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Calvert County health officials: fentanyl drives most overdose deaths; over 3,900 naloxone kits distributed in FY2025
Summary
Health department staff told the Board of Health that fentanyl is the leading cause of opioid deaths in Maryland and Calvert County, that July 2024–June 2025 state data showed roughly 1,360 overdose deaths with about 80.6% involving fentanyl, and that the county’s overdose‑response program distributed more than 3,900 naloxone kits in FY2025.
Calvert County health officials told the Board of Health on Aug. 5 that fentanyl remains the leading cause of opioid‑related fatalities in the state and the county and outlined continued distribution of naloxone (Narcan) and local harm‑reduction efforts.
Jennifer Moreland, director of community resources, introduced Dr. Taneza Mora and the health department’s overdose‑prevention presentation. The presenters said state data for July 2024 through June 2025 showed 1,360 drug‑overdose deaths statewide, of which approximately 1,097 (80.6 percent) involved fentanyl.
The county presentation showed opioid‑related deaths in Calvert County have trended down since 2019 and that fentanyl has become the primary driver of opioid fatalities locally. The presenters noted that some fatalities involve multiple substances and that prescription‑opioid deaths are a smaller portion of the total.
On county response, staff described the Maryland overdose response program and the local overdose prevention team’s activities: overdose education, community naloxone training, and naloxone distribution at events, schools and worksites. A slide in the presentation reported that the county distributed more than 3,900 naloxone kits in fiscal year 2025 through its overdose response program; the presenter said distribution has increased slightly year over year and that the number distributed is an underestimate of total use because field use is not always reported.
Dr. Taneza Mora described how naloxone works and its limits: "Naloxone is a very important emergency medication that can be used...to rapidly reverse the overdose effects," she said, and cautioned that naloxone’s effect is short‑lived (30 minutes to two hours) and that emergency medical care is recommended after administration.
Commissioners discussed trends, data collection limits and the challenges of treating opioid use disorder. Staff said first responders, harm‑reduction teams and outreach programs all contribute to the county’s decline in fatal overdoses; the presenter said the county recorded a significant year‑over‑year reduction and cited a 56 percent reduction in opioid‑related deaths in the previous year.
Health staff encouraged residents to use pharmacy or health‑department drop boxes to return unused medications and described the county’s naloxone distribution and training as ongoing efforts to reduce deaths while linking people to longer‑term treatment when they are ready.
