the number of overdose deaths connected to fentanyl, and聽the Maryland Department of Health is committed to building a continuum of care for those with substance use disorders,鈥� said in a聽news release.
Since Gov. Larry Hogan declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency, Maryland has made as “unprecedented investment” in prevention, treatment and recovery resources.
In fiscal 2018, more than $22 million is devoted to fighting the epidemic,听with most of the money going to聽24 Maryland localities and聽service providers for聽prevention, enforcement and treatment efforts statewide.
Marylanders who need help can visit ,听 or call the 24/7 Maryland Crisis Hotline at 1-800-422-0009.
The opioid crisis also has been declared a public health emergency in Virginia. Virginia residents can find help on the聽 website.
In the , prevention, treatment and recovery services can be found on the website.
