In 2018, more than 300 people died from fatal overdose in Baltimore County, the vast majority related to opioids. The County has consistently had the second highest number of overdose deaths in the state. Many more experienced nonfatal overdoses, with profound consequences for their own health, their families and their communities. Addressing the opioid epidemic is critical for the health and well-being of Baltimore County.
As part of this effort, the County Executive has established a working group of experts who will gather information and make recommendations for how the County can strategically address this crisis. Much of the information that will inform the group's work will come from extensive public engagement, including an online survey to gather thoughts and ideas from stakeholders, residents and public meetings.
Reports
- Final Report—Read the final report of the Opioid Response Working Group, the survey responses and public comments on the proposed recommendations and the Working Group's responses to the public comments.
- Draft Report—Read the September 2019 draft report of the Opioid Response Working Group.
Members
- Dr. John Chessare—President and CEO, Greater Baltimore Medical Center
- Dr. Michelle Gourdine—Interim Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President, Population Health and Primary Care, University of Maryland Medical System
- Dr. Sunil Khushalani—Medical Director, Adult Services, Sheppard Pratt Health System
- Dawn O’Neill—Vice Presiden of Population Health, Saint Agnes Hospital
- Michelle Spencer—Associate Director of the Bloomberg American Health Initiative, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
- Dr. Christopher Welsh—Medical Director, Outpatient Addiction Treatment Services, University of Maryland School of Medicine