Montgomery County reports reductions in youth opioid ER visits and substance use initiatives

The Montgomery County Council convened on June 24, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding substance use disorder (SUD) prevention and intervention programs. The meeting highlighted the county's ongoing efforts to address the opioid crisis and alcohol-related issues among various demographics.

The session began with a report on the effectiveness of current SUD prevention initiatives. Notably, data from fiscal years 2023 and 2024 indicated a 25% reduction in emergency room visits related to opioid overdoses among youth aged 10 to 21, translating to 23 fewer cases. Additionally, there was a 12% decrease in ER visits related to alcohol for the same age group. These statistics underscore the positive impact of community-based interventions and partnerships with organizations like Health and Human Services (HHS).

The council also examined the troubling trends among the senior population, where drug poisonings increased by 2% from 2023 to 2024. The report revealed that white residents accounted for 58% of ER visits due to drug poisonings, while African American residents represented 22%. The council acknowledged the need for targeted efforts to address these disparities.

Further discussions focused on alcohol-related intoxication deaths, particularly among the African American and Latino communities. The council noted a significant increase in ER visits for alcohol among Latino individuals and emphasized the importance of culturally competent outreach efforts. Plans were proposed to enhance education and prevention strategies, including the distribution of materials in Spanish and increased community engagement through health workers.

The meeting also addressed the use of opioid abatement funds, which have been allocated to support youth residential programs and intervention initiatives. From February 2024 to February 2025, the county served 581 unduplicated youth and their families, with a notable completion rate of 87% for referrals to supportive care.

In addition, the council discussed the expansion of the Office of Prevention and Harm Reduction, which aims to hire new staff and implement public awareness campaigns. The introduction of harm reduction vending machines and Narcan kiosks was also mentioned as part of the county's strategy to increase access to life-saving resources.

The meeting concluded with a review of the county's training efforts, which included training nearly 5,000 individuals on Narcan use and distributing over 9,700 doses in fiscal year 2024. The council expressed commitment to continuing these initiatives and addressing the ongoing challenges posed by substance use in Montgomery County.

Overall, the session underscored the county's proactive approach to tackling substance use issues, with a focus on data-driven strategies and community engagement to foster healthier outcomes for residents.